North County's emphatic Royal Liver Irish Senior Cup victory over Strabane on Saturday was symbolic, given the previous day's announcement that they had been awarded a Government Sports Capital Grant of £100,000.
The Irish Cricket Union (ICU) also received a similar sum, and the combined funds, says the union's honorary secretary John Wright, will ensure that North County's Centre of Excellence at Balrothery in Fingal, will be completed by the end of the year. "This is a joint venture between North County and the ICU and will be the only facility of its kind in the country," says Wright.
When completed, the indoor facility will incorporate the following facilities: four net-lanes with extended shock-absorbed run-ups and follow-throughs; a "uniturf" playing carpet and underlay to cater for all types of spin and pace bowling; computerised coaching analysis equipment; pull-back nets for mini-cricket and indoor competitions; a lecture theatre; unisex changing areas with showers, toilets and facilities for the disabled; family facilities for children; barbecue space and a car-park.
Before the Capital Sports Grant, the English Cricket Board (ECB) had donated £45,000 to the project, the Leinster Cricket Union (LCU) had raised £40,000 and the ICU gave £30,000. Last year the North County club raised £75,000 by selling 750 tickets at £100 each in a fundraising draw.
Wright says that when completed the centre will be comparable with similar facilities at Lord's and the Scottish Cricket Union's recently-opened complex in Edinburgh. The net-lanes in both those centres are 40 metres long, while those at Balrothery will measure 50 metres, an added boon for fast bowlers.
In addition, there will be office space which in time could be utilised by the ICU, which has plans to appoint a chief executive, and the Leinster Cricket Union's full-time development officer, Brian O'Rourke.
David Pryor Associates, the business strategy consultants, have drawn up a marketing and general operational plan for the centre on behalf of the ICU. The main target audiences include the national men's and women's squads, provincial teams, national under-age squads, development squads, adults and family groups and school children for recreational purposes.
At present, the southern members of the national squad must travel to Belfast for indoor winter training. That will change when the centre is complete. It will also be easy for northern players and clubs to reach Balrothery.
The lecture theatre, says North County's chairman Derek Plant, could be rented out which would also generate income for the club. The centre will incorporate a pavilion and bar, which is a vital source of income for any club.
Things have been going well on the field of play for North County. Last year, they reached the final of the Conqueror Cup for the first time and this summer have been impressive in cup and league competitions.
