Munster Cricket recently held a well-received taster session for 4th-year students at Ashton School, Cork. Organized as part of Munster Cricket’s commitment to developing the sport at grassroots levels, the session engaged 35 enthusiastic students in a fun and interactive introduction to cricket.
Ashton School, located in Cork with a rich history spanning several decades, is home to approximately 520 students and is known for its balanced co-educational environment and excellent facilities. The school has previously hosted both indoor and outdoor cricket sessions as recent as 2011, using its on-site hall and AstroTurf pitches.
The session was led by Rory O’Reilly, Munster Cricket’s School & Engagement Officer, who brought the students through an introduction to the fundamentals of Fielding, Bowling, & batting.
One of Ashton students in attendance at the session was Ciara, a current Cork County player. Having recently received the Munster Cricket Union 2024 Under 16 Female Player of the Year award at a ceremony in Charleville, Ciara played a pivotal role in mentoring her classmates, guiding them with demonstrations, tips, and encouragement. Her dual role as both a student and active cricket player helped create a bridge between players of varying experience levels, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
The taster session was aimed at sparking interest in cricket among young people, and the energy and enthusiasm from students suggested this mission was a resounding success. With the involvement of students like Ciara, who serve as ambassadors for the sport, cricket can continue to grow in Cork and beyond.
Munster Cricket extends its sincere thanks to Ashton School and their Physical Education teacher Siobhan Dennehy for their warm welcome and support in hosting the session.
