Lismore CC recently completed a highly successful ‘Smash It’ series of weekly sessions for 5-9 year old boys and girls.
As one of Cricket Ireland’s flagship programmes, Smash It is a high-energy cricket course for children aged 5-9 focusing on inclusion, fun, activity, and developing fundamental movement skills like batting, bowling, and fielding. The programme uses play and discovery to introduce kids to the sport in a safe, inclusive environment, with trained Activators leading sessions and participants often receiving a t-shirt, backpack, bat, and ball. It serves as a pathway for young children to get involved in cricket, build confidence, and make friends.
Lismore CC has been one of the real success stories of Cricket Ireland’s National Programmes in Munster. Since launching their first Smash it camp last year, the club is positively thriving.
Club Secretary Dan Dixon is upbeat about the future. “We’ve completed another fantastic year of Smash It, and it’s been a real success.” he said.
“A big thank you to Cricket Ireland for their support and for providing the gear and drills that helps us run the programme. It’s brilliant to see the club so vibrant on a Wednesday night.
Off the back of Smash It we also ran our own youth training sessions, in which we’ve also been able to grow our presence at U13 level, with last years Smash It graduates, older siblings, and friends of the Smash It kids also joining the “Lismore Knights” (our U13s team). Thanks to that growth, we were able to enter the MCU U13 Cup for the first time in years, which is a huge step forward for us. We’re moving from a “single team club” to looking to enter a 2XI and potentially U15 and u13 teams”
National Programme Co-ordinator for the MCU, Glenn Brokenshire said “Lismore is a shining example of how to tap into the resources and training available from both the MCU and Cricket Ireland. I think it’s fair to say that Lismore has turned a significant corner, and is now on the cusp of being able to field underage teams in MCU competitions. The energy and drive of the new youth section under the guidance of Secretary Dan Dixon is remarkable. Last night at the club there were over 25 children running around the pitch, engaged in games and training. There were a similar number of parents and members on hand, making it a fabulous evening, despite the rain sweeping through. The sense of community and togetherness is a fantastic example of how a club can grow, diversify, and positively shine a beacon for other clubs in the region.”
Lismore CC has one more big event to close out the season. On Sunday 31st August, the club is holding a Youth Hardball camp, the third in what has been a great initiative of Sukhi Byrne, MCU Board member, and Dan. It brings children from any club together in one place to learn, and grow their understanding and love of the game.
“The children don’t have to be from the Lismore club- all are welcome!” said Dan. You can register for the hardball camp on Sunday below- it’s only a fiver! https://form.jotform.com/251764044674360
In addition, there is also a FREE Smash It blitz from 1.30-3.30 to finish off the day. 5-9 year old boys and girls can come along and see what the buzz is all about. Whether they’ve played some cricket before, or have never heard of it, it’s a brilliant fun afternoon of games and fun!
FREE Blitz registration: https://mycricket.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/105
