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Brennan resigns as chairman Cricket ICU a.g.m.

Cricket: Three topics dominated the annual general meeting of the Irish Cricket Union (ICU) in Dundalk at the weekend: the worrying…

Karl Johnston
Tue Feb 03 2004 - 00:00

Cricket:Three topics dominated the annual general meeting of the Irish Cricket Union (ICU) in Dundalk at the weekend: the worrying financial state of the union, the unexpected resignation of chairman Derek Brennan for "personal reasons and business commitments", and the unprecedented on-the-field success of Ireland's teams last year.

The meeting was told the union lost €68,131 last year, and while Brennan's successor was not announced, it is thought the post is likely to go to vice-chairman Joe Doherty.

The financial loss was attributed to a cutback in grant aid from last year's Cricket World Cup in South Africa via the International Cricket Council (ICC), financial problems arising from the matches in Zimbabwe at the time and the non-renewal of a long-standing deal with a major sponsor.

Both the ICU's honorary treasurer, Ian Gourley, and its first full-time chief executive officer, Peter Thompson, told the meeting the financial situation is being addressed and that plans are in place for fundraising activity.

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But in playing terms, last year was the most successful ever for the ICU. Ireland's senior team achieved a record 10 victories (nine of them in succession) from 14 matches (including the 10-wicket defeat of Test nation Zimbabwe), while the under-19 and women's national sides qualified for their respective World Cups in 2004 and 2005.

National coach Adrian Birrell said he was greatly encouraged by Ireland's performances, and paid tribute to three new caps, Ralph Coetzee, Boyd Rankin and Eoin Morgan - who, at 16 years and 344 days, became the youngest player to be capped by Ireland.

Birrell noted other outstanding players, among them Kyle McCallan who reached 100 caps in 2003, as well as surpassing 2,000 runs and 100 wickets, while skipper Jason Molins and Paul Mooney earned their 50th caps during the season.

Birrell also stressed that "it is important to continue the momentum of last year and make the most of our opportunities, which means good performances against the West Indies, Surrey and in the Inter Continental Cup."