On Sunday, 31st August, we proudly hosted our final Youth Development Hardball Cup in Lismore for the U15s. The day brought together enthusiastic young cricketers from Lismore Cricket Club and Cork County Cricket Club, creating a fantastic atmosphere full of energy, excitement, and plenty of cricketing action.

It was a day filled with runs, wickets, and big hits – but most importantly, it was a celebration of youth cricket where everyone had the chance to play and enjoy the game. That’s what the MCU Development Cup is all about: giving every young cricketer an opportunity to get involved, learn, and have fun.

The smiles on faces told the story of the day – from first boundaries to spectacular catches, and from cheers on the field to encouragement from teammates, parents, and coaches on the sidelines.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the players, parents, and coaches who made this year such a success. Your commitment and passion have helped youth cricket in Lismore continue to grow, and the results are showing on and off the pitch.

As we close out this season, one thing is clear: the future of cricket in Lismore is looking very bright. With more opportunities to play, learn, and develop, we’re excited to see what 2026 has in store.

We at Lismore Cricket Club have just wrapped up another brilliant year of our ‘Smash It’ programme for 5–9 year olds, and what a success it has been!

Smash It, one of Cricket Ireland’s flagship youth programmes, is all about giving boys and girls their first taste of cricket in a fun, inclusive, and energetic environment. Every Wednesday evening our ground was buzzing with activity, as children learned batting, bowling, and fielding through play, discovery, and plenty of laughter. Thanks to Cricket Ireland’s support, our young players also received bats, balls, t-shirts, and backpacks, which added to the excitement each week.

Since launching our first Smash It camp last year, we’ve gone from strength to strength. Our Club Secretary, Dan Dixon, summed it up perfectly:

“We’ve completed another fantastic year of Smash It, and it’s been a real success. A big thank you to Cricket Ireland for their support and for providing the gear and drills that help us run the programme. It’s brilliant to see the club so vibrant on a Wednesday night.”

Smash It has also opened the door to even more youth cricket in Lismore. Building on its success, we’ve run our own training sessions and grown a fantastic group of players at U13 level. Many of last year’s Smash It graduates, along with their siblings and friends, have joined our “Lismore Knights” U13 team. Thanks to this growth, we were able to enter the MCU U13 Cup for the first time in years – a massive milestone for us as we move from being a single-team club to looking ahead at fielding a 2nd XI, U15s, and a regular U13 side.

The Munster Cricket Union have also been hugely supportive. Their National Programme Co-ordinator, Glenn Brokenshire, had this to say about our progress:

“Lismore is a shining example of how to tap into the resources and training available from both the MCU and Cricket Ireland. The energy and drive of the new youth section under Dan Dixon is remarkable. To see 25+ children running around the pitch – alongside parents and members braving the rain – was a fantastic example of community spirit. Lismore has turned a real corner and is becoming a beacon for other clubs in the region.”

And we’re not done yet! To close out the season, we’re hosting a Youth Hardball Camp on Sunday, 31st August. This is the third camp organised by MCU Board Member Sukhi Byrne and Dan, and it’s open to children from any club – not just Lismore. It’s a great opportunity to learn, improve, and share the love of cricket together. Registration is just €5: Register here.

That same afternoon we’re also running a FREE Smash It Blitz (1.30–3.30pm) for all 5–9 year olds. Whether you’ve been part of Smash It before or want to give cricket a go for the very first time, it’s a perfect chance to come along, play games, and join the fun.

We couldn’t be prouder of how far our youth cricket has come in such a short time – and this is only the beginning. The future of Lismore CC is looking very bright!

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This past weekend marked a fantastic end to the season for Lismore Cricket Club as we welcomed U13 players from Cork Harlequins and Cork County Cricket Clubs for a thrilling kids’ blitz. The energy, camaraderie, and excitement on the pitch made it a day to remember for everyone involved.

For many of our Lismore Knights, this was their first experience of playing competitive cricket, and they did not disappoint. They gave it their all across two exciting games, showcasing natural talent and plenty of determination. The highlight of the day came when Lismore won the second match against a combined Harlequins and County team! It was a huge confidence boost for the boys, and it gave a glimpse of the bright future ahead for Lismore Cricket Club.

One of the standout moments of the event was the special training session hosted by Munster Reds player Liam McCarthy. Liam was incredible with the kids, sharing his expertise and passion for the game, and making sure everyone had fun while improving their skills. His presence added a professional touch to the day, and we are so grateful to him for giving back to the community. Special thanks go to KOB Cricket Academy for organizing Liam’s visit and helping to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

We also want to extend a huge thank you to the parents for their unwavering support. Not only did they help provide the teas, but their enthusiastic applause from the pavilion was a wonderful sound throughout the matches. Their encouragement undoubtedly fueled the boys on the pitch and added to the sense of community we are growing at Lismore.

As we wrap up the season, we can’t help but feel excited about the potential of these young players. The talent we witnessed over the weekend speaks volumes about the future of Lismore Cricket Club. With continued support from our local community, coaches, and parents, we look forward to seeing these boys grow into the next generation of cricket stars.

Here’s to many more seasons of learning, fun, and success on the pitch! 🏏💪

Contact us to get involved in the 2025 season.