CRICKET: On Saturday, July 10th, 1999, Merrion played Glendermott at Anglesea Road in the fourth round of that season's Irish Senior Cup.
Glendermott batted first and made 194 for 6 off their 50 overs, as former Ireland international Charlie McCrum top-scored with 79.
Among the Merrion bowling attack was Philip Quinlan, then aged 25, who bowled economically to concede only 36 runs off his regulation 10 overs; unhappily, this was to be his last game of cricket.
Merrion went on to win by six wickets, and at close of play the atmosphere in Anglesea Road could scarcely have been happier.
But later that evening Philip Quinlan suffered an appalling accident, one which was to change his lifestyle utterly. The details of the disaster which befell him that evening are irrelevant; suffice to say he has returned home after a long spell in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Rehabilitation Centre in Dublin and will require constant care for the rest of his days.
"It has been estimated that Philip will need more than €1.5 million to cover his expenses, which include extensive medical and rehabilitation costs," says John Heavey, the honorary secretary of Merrion CC. "We've set up a trust and our aim is to organise as many events as possible to raise as much money as we can towards the overall appeal fund goal."
The club's first major money-raising undertaking will be The Charity Cricket Challenge at Anglesea Road next Sunday, when the Merrion CC President's XI will play a Middlesex CC XI which will include former England captain John Emburey, not to mention Merrion's own star, Ed Joyce, now in his second season with the county.
Four Merrion stalwarts will be included in the President's XI - Brad Spanner, Dom Joyce, the club professional Shaun Flegler and John Blakeney.
Among the other major cricketers who have been invited to turn out include Jeremy Bray (Phoenix), Thinnus Fourie (Clontarf), Nazeem Shaukat (Rush), Paul Mooney (North County), Luke Clinton (The Hills), Niall O'Brien (Railway Union) and young Eoin Morgan from Malahide, who has been invited to a trial with Middlesex.
"We're hoping for good weather which will attract the crowds," says Spanner. "Apart from the game itself there will be plenty of attractions, like beer tents, barbecue facilities, a DJ and music in the VIP tent, and events in which the spectators can participate during the lunch break."
The Charity Cricket Challenge is being organised by Liberty Asset Management. Ticket costs are as follows: Adult €15 (including entrance and evening entertainment); junior €5; family €30 (two adults and up to four children), evening €15 and players' tent €60 (food, wine and evening entertainment).
Tickets are available from Rebecca Rutledge on 087249 1766 or Arlene Stanton on 086 818 1807.
