Robin KellyThere was a real buzz about Pembroke’s new sensation Robin Kelly – even before he set a new club record with 219 against Rush on Monday. The Zimbabwean left-hander has an Irish passport and is eligible to play in the Under 19 World Cup in August.

Kelly arrived in January and has been working at King’s Hospital School, getting the bus from Palmerstown to train once a week in Sandymount.

“He’s class”, said one seasoned observer, “Cricket Ireland has to take notice of him.”

In a three-hour knock Kelly, whose father is Irish, hit 14 sixes and 16 fours and faced 147 balls.


With the grim weather so far this season, I’ll bet the top players are keen on one of the proposals being considered for future interpros. Instead of paddling around the Mardyke, first-class games could be played in the Spanish sports resort of La Manga during November, we hear.


Tweet of the week: Trent Johnston (@green23) gets his sponsor name-check in: ‘30 screaming 12 year olds at daughter Claudia’s party. JMOB has come to the rescue.‪ #greatsponsorsofcricketireland‬’

The ‘Late Late Show’ is not RTE’s only golden jubilee this week – its all the 50th anniversary of the foundation of its cricket team (the Late Late Cut?).

First-ever captain Michael Carroll’s XI will take on current skipper Dermot Horan’s team at Clontarf at 5pm tomorrow (Thursday) in a fun 20 over game.

Players include former internationals Godfrey Graham and Fergus Carroll, and personalities Fred Cogley, Eamon Morrissey, John Keogh, Tom McGurk, David Harvey, Al McKenna and Roy Willoughby.

Our money’s on Liam Neeson turning up too. There’ll certainly be a welcoming Green Room.