Just before Christmas, Railway Union Cricket Club captain Kenny Carroll (pictured right) had the privilege of coaching cricket in the township of Soweto in South Africa.

Kenny was part of a 23-player group, drawn from six countries, who were attending an 11-week long residential Winter Training Camp held in the High Performance Centre at the University of Pretoria, organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The six countries, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland have similar needs in preparing for the next World Cup in March 2007, when they compete with the elite Test Nations and the Camp was organised by the ICC to offer coaching, technical, physical and mental training needs for players involved.

The Camp was staffed by top-class coaches with the ability and awareness to bring the players from the lesser nations to the same levels as that of the Test playing nations. In addition to cricket-specific training, the Camp included work on physical fitness, nutrition, vision, psychology and recovery.

In addition to Kenny, two other Irish players attended the Camp: Eoin Morgan, Irish Under-19 captain, an Irish International since the age of 16 and now playing with Middlesex and also Trevor Britton from Bready C.C. near Derry.

During their time in the Camp, players had an opportunity to complete their level two Coaching awards and the trip to nearby Soweto was an opportunity for the players to put their coaching skills into practice. It was very much a special occasion for Kenny to visit the unique township of Soweto, where there is one street where you can find the houses of two Nobel Prize winners; Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tuto.

Soweto Cricket Club, where the players coached, had another link with Sandymount as it was from this Club that a promising young cricketer, Walter Masimula, came to play for Pembroke Cricket Club a number of years ago and who tragically died some time later at the early age of 26.

Now safely back in Dublin, Kenny who is one of four Railway Union players in the extended Irish Cricket Winter Training Squad is looking forward to the new season with anticipation. “It will be great year for Irish cricket,” says Kenny, “with Ireland competing against nine top English counties in the C & G Trophy, with the highlight being the ‘One-Day’ International versus England in Belfast on June 13th.”

More Cricket news
Kevin O’Brien has returned to play for the Club full-time, having spent two seasons away with Young MCC Cricketers in Lords. In addition, Conor Mullen is currently playing well in Sydney and will be in good form on his return to Ireland. All of last year’s squad, who reached the Irish Senior Cup Final, will be back and it is possible that two new players will join to strengthen the squad.”

Club President Maurice Whelan reports that John Anderson, Club Overseas player in 2005 is returning from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in February and will be involved with pre-season training and will coach the youth players throughout the season from Easter Holidays until August.

In addition, John will be supporting Leinster Development Officer Brian O’Rourke in Star of the Sea BNS Sandymount each week and will also be introducing cricket to the girls in Scoil Mhuire, Lakelands and will be available to coach in other local schools on request. John, incidentally, comes from the same town in South Africa and attended the same school as Kevin Pietersen, who plays for England.

Maurice tells us that Railway Union are delighted to announce that Park Avenue will be the venue for the first Round ties of the Leinster 20/20 Cup involving Railway Union, Merrion Cricket Club, Competition holders and North County Cricket Club, Irish Cup Winners 2005 on Sunday June 18th.
20/20 is the new exciting short format of the sport where coloured clothing is worn and a white ball is used. It promises to be a memorable day for the entire family with special entertainment and a BBQ.

Railway Union will also host the finals of all three Leinster 20-over Cup Competitions on Sunday July 16th. This will be another special day in the Club with a large attendance expected and there are excellent opportunities for any local Dublin 4 businesses to get involved with sponsorship on the day.

New members of all ages will be made very welcome at the Club. Adults should contact Team Secretary Derek Carroll, Mob. 086 062 2999 and boys and girls should contact Elaine Coburn, 087 235 2426.