THE CURRENT mini-controversy about his father's origins notwithstanding, the late Eamon de Valera is arguably the most famous son of Bruree, the East Limerick hamlet where he spent his childhood years. Some may believe that The Long Fellow is spinning in his grave at the news that a cricket club has been founded in nearby Bruff, but not me, given his flair for rugby at Blackrock College, and his subsequent publicly-stated love for that other one-time foreign" game.
Eric Lye, an Englishman who was not only a former stalwart of Limerick CC, but also a founder member of the Tralee-based Co Kerry Cricket Club, is the driving force behind Bruff. Established a decade ago, Co Kerry CC now plays in all Munster cricket competitions, and after their Mayo mauling at Croke Park last, Sunday, maybe some of Paid O Se's lads may be tempted to join, as part of a sporting rehabilitation process.
In the past, Munster cricket was largely confined to the cities of Cork, Limerick and Waterford, though those of us sufficiently long in the tooth will well remember the thriving clubs in Cahir and Lismore. But in recent years, the game has spread to Clonmel, Listowel and Newcastlewest, while it's good to learn that the Lismore club has been revived.
Back around the time of W G Grace (or so it seems) I recall many a sunny day's cricket in Lismore, and the sadly long-gone local brew called Perry's Ale. But sin sceal eile, mar a deirtear.
Back to Bruff. Recently, Lye brought two teams, an adult and an under-18 side, to Tralee, and the Co Limerick visitors had the satisfaction of winning both matches.
In the adult game. Bruff batted first and made an impressive 265 for nine off 40 overs. Guest player Frank Lynch top-scored with 51, Lye made 32, Richard Leonard 27, while Joe and Gordon Revington took two for 25 and two for 43, respectively, for Co Kerry. The home team couldn't match the required run rate, despite useful contributions from Brendan Leahy (43 not out), Roy Hockley (34) and Gary Fort (26), and the innings ended at 84 for eight, 81 runs short.
The Bruff under-18 side, with guest Denise Lynch scoring 42, ran up 114 for nine off their 30 overs. Co Kerry were all out for 71, with Ms Lynch capturing three for 31; with these sort of useful displays, Lye's initiative seems destined to be well rewarded, while the future of Bruff CC looks assured.
Meanwhile, Limerick CC, under the captaincy of Australian Scott Morone, is alive and well and living in its newish home at the University of Limerick. It is good to learn that Ronnie Lawlor - Munster's representative on the national selection panel - recently took four for 19 in a Senior League game against Church of Ireland, at an age when many a lesser man might be reaching for the carpet slippers.
Godfrey Graham, the roving club's president, reports that the Leprechauns have several upcoming games during the month. They play a Mid-Ulster XI at Sydney Parade tomorrow, and then visit Bagenalstown, Mount Juliet and Wexford Wanderers on August 24th, 25th and 31st.
The Cork County Development squad completed a satisfactory visit to Hampshire, winning two of four matches. They defeated Bishop's Waltham by one wicket, lost to Hursley by eight wickets, beat Flamingoes by three wickets, and then lost to Curdridge by five wickets.
