Both Muir College and Cricket Ireland have forged an excellent relationship that has seen no fewer than 16 young Irish cricketers spend time at Muir College in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape since 2003. The programme has seen a steady influx of Leinster underage cricketers visit the school during January-March each year.

The Irish boys take advantage of their school 'Transition Year' which allows them to engage in courses, obtain some work experience or to travel overseas to pursue sporting interests.

2003 - Ross Garvey (St Michael's College)

2004 - Eoghan Delany & Hugo Whelan (Belvedere College)

2005 - Conor Sheil (Skerries Community College) & Neil Boyne (Malahide       Community College)

2006 - Andrew Balbirnie (St Andrew's College)* & Sean McAuley (Belvedere College)

2007 - Robin Russell (St Columba's), Niall Delany (Belvedere College) & George Dockrell (Gonzaga College)*

2008 - Barry McCarthy (St Michael's College)+, Jordan Coghlan (Clongowes Woood College)+ & Hugh McDonnell (St Mary's College)+

2009 - Darren Nicol (Salesians, Leixlip)

2010 - Andrew Mowatt (St Andrew's College) & Niall McGovern (Coláiste Choilm)

* Capped at Senior Ireland level in 2010

+ Capped at Ireland U'19 level in 2010

It is hoped this programme can be continued for many more years. Cricket Ireland has seen clear improvement in playing standards from the boys who have spent time at Muir. Many thanks to Muir College for the role you have played in accommodating the Irish boys in the Eastern Cape and also your role in their development as cricketers.

Andrew Mowatt and Niall McGovern with Eastern Province U15 provincial player Lyal Peterson in South Africa