The Board of Munster Cricket met using Google Hangouts on Monday, 29th June. The Board was pleased to note , following a review of progress on implementing the Return to Training protocols that the majority of clubs in Munster had either already implemented everything required and are back training or are in the process of finalising the work required to start training in the coming days.
The main item on the agenda was consideration of the draft Return to Play Protocols which Cricket Ireland have just submitted to Sport Ireland for approval. While these pose several challenges for cricket in Munster, the Board authorised the Operations committee to proceed to draw up a fixture schedule for the remainder of the season which would maximise the amount of cricket possible while adhering to the requirements of the Protocol.
It is hoped that competitive cricket can start on 18 July but this could be advanced to 11 July if Sport Ireland approve the Return to Play Protocol quickly enough to make this feasible to do.
The Board approved the purchase of two Flicx pitches for use in the Limerick/Kerry/Clare and Cork/Waterford/Tipperary areas. The pitch for use in Limerick will initially be installed in Adare to help Limerick CC play cricket in 2020 while work is ongoing on the Adare ground. In future years the pitch will be used by the Development Officer to be appointed in that area to assist his/her work in schools across the region.
Likewise, the pitch for use in Cork will be used by the development officer to be appointed in that area and will also support a project in co-operation with Cork City Council and Cork Sports Partnership to provide facilities for the cricketers in the Direct Provision Centres in the Cork City.
The Board noted that the Covid 19 support of €850 had been paid out to all eligible clubs net of amounts due to Munster Cricket for 2019 umpiring fees.
Ben Huskinson, chair of the Participation & Pathways committee, updated the Board on plans to play as much youth cricket as feasible given the restrictions created by the Covid 19 situation.
The Board plan to meet again on 10 August.
