Cricket in Cork was given a huge boost last week with news that a city sports shop has begun stocking cricket equipment, which is a testament to growing profile of the sport in the area.
Mahers Sports on Oliver Plunkett St. are now carrying a full range of gear, which means reduced costs and more accessibility for those looking to take up the game, and those already playing.
Mahers Sports manager Rob Leahy with MCU Director of Youth and Coaching Ted Williamson and Munster under-15 players Rory O'Keeffe and Brad Morgan. Pic: David Gash
Speaking at the launch of the Mahers Sports cricket range, shop manager Rob Leahy said, “We’ve had an awful lot of inquiries…there’s big business out there with schools getting involved.
“It’s an opportunity we saw and we said we’d go for it. We consider ourselves a true sports shop and we’d like to cater for as many sports as possible.”
Recognising the importance of this development to the game of cricket in Cork, Director of Youth and Coaching to the Munster Cricket Union, Ted Williamson, commented, “Its great that both kids and adults have somewhere here they can now go into locally to avail of all types of cricket equipment.
He continued, “For a longtime now cricketers in Cork haven been dependent on the web or suppliers outside the county to provide bats, balls, gloves etc, but to be in a position to walk into the city centre and pick up a bat or try on a pair of pads is just brilliant.
“With numbers in cricket increasing its great to see Mahers showing that they are catering for what essentially is one of the more lesser known sports; but, with the success of our youth teams, new clubs being formed and new grounds appearing, the game is on the move in a big way and to have high quality equipment available to players of all ages is massive.”
© 2010 Munster Cricket Blog
Rob
1 month ago
I was in there last week. No adults bats or pads. And its near €55 for gloves and €100 for a helmet, which is ludicrous.
If you can, call into County and just get a Masuri helmet off andy wooton. They’re better and cheaper.
Only thing I’d bother to get are whites, and they’ve been sold out for a while (and will be apparently)
admin
1 month ago
I have been told that current stock is just first order. They will be getting in a full stock over the coming weeks and have catalogues available so anything in those can be ordered, and will be delivered in very short time.
Fintan
1 month ago
probably cheaper to buy online and import stuff. Its a sad reality of the current economy.
rolaocha
1 month ago
for years we’ve wanted somewhere to stock cricket and now when someone does the first comment to appear is a negative one, what chance do they have if that’s the attitude.
Rob Leahy
1 month ago
Firstly thank you to the Munster Cricket blog for mentioning us.
In reference to the comment from Rob above, cricket is new to us and we will endeavour to provide the best service we can and will certainly take advice from those who play the game especially in the Cork scene, and if you are available to call in and let me know what you would like to see stocked I would be delighted to talk to you.
For the record our adults pads start at €32 not near €55 and our helmets range from €55 to €100.
We have a few and can get plenty more adults bats also.
Thanks for your time.
Richard
1 month ago
It’s great to see Cricket Gear being stocked in Mahers. It’s been very difficult in the past to source gear, not only for Adult but also for underage cricket. I think it’s a great step forward and hopefully people give their full support to Mahers.
Jo
1 month ago
I’ve been asked by lots of people where can they purchase cricket gear and am delighted that such a huge & and well respected sports establishment as Mahers are jumping on board.Good luck to you,you’ll be snapping on the heals of the Leinster cricketers in no time with all the support for the upcoming kids and now somewhere to get the gear! WELL DONE!Any wise person would be smart to ignore the negitive comment above and take a trip into Mahers & see it yourself-I have and its great!