Exodus. Cricket departed from the Carlisle ground at Kimmage after almost half-a-century of summers yesterday evening as the host club marked its regretted demise with a six-run victory over David Williams' Leinster Cricket Union President's XI.

It didn't matter who won this match, though it was fitting that a club which has made such a notable contribution to cricket in Ireland and in Leinster should make its exit with aplomb. Yesterday, the only real loser was sport, just as it always is, when a member body of the extended sporting community passes on.

A protracted tea, between the innings, was for reminiscence, as the great players who graced this ground down the years were recalled and the achievements of their club were remembered. The laughter and the banter were not forgotten, either, but there was many a tear to be seen, too, as the light of other days was emotionally conjured up.

Yesterday, close of play was really close of play for the women and men of Carlisle; stumps were not only drawn, but became souvenirs, physical reminders to be treasured forever, down all the days. As the players slowly left the field to emotional applause, the dark and dreary sky and the bitter wind reflected the sadness.