Seasons Greeting to all

The kids are back in school, Craig is back in Abuja and the Christmas jumpers are, thankfully, back in the floordrobe. And as you can see, Craig brought a friend over from Seasons Greetings to all, its that time of year again when Rudolf’s nose is shinier than one of Ed Sport’s Reader specials and Simon can finally wear a jumper without being ridiculed. Yes, time to get your jingles on and join the Pembroke Christmas Party in The Oarsman, Ringsend on Friday 16th December. Christmas jumpers compulsory, anyone turning up without one has to wear the antlers. There will be more Christmas spirit than Dylan Thomas and Shane Macgowan could shake a stick at and you’ll get a chance to admire Helen’s baubles.

You may already have heard that we, in conjunction with Monkstown, have received a grant from the Covanta Waste to Energy Community Fund. We will be sitting down with Monkstown over the next month to decide on our priorities – we have identified work on the ground and in the clubhouse so hopefully you will see real benefits over the coming season. It is my intention that this will be the first step in thoroughly modernising our clubhouse and grounds to allow full use from all parts of our growing community. This will obviously involve some disruption but we will keep it to a minimum and I hope you will put up with some inconvenience in the short term.

Ireland with be making the short trip over to England in May 2017 to play two games in Bristol and at Lords (http://www.cricketireland.ie/fixtures/view). Bill Whaley and Ruth Kennedy are putting together a touring party to play two games in Bristol before the One Day International. If you are interested please contact Bill at whaley.bill@gmail.com. It would be great to see a big contingent from Pembroke on tour – it may not be as exotic as South Africa so you should pack your wellies along with your pads.

I’d like to welcome our newest member Alex Eva Halpin to the club. Alex took guard on the 27th October and I’m sure Maz and Paddy are still wondering what hit them for six.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to send Season’s Greetings to all our overseas members. Whether studying, playing or working abroad I hope you all have a great Christmas. I know at least one of you will be back over the next few weeks so I’m looking forward to meeting up with Craig and discussing the new Nigerian fast bowler he is busy mentoring!

Finally, Ashwin has asked me to spread the word that he is looking for a new home. If anyone knows of any spare rooms could you please get in touch – I’m discounting anyone with a manger.

Ho Ho Ho
Your President