Ballymore's Scoil Mhuire wins Halverstown Cup

It was the third time lucky for Scoil Mhuire, Ballymore Eustace, writes Des Drumm of Halverstown CC. After two years in a row of being runners-up, they finally won the Halverstown Cup. The cup, organised by Halverstown Cricket Club, is played for by primary schools in Kildare on Halverstown’s pitch, beautifully set on the banks of the Liffey on the Harristown estate in Brannockstown. This year, there was a record entry of 13 teams, but it was the level of determination shown by Scoil Mhuire that saw them through in an exciting final against a Two Mile House team that never gave up. 

Scoil Mhuire won the toss and put Two Mile House into bat. Two Mile House were steady and, importantly, kept wickets intact and after 4 overs were 21-0. However, enter bowlers Charlie and Ciara, who over the next 24 balls took 3 wickets to put Two Mile House on the back foot. Then Dan and Eoin came in to bat and scored 50 runs in their 4 overs with some devastating hitting. Two Mile House would finish on a very respectable 141-8, giving them a Net Score of 101, allowing for deductions for wickets lost, the scoring method in younger children’s cricket. 

Scoil Mhuire coach and principal, Peter Roche, had his team in a huddle before they went out to bat, and Tori and James then took them to 25-0 after four overs. Jerome then showed the same skill with the bat as he had done with the ball, scoring four boundaries and demonstrating his potential for a big cricket future. Eoin was the best bowler for Two Mile House, restricting Scoil Mhuire to just nine runs from his two overs and taking a wicket. Rua, wicketkeeper, also deserves special mention: his reflexes were excellent, and he took a brilliant stumping. 

In the end, it was captain Phoebe who saw Scoil Mhuire home to a 33-run victory. A pitch invasion followed the final ball, and the party could begin for Scoil Mhuire and Ballymore Eustace. Although obviously disappointed, the Two Mile House players could be proud of how they played. 

Cricket Leinster President Brian Kellegher presented the cup, alongside Halverstown CC Chairman Des Drumm. Brian thanked both teams for the exciting game. He also thanked Naomi from Cricket Leinster, who umpired and scored. There were three cheers for Stuart Conroy, Halverstown Secretary, for his huge work in organisation and coaching. Also recognised were Paolo Rosa, Jim Hodgson, and Cecil Johnston, who also coach in the schools. Thanks also to Kildare Sports Partnership, represented by Fiach Andrews, without whose support this tournament would not be possible. 

In its third year, the Halverstown Cup goes from strength to strength. Towns such as Naas, Newbridge, Kildare, Athy, and Clane are all represented. Many of the children go on to join cricket clubs like Halverstown and North Kildare, which both have thriving youth sections, and if parents want them to join, please do contact these clubs.

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