Although we still await an indication of when we can play our first matches, activities have ramped up as we get the club ready for the new cricket season. Preparation on the square is well advanced and the first wickets will be tested over the coming few weeks as Merrion is used as a Training Hub for some of our representative teams. We expect the Irish Women, the Leinster Lighting and Munster all to hold training sessions in Merrion over the coming weeks.
Our own youth training will commence on the 26th April and since they are the only group permitted on the ground at the moment, there will be a concentrated period of early season practice and coaching. Anyone who has not already done so should sort out their membership as youth cricket kicks off in just a few weeks.
CUS will also be back training at Anglesea road Tuesday to Thursdays [early afternoons] from 27th April.
It is important to keep an eye on what activities are taking place on the ground as strict Covid rules apply and when the ground is being used for training only those directly involved should be present.
The other big news is that Anne Fitzsimons, club manager for the past five years, has stepped down from her job. It has been a very difficult time for anyone engaged in hospitality and with the bar shut for much of past year and all functions cancelled it has been challenging, to say the least, to maintain a reasonable level of activity off the field. We wish Anne all the best and thank her for all the work she has put in over the years.
As an interim measure Paddy Byrne is keeping an eye on things until we get the go ahead to open the pavilion and the bar for members.
Each Sunday we will put up the weekly schedule for the coming week so that members have a clear idea of what is taking place in the club.