Hi All,

Can you believe spring is around the corner? I have noticed that the evenings are getting a smidge brighter but that could be cataracts!!

As I write, the Irish men’s squad are leaving for Australia/New Zealand to participate in the World Cup, with our own Andy Balbirnie in their ranks. We are enormously proud of Andy and his achievements on the cricket pitch. We are proud that he is not only representing himself and his family, but also Pembroke on the world stage. I know you all join me in wishing him all the very best for the tournament and beyond.

In order to capitalise on the hype generated by the guys participation in the World Cup, I am getting a sign made to be placed facing the dart line to say we are open for new members. I would urge you to spread the word amongst everyone you meet that they and their friends can play cricket in PCC. We are open for business!

As you would expect at this time of the year the club is gearing up for the season. Philip is watering his bulbs. Ronan is lovingly clipping his square and indoor nets have started in St Andrews College. Nets are open to all members, please see the Facebook page for details and times.

This season we plan to produce a club brochure. It will contain articles on cricket, articles on our cricket characters, photographs and other interesting titbits. It will also have all the seasons fixtures. We are looking for corporate sponsorship for this and business’s to take adds in this publication. Please contact Philip Byrne if you can help.

Your sub is also now due. You can pay this directly to the club or by direct debit, details on the web site. It is important that we gather this income early so that we can fund vital cricket and facility projects.

Dates for your diary;

  • March 17th... Paddy's Day Sean is running his usual coffee morning in the club and the ladies will be holding a bake sale. It kicks off at 12 and goes into the afternoon or when the whiskey and cakes run out! Sean hopes to see everyone there to warm your cockles….and mussels if necessary!!.
  • We take over on Monday 13th April and that is swiftly followed by Clean Up Friday on the 17th April. If you are free, please join us in the club to tidy, plant and put our signage back up etc. This is the day we turn the club back into “The Brook” and all help is welcome.
  • Saturday 18th April... The club is running a Bowl Out Competition. This is open to all cricketers throughout the land, young, old, good, bad, everyone. Details are on Facebook and the web site. There will be a BBQ on the go and other entertainment to kick off the season with a bang! I know Craig is expecting a lot of teams to take part so get in quickly. Please contact him to register.
  • Sunday 19th April... The Junior Section are running a Fun Run to raise funds. Details of this are coming soon on the web site and Facebook page and will include starting time and where to get your sponsorship card. There will also be a BBQ etc to keep everyone going. This is not only open to junior members, everyone can take part.

There are great plans for the season to come. I plan to hold pre match lunches regularly, with the first one on May 16th. We are replacing the seats along ‘The Wall’ so the risk of a splinter in your ‘lower order’ while watching a match will be a thing of the past!! Paddy Halpin is planning several social events to make sure we don’t get bored off the pitch and the cricket is going to be great. I can’t wait!

I am off to the World Cup on the 21st of Feb and will be attending all the Irish games after that. Keep an eye out for the Pembroke flag on the telly as I will be displaying it with pride.

See you soon.

Janice