More than 50 adults with additional needs came together for a spirited table cricket competition at the Indoor Arena in the National Sports Campus, on Tuesday, April 29.
The event, run in partnership with Cricket Leinster and Fingal County Council’s Sports Office, was hailed as a heartwarming celebration of inclusion, sport, and community.
Acting Mayor of Fingal Cllr John Walsh, Killian Molloy and Naomi Scott-Hayward, Cricket Leinster, with participants of Cricket4All
Picture credit: Kevin McFeely for Coalesce
Participants from Avista Adult Day Service Hubs across Fingal took part in friendly but competitive matches, cheered on by staff, volunteers, and Acting Mayor of Fingal, Cllr John Walsh.
Lisa Doyle of Avista called the event a “roaring success,” adding, “The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all. We’re already looking forward to making this a more regular event on our calendar.”
Killian Molloy, Fingal Cricket4All Coordinator, praised the scale and spirit of the day.
“It was truly remarkable to see the fantastic numbers turnout to play table cricket, both competitively and recreationally,” he said.
“My thanks to the staff at Avista for participating in table cricket leaders courses and their work behind the scenes organising this fantastic event.”
Killian Molloy, Cricket Leinster, Cllr John Walsh, Acting Mayor of Fingal Co Co and Naomi Scott-Hayward, Cricket Leinster
Picture credit: Kevin McFeely for Coalesce
Naomi Scott Hayward, Cricket Leinster’s Disability, Inclusion and Participation Manager, highlighted the importance of sustainability in inclusive sports.
“It’s been fantastic to see table cricket thriving in Fingal,” she said.
“Avista is a perfect example – thanks to support from Cricket Leinster and the Lord’s Taverners scheme, their staff have been fully trained and equipped to run the programme.
“They now have the skills and confidence to coach, umpire, and score games, ensuring the sport continues to grow from within the community.”
The event is part of Cricket Leinster’s wider Cricket4All programme, which promotes diversity and inclusion through sport.
It also builds on recent initiatives in Fingal, including Cricket4All: A Guide to Participation and the Cricket4All Pilot Project.
For more information on inclusive cricket programmes, contact naomi.scotthayward@cricketleinster.ie or visit www.cricketleinster.ie