Interview: David Delany
“What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?”
C.L.R. James
A new chapter begins for Clontarf Cricket Club as David Delany steps into the role of Men’s First Team & Club Captain, following in the footsteps of his brother, Eoghan. We sat down with David to discuss his time with the club, his cricketing journey, and his aspirations as captain.
DP: David, how long have you been a member of Clontarf Cricket Club, and from what age? Also, in what year and at what age did you play your first match for the First XI?
DD: “It feels like I’ve been part of it forever, to be honest! I mean, I can remember way back, just a little kid, watching my brothers, Eoghan and Niall, playing. I’d be there with my Dad and Andrew, practicing in the nets, you know? My very first game was when I was 7, for the Under 11 B team in Phoenix Park. And my first time out for the 1st XI… that was a bit later, a ‘bowl out’ against Old Belvedere in the 2012 Leinster Senior Cup.”
DP: Can you share a bit about your cricketing journey in senior cricket – teams you’ve played for and key highlights in your career?
DD: “Well, my senior cricketing journey really kicked off with Clontarf Men’s teams back in 2010. I worked my way up through the grades, and I learned a huge amount playing in the 2nd XI under Mark Collier and Gerry Murphy from 2012 onwards. Getting a regular spot in the 1st team at the start of 2017 was a big moment, and then representing Ireland in 2019 – that was just incredible!
I’ve also been really lucky with the international side of things. I’ve had the chance to travel and play as an overseas player, which has been amazing. I played for Ringwood Rams CC in Melbourne – those guys were something else, the most professional, well-drilled, and cricket-mad people I’ve ever come across! The training under Head Coach Sean Flynn was intense. Then there was Mount Lawley District CC in Perth. That was just… pure joy. Playing with mates, just loving the game.”
DP: How has the club played a role in your growth as a cricketer and a person?
DD: “Clontarf’s had a massive impact on me, no doubt. There have been some really important people who’ve shaped me along the way. Deryck Vincent, my first coach, was huge, and so were my Dad and Rod Hokin – they taught me all the fundamentals, the skills, everything. And I also have to give a shout-out to Brían O’Rourke, Nigel Pyne, and Barra MacNicholl from the Leinster Youth Branch, for their guidance and support.”
DP: What are some of your proudest moments while representing Clontarf Cricket Club?
DD: “You know, I’m not one to dwell on personal stuff too much. But looking back, representing Ireland in 2019, that definitely stands out. And those times playing in Australia – those were seriously rewarding and memorable experiences.”
DP: What excites you most about leading the Men’s First XI this year?
DD: “Taking over the captaincy from Eoghan, my brother… yeah, that’s a big challenge! I mean, you’ve got to recognise the incredible success that he and Andrew Poynter built up – a real dynasty. But it’s a challenge I’m up for, definitely. I really want to keep that successful Clontarf ‘brand, style and spirit’ going strong.”
DP: What are your goals for the team in the upcoming season?
DD: “For me, it’s about keeping those high standards that we’ve set, but also really focusing on bringing through the younger players. We’re lucky to have so much talent coming through the club.”
DP: How do you plan to foster team spirit and encourage young players?
DD: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the 2nd XI Captains, Robert Forrest and Shane O’Brien, on this. It’s about creating a really positive environment for everyone, both the experienced guys and the young lads coming through. The 2nd XI is so important for developing players, and we’ve got a great squad to work with.”
DP: Who’s your cricketing hero, and why?
DD: “I don’t really have one single ‘hero’ as such. But I really admire certain qualities in people I’ve learned from. Matt Fotia’s work ethic, for example, is something else. And Stewart Walters’ coaching methods – so innovative.”
DP: If you had to describe your captaincy style in three words, what would they be?
DD: “Back. The. Team.”
Men’s First Team fixtures for the 2025 season can be found here
Interview: David Delany Read More »
