MALAHIDE Cricket Club will host Ireland’s first cricket test match on home soil in May 2018, against Pakistan.
Irish cricket was elevated to test match status in June of this year, and granted full membership of the International Cricket Council.
Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell (FG) said he was delighted to hear the news.
“Ireland’s success in cricket is further supported by the fact that cricket is now our country’s fastest growing sport,” he said.
“With participation in cricket increasing, I hope we will have many more successful years for Irish cricket head.
“As we now have test match status, and with our first test match on home soil now scheduled for May 2018, it is essential that the Government step up and provide the infrastructure to Malahide Cricket Club which will allow our local economy in Dublin Fingal to realise the economic benefit which comes with being a test status nation.
“With great cricket nations like Australia, England, India and South Africa now possible competitors for Ireland on home soil, providing the necessary investment and resources into the development of our cricket facilities in Malahide would allow our country to reap the economic rewards in
terms of the increased number of overseas visitors these test matches will attract.”
Dublin Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien (FF) also welcomed the news.
“There has been a long tradition of cricket in Fingal and the sport is played by many and acquiring full test playing status was a game changer for the sport in our community,” said Deputy O’Brien.
“I have been delighted over the years to have assisted and supported the expansion and development of the facility in Malahide to become the only international size cricket ground in the country.
“We have previously hosted a number of sell-out 10,000 capacity matches in Malahide and they
have been fantastic successes.
“This Test game will bring major business to the village and the surrounding area for hotels, restaurants and bars.”
Deputy O’Brien added: “The leadership of Cricket Ireland deserve our thanks and praise also for their ongoing work to secure this success.”