Nenagh Cricket Club: A Story of Passion and Growth
The Nenagh Cricket Club is a testament to the power of passion for the sport and a commitment to building a community.
From Humble Beginnings to Local Champions (2008-2014)
In the summer of 2008, a group of cricket enthusiasts from Kerala, India, found themselves in Nenagh, County Tipperary. Unbeknownst to them, they were about to revive cricket in the area after a century-long absence.
Starting with a patch of green in a local housing estate, the Nenagh Cricket Club (NCC) quickly gained momentum. After two years, they secured access to the Ballyeighan CC facilities at the foot of Knockshigowna Hill. This marked a significant step forward.
Their first Munster Cricket Union match against Clonmel CC was a hard-fought victory, setting the tone for an impressive season. Nenagh CC finished runners-up in both the MCU League and Cup, a remarkable feat for a newly formed team.
This success attracted local cricket lovers and players from diverse backgrounds – England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In 2012, Nenagh CC became Minor Cup champions, with Captain Ginson Abraham being named Player of the Final. The following year, they finished runners-up in Division 1, with Sreenivas Maniappan earning the league’s Best Player award.
A Force of Unity and Development (2014-2024)
By 2014, Nenagh CC boasted a truly multicultural team, featuring players from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, England, and South Africa. It’s worth noting that they were the only club in County Tipperary playing competitive cricket at the time.
Among their achievements, the club saw Aaron Crawley, a young speedster, progress through the Munster ranks and represent Ireland in the U19 World Cup held in New Zealand (2018).
In 2021, Captain Ginson Abraham once again shone, winning the Best Batter award in T20 for his performance in the Munster League.
With two teams competing in the Munster Leagues, the club made significant strides in improving their facilities. The Ballyeighan ground received a complete turf upgrade, officially inaugurated by Cricket Ireland President Mr. David Griffin in 2022. This grand opening ceremony solidified Nenagh CC’s growing stature within the cricketing community.
Community Engagement and Looking Ahead
Nenagh Cricket Club has consistently fostered strong ties with the local community. The Nenagh Guardian newspaper has been a dedicated supporter, providing valuable space for the club in their sports section.
A fundraising event in collaboration with Dunnes Stores, Nenagh, proved immensely successful. This enabled the club to install professional-grade training nets before the 2023 season, further enhancing their practice facilities.
Beyond competitive cricket, Nenagh CC has hosted the annual Nenagh Cricket League (NCL) since 2014. This one-day hard tennis ball tournament attracts teams from across Munster and Ireland, creating a vibrant summer festival atmosphere with food stalls, entertainment, and exciting matches.
The 2023 season, though challenging, saw the club’s second team come agonizingly close to winning Division 2 for the second consecutive year.
A Legacy of Growth and Ambition
17 years since its inception, Nenagh Cricket Club has come a long way. With over 60 members and a growing presence, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Munster and Ireland.
Nenagh CC currently fields three teams across Divisions 1, 2, and 3 of the Munster Cricket League. The leadership team comprises Jomy Joseph (Chairman), Hari Vinobhaji (Secretary), and Vimal John (Treasurer).
Contact Information:
Nenagh Cricket Club Knockshigowna, Co. Tipperary Email: nenaghcc@gmail.com
