CCC150 Update

Lot’s happening throughout the month of June as part of the club’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.

Here’s to 150 More – our Commemorative Video

Mens’ First XI Player Caps

It was an honour to welcome many of our former Men’s First XI players to the club during the home match against Rush, with our Club President Connor D’Arcy presenting each of them with a unique commemorative cap, each with their player number going back to our first league match in 1920.

150th Anniversary Gala Ball

The week of prep began on Wednesday when the Marquee was erected on the pitch outside the front of the clubhouse. Thanks to the team of volunteers who came down to the club during the week to help scrub, clean and polish to prepare the club ahead of the big day.

With the equipment in place, the final touches were put in place on Friday morning with another group of volunteers getting stuck in with decorations – balloons, photo montages etc. Our event partner South William Clinic were also on site to leave a gift ‘for everyone in the audience’ which were much appreciated by all guests. Thanks to everyone that supported throughout the week – you did an amazing job!

We were ready to welcome over 300 guests for a pre-dinner drinks reception, kindly sponsored by Teeling Whiskey. The weather was delightful, and the terrace outside the marquee was packed full of guests enjoying the evening heat. From current to past players and members, people that have long supported the club, new members, coaches, volunteers, opposition club members, local businesses, sponsors and partners, and the CEO and Chair of Cricket Ireland, it was truly fantastic to see so many people with ties to the club in one place. It was especially delightful to welcome Rod Hokin, former Overseas Pro and Youth coach, and his family, back to Castle Avenue having made the long trip from Sydney, Australia.

As guests settled at their tables in the beautifully decorated marquee, we hosted a fireside chat with Paul Ryan MC’ing our panel of Angus Dunlop, Susan Bray and Bill Coghlan. Their stories and memories about the club, the people and the matches at Castle Avenue were appreciated by everyone in the room.

Following dinner (Kinara), it was time for everyone (well almost everyone) to put on their dancing shoes and hit the dance floor for the stellar performance from DJ and Sax who kept the party going into the early hours of Saturday morning (some much earlier [or perhaps later] than others) to round off what can only be described as an amazing event to truly celebrate our 150th Anniversary.

There are too many people to thank for making the occasion such a special one, but we can’t forget the following: The CCC150 Committee, Ciaran McNally, Sally French & Arita McGreal decorating the venue, all those who helped with the massive tidy up operation, everyone who organised a table & everyone who donated a raffle prize.

Not forgetting the younger members of the club, the following evening we hosted a Youth Disco for our U9-13s Boys & Girls, with face-painting, a magician, of course DJ Phil plus plenty of sweets and refreshments to keep them entertained.