Irish cricket now has five affiliated Provincial Unions after Connacht Cricket Union (CCU) was endorsed at the Cricket Ireland Annual General Meeting on Sunday.
After a two-year process of incorporation, governance and administrative establishment, the Connacht Cricket Union was unanimously welcomed as the latest Provincial Union affiliated with the National Governing Body, joining Cricket Leinster, Munster Cricket Union, North West Cricket Union and the Northern Cricket Union.
Jeff Smith, Chair of the CCU, said:
“This day is a true honour for all involved with the Connacht Cricket Union. It has taken us nearly 100 years to get there, but we are delighted to be here now!
“However, in recognising the honour, we believe that our work really only starts now. I can confidently state that our commitment is strong and we aim to make a meaningful contribution to Irish cricket over the coming years. .
“Getting to this stage has involved the guidance and support of many of whom I would like to thank - notably David Griffin, Andrew Fleming, and Elaine Nolan. I would also like to thank the Cricket Ireland Chair Brian MacNeice and CEO Warren Deutrom, for not only their ongoing support and encouragement, but also displaying commendable patience as I frequently bent their respective ears. I’d also like to recognise outgoing President, Stella Downes who made numerous trips to Connacht for our first representative match since 1891, our AGM and annual awards
“Finally, I would like to congratulate our own Board and staff. We are a strong and enthusiastic team and I wish to thank them for all of their enormous hard work and huge commitment.”
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, responded regarding the CCU affiliation:
“On behalf of Cricket Ireland, and indeed the wider Irish cricket community, I am delighted to formally welcome Connacht as a fully affiliated member of the Cricket Ireland family. This is an important step in our long-term vision to ensure cricket is a major sport across the island of Ireland. I congratulate Jeff and the team in Connacht who have worked tirelessly to grow the game, develop the structures, and build the platform to ensure the CCU was ready for this major step forward for the game in the West.
“We have been greatly impressed with the Connacht team’s passion, and we are excited about the possibilities for developing participation numbers in the coming years. We look forward to supporting the growth of the game throughout the province.
“Today marks another milestone for Irish Cricket. It is a day to celebrate. The hard work to develop the game and the supporting structures and facilities in the West will continue. We look forward to working with the team at the CCU so we can all meet our ambitious goals for the sport we love.”
In a separate release (see here), Donna Armstrong formally succeeded Stella Downes as the President of Cricket Ireland.
The Members also endorsed the Board’s recommendation that the new incoming Vice-President will be Bryan O’Donnell from Munster Cricket Union.
As a result of CCU’s affiliation, a representative from that Union will join the Cricket Ireland Board, with an additional independent director appointed to maintain the Board’s composition balance.
FURTHER AGM APPROVALS
Five new Directors were appointed to replace the outgoing directors (Peter McMorran, Brian Dougherty, and Val Quinn) with two additional directors completing an expanded 14-person Board.
The new Directors are:
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- Rachael Thomas (Northern Cricket Union representative)
- M.V. Narasimha Rao (North West Cricket Union representative)
- Jeff Smith (Connacht Cricket Union representative)
- Meghan McSweeney (Independent Director)
- Andrew Fleming (Independent Director)
The Members noted the Annual Report and Directors’ Report and Statement of Accounts;
A new auditor will be appointed to replace BDO for the 2025 financial year in line with governance controls; and
The Members approved an amended Cricket Ireland Constitution to give effect to the formal affiliation of Connacht Cricket Union, and to incorporate Gender Neutral language, notably to change “Chairman” to “Chair”.
