With the start of the cricket season pushed back to the end of May amidst the personal hardships and economic turmoil caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, this may seem like a strange time to launch a new website. It was certainly not planned this way when the decision was made to upgrade the club’s website late last year.
But in another respect holding off launching the website does not achieve anything either. On the contrary in its own small way it is hoped that the new website will bring with it enhanced communications with our members, new content and improved services and will be seen as an optimistic statement, looking forward to a time when we can get back onto the field and play can be resumed.
It is hoped that the new website will serve as the nerve centre for the club for many years. It will provide a range of services including a notification system for selection for matches, an online payments system for members and a reservation system for car parks and for hiring the facilities. It will provide information for anyone interested in joining the club and ensure that existing members are kept fully up to date on everything that is going on.
Merrion has a long history and this is captured in the detailed records, articles and the picture gallery that is an important part of the website. In the absence of cricket for the moment perhaps some time delving into Merrion history will at least provide something of a substitute for watching the real thing.
But in the end the website is nothing more than a platform upon which to build. Over time it is hoped the video content – both of matches and also for coaching purposes – will be extended. Combined with the links through our social media channels members will be given the opportunity to provide feedback so we can continue to improve our services. And finally that the profile given to our Senior Teams will serve to encourage young players to take up the sport and fully achieve their potential as cricketers in the club.