Irish cricket team to host England in Malahide

IRELAND is to host England for a One-Day International at Malahide Cricket grounds on May 8, 2015.

Approximately 10,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Local Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) described it as an important announcement from Cricket Ireland and very positive news for the economy in Dublin.

“This is the only international-sized cricket ground in the country and it is proving to be very attractive for the sport,

? he said.

“It was always my intention in securing the $450,000 investment in the club that its refurbishment would attract new internationals.

“This will be the second such event and I hope to see this continue into the future.

“Hosting a team like England in Malahide gives Dublin huge potential tourism opportunities and a significant TV audience for the game.

?

Senator O’Brien added: I’m glad to say the investment in the Malahide Cricket Club is paying off and bringing more people into the area and will be an important part of the sports landscape in the capital into the future.

?

Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG), a member of Malahide Cricket Club since the age of seven, said he was

“thrilled

? following the announcement.

“This is great news as it once again places Malahide in the international spotlight,

? he said.

“Following last year’s hugely successful international game at the venue, Malahide Cricket Club is staking its claim as the premier cricket ground in the State.

“Last year, an attendance record was set with 10,000 people turning out to watch Ireland face England and a sell-out crowd is expected next year as the two sides encounter each other once again.

?

Deputy Farrell believes the match will provide a massive boost, not only for cricket in Ireland, but also for the Malahide community.

“Even though this is a one-day event, the fact that a sell-out crowd will be coming into Malahide will have a huge knock-on effect for local businesses and the international exposure which the town will gain as a result of this has the potential to have a massively beneficial long-term effect,

? he added.