It is safe to say that the inaugural Mid-Ulster Festival of Cricket at Meadowbank Arena was a resounding success with a great number of young and not so young participating in cricket for the very first time. Initial nervousness or apprehension disappeared as the kids and adults indulged in healthy competition and the learning of new skills.
Great credit must go to Geoff and Alan Burns who were the driving force behind the initiative in memory of their late parents and they can be wholly satisfied with the outcome on Saturday evening with many happy, exhausted but satisfied figures leaving the arena .
Special thanks to all who supported the day and in particular our cricket friends from Erne, Dungannon and Ballymena who made the journey in support of the event and the charity involved. Not forgetting the parents and children without whom the day would not have been a success.
We are greatly indebted also to Brian Allen and his assistant Ryan and their willingness to coach the kids and teenagers throughout the day.
To top it all off we had the privilege of having in our midst Irish international Connor Olphert lending his support to the event in recognition of the great strides made by Maghera Cricket Club in recent years.
With over 110 people enjoying cricket, 5 hours of coaching, 15 matches played and hundreds of pounds raised for charity. The first Mid-Ulster festival of cricket was a massive success and we'd like to thank those who took part.
A perfect boost to cricket in Mid Ulster at the start of another season as MCC look to consolidate and build upon their hard work over their ten years of existence by attracting cricketers both young and old to experience and enjoy the wonderful game of cricket.
Full photo album below
Written by Alfie Stewart