Sports on the Green is an innovative programme delivering sport in a communal setting across Cork. Munster Cricket Union is delighted to have been invited to participate in 2024. Sports on the Green was developed by Cork City Council, Cork Sports Partnership and Cork Education and Training Board during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic when sports clubs and activities were closed, and public transport was limited to essential use. It proved to be extremely successful and has continued to grow year on year, winning an Excellence in Local Government Award in 2021.
Sports on the Green brings free sports sessions to the green areas of local housing estates and public parks across the city. It focuses on removing key barriers to physical activity participation such as cost, transport and time. By bringing sessions to young people’s front doors, it removes pressure on parents to drop and collect children from external venues, while allowing equal access for young people whose families don’t have access to a car.
Sports on the Green will run over a six-week period this summer, bringing a free four-day sports camp to 48 venues around the city. There will be wide geographical spread across the city, with a number of groups focused on encouraging integration and allowing young people from different backgrounds to take part alongside local children.
Cork City Council, Cork ETB, Cork Sports Partnership, work in partnership with An Garda Siochana, Cricket Ireland, Cork GAA, FAI, Athletics Ireland, TUSLA, Foroige, Traveller Visibility Group, Sudanese Association of Cork, direct provision centres, Ukrainian accommodation centres, local sports clubs & community centres to make this successful project possible!
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle was at the launch of Sports on the Green in Tory Top Park and remarked: “I am delighted to see Sports on the Green continue to grow each year. It’s clear to see how much fun young people are having, and it is an excellent way of encouraging new ways of being active. We aim to make Cork a responsive and inclusive city but also a fun, active and healthy one and Sports on the Green ticks all these boxes.”
Rebecca Loughry, Director of Services of Community, Culture & Placemaking in Cork City Council was also present and noted the positive impact of Sports on the Green: “Sports on the Green has proven remarkable in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in our city. Cork City Council is delighted to work so closely with local agencies and communities to promote physical activity and encourage more children to get involved in sport.”
The cricket component was introduced for the first time this year. General Manager Joe Moynihan is delighted with the level of success of the programme delivery to the community. “It’s a fantastic initiative. Our development officers have presented cricket to a whole new audience in Cork- nearly 50 sessions delivered and over 500 children took part in locations across the city, and on to Ballincollig and Blarney.”
Cork Development Officer Rory O’Reilly was one of the key coaches presenting the cricket programme. “This was a completely new sport to the vast majority of the children attending Sport on the Green. But they took to it immediately, and by the end of the first session, they were appealing for runs out and LBW decisions! It was brilliant to see. Fast forward and it’s not difficult to see how the next Ireland International could well come from one of these children who first experienced cricket through the Sport on the Green programme. Our thanks to Cork City Council for the opportunity, and we look forward to being a key provider at the 2025 iteration.”
Rory compiled an excellent report on the programme: Sports on the green: Bringing Communities Together Through Sport
This summer, Munster Cricket Union proudly participated in a 6-week initiative that aimed to introduce children from disadvantaged communities in Cork city and county to the sport of cricket. As part of the broader Sports on the Green program, cricket sessions were held for children in their local green spaces, offering them an opportunity to engage with the sport right on their doorstep.
About the Program
Sports on the Green is a community initiative that provides children aged 5-18 from areas across Cork city the chance to participate in various sports, including cricket, in their local parks and housing estates. The program was created by Cork City Council, Cork Sports Partnership, and Cork Education and Training Board during the Covid-19 pandemic as a response to the closure of traditional sports clubs and limited public transport. By bringing sports directly to local green spaces, the program removes key barriers such as cost, transportation, and time constraints, making it accessible to all children, especially those from families without access to a car.
Why It Matters
Introducing cricket to children who may not otherwise have the chance to engage in the sport is crucial for fostering a love of the game and encouraging physical activity. For many of these children, this was their first experience with cricket, and the goal was to create a positive, memorable introduction that could spark a lifelong interest in the sport. Additionally, by holding these sessions in local green spaces, we helped to revive community areas and promote cricket in an inclusive manner among children from diverse backgrounds.
Program Overview
How It Worked
Over the course of six weeks, Munster Cricket Union conducted introductory cricket sessions at over 48 locations across Cork. These sessions were held back-to-back at 2-3 different locations each day, ensuring that a wide range of communities could benefit from the program. Importantly, each session was a standalone introduction to cricket, with a new group of children participating every time. This format allowed us to reach as many children as possible, with over 400 kids taking part throughout the program, and strengthen the connection between cricket and the Cork population.
Who Was Involved
The program was delivered by Munster Cricket School Engagement & Club Development Officer Rory O’Reilly and Munster Cricket Programs Coordinator Glenn Brokenshire, who were instrumental in bringing cricket to these communities. This initiative was also made possible through a collaborative effort involving Cork City Council, Cork ETB, Cork Sports Partnership, and numerous local organisations. Munster Cricket Union worked alongside other sporting bodies such as Cork GAA, FAI, and Athletics Ireland and engaged with
partners across Cork including TUSLA, Foróige, Traveller Visibility Group, Sudanese Association of Cork, direct provision centres, Ukrainian accommodation centres, Cork volunteer centre, and various local sports clubs and community centres. These partnerships were essential in ensuring the program’s success and broad reach across the city.
Program highlights
Since each cricket session was an introduction, every week offered something new as we travelled to different locations:
● Introducing Cricket Across the City
Each session was designed to give children a fun and engaging introduction to cricket. We focused on the basics, helping the kids learn the rules of the game, try out batting and bowling, and enjoy playing in teams. The goal was to make sure every child had a positive first experience with the sport, regardless of their background or previous exposure to cricket.
● Reaching New Communities Every Day
With each day bringing us to new neighbourhoods, we were able to engage with a wide variety of children from different communities. This approach not only increased our reach but also allowed us to introduce cricket to children who might never have had the opportunity to play the game.
The Impact
Kids’ Participation
Throughout the program, over 400 children from diverse backgrounds participated, many of whom were experiencing cricket for the first time. The excitement and enthusiasm from the kids were clear indicators of the program’s success in making cricket accessible and enjoyable.
Positive Changes
For many children, these sessions were a first step into the world of cricket. The program went beyond teaching a new sport; it played a crucial role in building confidence, enhancing physical fitness, and fostering a sense of teamwork and community. The introduction to cricket also supported children in managing stress and anxiety, providing them with a positive and engaging outlet.
Community Engagement
The program had a broader impact on the community as well. By bringing sports directly to local green spaces, we revitalised these areas and encouraged more active use of community spaces. This initiative also facilitated meaningful interactions, with parents, guardians, and community members becoming more engaged. The sense of connection fostered through cricket contributed to a more cohesive and vibrant community.
Supporting Refugee Children
A notable aspect of the program was the introduction of cricket to refugee children living in Cork. This initiative provided these children with an opportunity to engage in physical activity, manage stress, and integrate socially. Cricket offered a constructive focus, helping them
build confidence and find a sense of normalcy amid the challenges of displacement. By bringing the sport to their new communities, we supported their growth and well-being, contributing positively to their adaptation process.
Challenges and What We Learned
What We Faced
One of the main challenges was delivering engaging and impactful sessions to a new group of children each time. Language barriers and learning difficulties presented additional hurdles, making communication and instruction more complex. Additionally, many of the locations where the sessions were held were not ideal for traditional sports training, with limited facilities and space. However, the goal of the program was not to provide conventional training but to introduce cricket in an accessible and enjoyable manner, while re-introducing local children to green spaces in their neighbourhood.
How We Overcame Them
The experience and adaptability of our Munster cricket representatives led by Glenn Brokenshire & Rory O’Reilly allowed for creative strategies to overcome language barriers and learning difficulties, ensuring that instructions were clear and engaging through visual aids and simplified explanations. The flexibility of our approach allowed us to adapt to each unique location and group dynamic effectively. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in delivering impactful sessions under diverse conditions.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Munster Cricket Union is excited about the opportunity to build on the success of this initiative. We are confident in our ability to continue working with marginalised communities across Cork city and county by delivering consistent cricket programs and creating connections with local cricket clubs. Our goal is to provide a common good for these groups and different areas, ensuring that more children can engage with cricket in a meaningful way. We are also exploring ways to offer follow-up opportunities for those who expressed interest in continuing to play, creating pathways for ongoing involvement and development in the sport.
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this program possible particularly Lee Moore and Laura Coady of the Cork city council, and most importantly, the children who participated. Together, we have taken significant steps towards bringing cricket to new communities and creating lasting memories for these young players. Their support and enthusiasm was integral in making this initiative a success.
Photo Gallery
Memories in Pictures
Check out our photo gallery to see all the smiles, energy, and excitement from the cricket sessions held across Cork this summer. These images capture the spirit of the program and the joy it brought to so many children.
Contact Information
Stay Connected
For more information about Munster Cricket Union and our programs, or to get involved in future initiatives, please contact us. We look forward to continuing our work in promoting cricket and bringing it to more communities.
Development Officer | Rory O’Reilly SCEO1@munstercricket.ie | 087 494 7844
Development Officer | Hugh Harvey-Kelly | sceo2@munstercricket.ie | 087 494 7388
Programme Co-ordinator | Glenn Brokenshire | programmes@munstercricket.ie | 087 494 7707
Many thanks to Brian Lougheed for the excellent press images!
