Cricket Ireland's Cricket Operations Director, Mark Garaway, was in Cork last week conducting coaching clinics with Munster's up-and-coming young cricketers.
Garaway was assisted by the newly appointed Coach Education Officer, Stephen Moreton, at the clinics which were organised by Munster Development Officer Jim Doran. The clinics took place in Ashton School and were divided over two days; the batting clinic took place on Thursday with the wicket-keeping being held on the Friday.
Speaking after Friday's clinic, Garraway admitted he did not know what to expect from the clinics but was very impressed by the standard of cricketers on show. He had special mention for the wicket-keepers who were put through their paces by the former England team analyst and coach.
He highlighted the enthusiasm of the participants as another impressive aspect, he said "we invited the people who came to yesterday's session (batting) to come along today if they liked. Even though it was for keepers they still came along to take part which was great to see."
Garraway indicated that the coaching standards and structure need to improve within the province if players are to reach their potential. "What we are going to do is increase the coaching structure in Munster. To help this we will be holding at least three coach education courses throughout each winter." When asked if these courses will be rolled out across the entire province he continued, "Definitely, that will be down to Jim (Doran). He is Cricket Ireland in Munster."
Underage interprovincial tournaments have been a contentious in Munster for years when it comes to the make-up of the squads. For the last number of years it has been a 'rule of thumb' that Munster are allowed include two overage players in each squad. There are those who are all for the initiative arguing it strengthens the Munster cause; while those against it say all teams should compete on similar grounds. When confronted about this issue and asked if Munster should compete as solely an underage team Garraway said, "I think we should aim for it. But at the moment I think it's important that the experience Munster teams have when they go to the interpros is a positive one."
"What you don't want to do is provide an unfair playing field. If you had an under 13 Muster side as solely under 13 playing it might not be a positive experience for the lads. Ultimately the aim has got to be that Munster can compete on the same playing field and same rules as everybody else."
When asked if he could envisage a situation in the near future whereby a Munster player would be in a position to play for the national side, at any level, Garraway highlighted the case of Cork Harlequins captain Morne Bauer. Morne was recently called up to train with the Ireland A squad. Garraway commented, "There's no reason why he (Morne) won't play some A team cricket. He's had some exposure in our A team programme; it's up to him to force his way into that squad."
On whether giving more Munster players A team exposure would bring overall standards in the province, Garraway continued, "I think it would help. But, we've got to get the standards up internally in Munster rather than externally."
"We've got to have people dominating local cricket and performing in competitions like the Bobb Kerr Cup (Irish Senior Cup). If people do that and stick their heads above and say look at me. If they're good enough they'll come into the A team squad. Just like Morne has done."
Over recent years the lack of a senior regional competition has been a cause for concern among the cricketing circles. But, Garraway indicated that there is work on re-establishing a senior interprovincial tournament. This coming season there will be matches played between a North and South XI. But the longevity of this series all depends on how several potential plans that are currently being investigated.
"It all depends on what happens in Europe," Garraway continued. "We've got a situation in Europe where there is potential for a first class competition which will be two sides from Ireland, two sides from Scotland and two sides from the Netherlands."
"If that happens, it will be the competition we have as the interpros. Then it's up to Munster to make sure their club systems are strong enough to push through players to get into that South side."
Things are looking bright for the development of the game within Munster. With Cricket Ireland embarking on a drive to improve coaching and playing standards, we are sure to see the game go from strength to strength throughout the entire province.
