Photo Credit: Cricket Ireland
Cricket Ireland today welcomed the Irish Government’s €1.5 million support through the Covid-19 Sports Relief Fund that will help the sport recover, grow and attract people nationwide.
The Irish Government, through Sport Ireland, has allocated to Cricket Ireland:
€1.3M towards National Governing Body Resilience Projects that recognises the severe loss of income from events, ticket sales, broadcast and additional costs incurred through the implementation of Covid-19 protocols during 2021; and
€200K towards Club Resilience Projects that recognise loss of income and incurred costs as a result of the pandemic.
In addition, funding of €47K was received for capital grants relating to Participation programmes, while €110K was received to support High Performance initiatives.
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“We are very appreciative of the ongoing support and commitment of the Irish Government and Sport Ireland to sustaining and growing the sport of cricket across Ireland. It goes without saying that 2021 was another immensely challenging year, however, this funding will ensure the sport remains viable and is positioned to take advantage of the recovery period once a sense of normality returns.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Warren. Deutrom
“While the support received won’t fully make up for the incredible financial hit we have taken after almost two years of the pandemic, we appreciate that Ministers Martin and Chambers, as well as the leadership of Sport Ireland, understand cricket’s particular challenges and have faith in the future of our sport on this island.
“The continued uncertainty ahead, though, still means we are not clear of the pandemic-induced challenges, and our conversations will continue with Government over a range of supports required to grow our game, most notably around facilities, women’s cricket, an upgraded high performance training centre and our goal to finally bring to life Ireland’s first-ever dedicated national cricket ground.
“Our ambition is to be a major country in world cricket and a major sport in Ireland, so the ongoing support from Government is crucial in helping to achieve this.”
