An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir May 2014 www.dfmagazine.ie 32 | 32 | by LT ODHRáN MuRPHY, AIR CORPS C ricket exploded back onto the Defence Forces' sporting calendar in 2008 after Ireland's mo- mentous triumphs in the Cricket World Cup a year earlier gave the game a much needed rejuve- nation on this island. Since then the sport has gone from strength to strength in the DF, with significant investment supported by DFAA, and an ever growing pool of players. Over the past few years, new kit, new equipment and new talent have been acquired, and an ever growing fix- ture list has been filled. Initially, experience was gained and skills were honed by taking part in a Taverners-style league. The Taverners game creates an informal environment for learning the game and for practicing the basic skills. As interest steadily grew, however, it was clear that a hunger existed in the DF for testing the waters of competitive cricket. There was no looking back after that! For the last three seasons, the DFCC has participated in a competition known as the Willie Webster Cup, with our home games being played in the Civil Service Cricket Club in Phoenix Park, Dublin. In addition, the DFCC has continued to play games against a variety of Dublin's Taverner teams, and an annual game against the Garda Cricket Club closes each season, while providing a stiff test of the team's progress for the year. The team is comprised of all ranks, from brigadier general to private, as well as retired officers and men and civilians who work in Defence Forces establishments. One might ask what cricket gives to the Defence Forces. Well, a good cricketer is an intelligent individual, capable of working in an extremely well organised team. It creates an esprit de corps and develops character; it requires dedication and motivation, speed and agility, hard work and a high degree of skill. All of which are core military competencies. So the answer is simple – it gives every- thing we require of our military personnel! The aim of the Defence Forces Cricket Club is to create an opportunity for all personnel of the DF to learn and enjoy the game. The DF team is growing in numbers and in standard, and it is hoped that this trend will continue. Plans are in place to develop a cadre of coaching personnel, in order to help the game to grow and spread to all corners of the DF. The vision is to eventually have an active cricket team in each brigade, with an annual inter-brigade league, and, of course, for the best players to come together to represent the Defence Forces each year. The new season kicked off in April with a number of warm up games aimed at building some momentum prior to the commencement of the Willie Webster Cup. That will be followed up with participation in the Civil Services League. A challenge game has also been arranged against our counterparts in the 38th Irish Brigade, which will see the team play its third 'international' game in recent years. The season will conclude in September in the now customary fashion with the annual crunch match against our colleagues from An Garda Síochána. If you have any interest in learning how to play cricket, or of course if you have played before and wish to get involved: contact Lt Odhrán Murphy (Ext7638) for further details. that'S NOt CriCket Well, actually it is The Defence Forces Cricket Team that played against Halverstown CC. Lt Odhran Murphy being bowled out against Merrion in 2013. The Defence Forces Cricket Team 2013.

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