A season of silverware, spirit, and something special.
As the final overs are bowled and the boundary painter is rolled away, 2025 will go down as one of the most defining seasons in Balbriggan Cricket Club’s history.
From historic cup triumphs to league titles, personal milestones to team transformations, this year had it all. But more than trophies, it was a season built on character, teamwork, and a collective hunger to improve.
Irish Senior Cup Champions
The crowning glory of 2025 came in August, when our 1st XI lifted the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup for the very first time. It was a dream debut in the final — and what a way to announce ourselves on the national stage.
Batting first against Clontarf in Bready, a 142-run stand between Farooq Nasr and Seb De Oliveira laid the platform. Then came the fireworks — Jordan Hollard smashing the fastest hundred in Irish Senior Cup history, an unbeaten 100 off just 41 balls.
Clontarf didn’t go quietly. They pushed to 319/8, but our bowlers held their nerve — Jordan, Seb, and the rest of the attack closing out a thrilling 12-run victory.
The celebrations will live long in the memory. A full club effort, and a moment that will define a generation.
League Titles & Promotions
The cup wasn’t the only silverware brought home. Our 3rd and 4th XIs stormed their leagues:
- 3rd XI – Unbeaten League Champions
Skipper Niall McElearney led from the front in a season of consistent dominance. Big performances, big wins, and unwavering belief carried them to an unbeaten campaign. - 4th XI – League Champions
Led by Avinash Anthony, the 4s mixed youth and experience to form a formidable side. Grit, passion, and togetherness were their trademarks, and they delivered week after week. - Women’s 2nd XI – Cup Champions
In a nail-biting Division 4 Cup final, Erin Knight’s youthful side held their nerve to beat North Kildare by just one run. An unforgettable moment for one of the youngest teams in the competition.
A Word From Albert Harper
Season 2025 will be remembered as one of the most successful in our club’s proud history — but more importantly, it reminds us of how much potential we still have to grow.
The crowning achievement was, of course, the 1st XI’s unforgettable victory in the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup Final against Clontarf in Bready on August 16th.
It was a performance for the ages. The partnership of 142 between Farooq Nasr and Seb De Oliveira was a masterclass in composure under pressure. And then Jordan Hollard… what can you say?
A century off just 42 balls — the fastest in Irish Senior Cup history — and a moment none of us will ever forget. From the bowling and fielding to the roar of celebration at the final whistle, it was simply magnificent. Thank you to the team, Coach Andre, and the supporters for bringing this historic trophy home.
But the success didn’t stop there.
- The 3rd and 4th teams dominated their leagues — with the 3s finishing unbeaten. Congratulations to Niall, Avinash, and all involved.
- The Women’s 2nd XI lifted the Division 4 Cup in Terenure, showcasing the depth and talent emerging in our women’s section.
- The Women’s 1st XI and 2nd XI had solid, competitive seasons, laying strong foundations for the future.
- Our 5th XI, in their first ever season, gained invaluable experience — and introduced a new wave of young talent to senior cricket.
At youth level, our Under 11C side finished unbeaten, winning their league in impressive fashion. Huge credit goes to Chuka, Adrian, and the many volunteer coaches who continue to put in exceptional work each week.
But as proud as we are of what we’ve achieved, there’s still work to be done — especially in our coaching structures. If we’re to continue building a strong and sustainable club, we must focus more on age-based and skills-focused sessions. Coaching is the bedrock of any great club, and we’ll need more hands, more time, and more collective effort to grow this area.
A huge moment this year was the opening of our Indoor Training Centre, giving us access to year-round development opportunities. But like everything we do — it needs people. Volunteerism is the heartbeat of our club, and I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved. Whether it’s coaching, scoring, supporting events, or simply showing up — it all matters.
Let’s take pride in 2025 — but use it as a springboard. We’ve proved what we can do. Now let’s go even further in 2026.
Onwards and upwards.
A Word From Andre Botha
As another season wraps up, I wanted to reflect on what has been a remarkable, yet mixed year for Balbriggan Cricket Club. There were highs to remember forever, and challenges we’ll aim to improve on — but above all, the club continues to grow stronger with every season.
🔵 1st XI – Irish Champions
It’s only fitting to begin with the 1st Team, who etched their names into Irish cricket history by winning the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. It was a special campaign — not just because we lifted the trophy, but how we did it. We took on — and beat — some of the biggest clubs in Ireland on the way to the final.
The season itself was a bit up and down. The league didn’t go as we hoped, and there were moments of frustration where we were guilty of trying too hard — forgetting, perhaps, why we play this game in the first place. But in those tough periods, we stuck together. That unity proved invaluable.
Winning the Senior Cup showed the strength of our group. We didn’t fluke it — we earned it. And even though some players may have felt disappointed with personal form, it’s important to remember: many had missed full seasons due to injury, travel, or work. Form takes time — and I’ve no doubt that class will shine through again with the same effort and commitment next year.
🟠 2nd XI – A Season to Learn From
There’s no point sugar-coating it — the 2nds had a tough year. The performances with the bat were below what we’re capable of, and we struggled to put competitive scores on the board. It’s hard to explain why — the talent is there — but batting depth didn’t translate into results. The good news? We just avoided relegation. That alone gives us something to build from. With honest conversations and the right planning, I fully believe this team will come back stronger. There’s too much ability not to.
🟢 3rd XI – Unbeaten Champions
Now, let’s talk about the 3s — what a season! Unbeaten league champions and thoroughly deserving of it. From the very first T20 to the final league fixture, they brought consistency, discipline, and spirit. Credit to Niall and Chuka for steering the ship — your energy and leadership were superb. You kept the lads motivated, training hard, and performing all year long. Whether they’re just really committed or just looking for some time away from home, who knows 😄 — but it worked!
We’ve always said we wanted to reduce the gap between teams in the club to make player movement easier — this is a brilliant step in that direction.
🟡 4th XI – Champions
Another league title! Massive congrats to Avinash and the 4s. Like the 3s, you trained hard, played smart, and supported one another all season. I also want to applaud how the team was managed and selected week in, week out — it’s no small job, but it was done with care and quality. Having two teams promoted in the same season is a huge boost for the club.
⚪ 5th XI – Laying the Foundations
It was a challenging year for the newly formed 5th team, but one that laid a strong foundation. Competing in a tough division, the group showed resilience and a real commitment to development. Thank you to Raja for stepping up as captain and ensuring a team was on the field every weekend. That’s not easy — but it’s vital. As the club grows, availability will improve, and the 5s will get stronger.
🟣 Women’s Cricket – Progress and Silverware
A huge shoutout to our Women’s section, who had another fantastic year. The 2nd XI brought home silverware, winning their cup final in thrilling fashion, and the 1st XI remained in contention until the end of their league campaign. The commitment and improvement across both squads has been brilliant to see.
As I’ve always said — cricket is just part of it. The culture we build, the support we give each other, and the time we invest off the field are just as important.
To all players, captains, volunteers, coaches, and families — thank you. It’s your passion that makes this club what it is.
Let’s rest up, reflect — and get ready to go again.
See you in 2026.
— Andre Botha
🏏 Balbriggan Ladies Cricket – Season Review 2025
🔵 Ladies 1st XI
Coach: Chuka Uba
Captain: Tess Maritz
The 2025 season will go down as a milestone year for Balbriggan’s Women’s 1st XI — not just in terms of results, but for the growth and spirit shown throughout. From early pre-season sessions to the final ball of the season, this group came together with a clear goal: to build on the foundations laid in 2024 and to redefine what this team could achieve.
We started strong, and that momentum carried us forward. There were moments of brilliance with the bat, standout performances with the ball, and fielding displays full of intent and energy. The team’s identity became clear — one built on instinct, unity, and resilience. Whether chasing totals or defending them, the squad fought with heart and composure. Every match became an opportunity to learn and grow.
What stood out most this season was the sense of togetherness. Senior players took on mentoring roles, supporting a talented group of emerging cricketers navigating the challenges of top-tier women’s cricket. That leadership created confidence — and the results followed.
We finished 3rd in the league and made it to the semi-finals of the Cup — an incredible achievement considering the youth and inexperience in the side. But more than the results, it was the way we played that left a lasting mark: no matter the situation, this team never gave up. That determination can’t be coached — it’s something that comes from within.
I couldn’t be prouder of this squad. Every player brought passion and genuine love for the game — qualities that are increasingly rare and incredibly valuable. We’ve shown we can mix it with the best, and the focus now shifts to pushing even further in 2026. There’s still work to do, but with this group, the possibilities are endless.
🟣 Ladies 2nd XI
Coaches: Chuka Uba & Ella Marsh
Captain: Erin Knight
The 2025 season was nothing short of incredible for our Women’s 2nd XI — a young, dynamic, and fearless group of players who exceeded every expectation.
The side was filled with juniors stepping up to senior cricket for the very first time — but what they lacked in experience, they made up for in heart, dedication, and raw talent. Pre-season began early in January, with a focus on building strong fundamentals and improving fitness. From the start, it was clear that this group meant business.
A strong start to the league campaign gave the team belief — and they never looked back. They played with energy, fought hard in tough situations, and grew in confidence with every outing. Whether under pressure or on top, this team played with a level of maturity well beyond their years.
The end result? 2nd in the League and winners of the SportsHub Division 4 Cup — a remarkable achievement for such a young side.
But this team offered more than silverware. They were connected, motivated, and full of belief. On and off the field, they backed each other. Their mantra was simple: give everything for your teammates, and the rewards will come. And they did.
Watching these players grow — in skill, confidence, and team spirit — has been a joy. Special thanks to our coaches, parents, volunteers, and of course, the players themselves for making this journey so special.
This is only the beginning. With continued support and hard work, the future of Balbriggan’s women’s cricket is brighter than ever.
Here’s to 2026 — we’re just getting started.
From Our Captains
Greg Ford, 1st XI Captain
The 2025 season was another memorable one for Balbriggan Cricket Club, marked by both silverware and steady progress. Our proudest achievement came on the national stage, as we were crowned All-Ireland Champions, a historic moment for the club and a testament to the hard work, talent, and commitment of players and coaches alike.
In league action, we enjoyed a competitive campaign, finishing mid-table. While not always consistent, the squad showed great spirit and resilience, with several standout individual performances across the season. The experience gained will stand us in good stead as we continue to grow stronger and push for higher finishes in the years ahead.
A huge thank you goes to our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors for their unwavering support throughout the season. Winning the All-Ireland title is a milestone that everyone connected to Balbriggan can be immensely proud of, and we look forward with confidence to building on this success next year.
Abdul Samad, 2nd XI Captain
This season didn’t go the way we had hoped. From the outset, we struggled to find rhythm — especially with the bat. Despite our winter prep and game planning, we failed to apply it consistently under pressure.
There were moments of real promise — a few standout individual performances and encouraging contributions from our younger players. But in key moments, we didn’t quite cross the line, losing games we should have won.
Survival in the league came down to the wire, but we held on — just. That in itself is something to build on. We’re better than where we finished, and that will drive our preparations this winter.
We’ll regroup, refine, and come back stronger next season
Niall McElearney, 3rd team skipper
After a strong pre-season, there was a buzz around the 3s. Promotion was the clear goal — and what a way we went about achieving it.
We had new faces and a captaincy change early on, but that only added to our motivation. The T20s started off with a loss to The Hills, but wins over North County — with contributions from Karan, Punit, and Kamo — set the tone.
The league campaign was exceptional. From a dominant opening win over Dundalk to a run of victories week after week, we built serious momentum. Our double win weekend against Lucan and Finglas was the turning point. Those results gave us control of our fate — and we didn’t let go.
Disciplined bowling, committed fielding, and fearless batting made the difference. I’m incredibly proud of what this squad achieved.
My first year as skipper has been a learning curve, but one I’ve loved. Can’t wait for next year.
Avinash Anthony, 4th XI
team skipper
What a season. The 4s came into this year full of hope, and we leave it as league champions.
From day one, the belief was there. We clicked as a unit — bowlers found their rhythm, batters took responsibility, and our fielding stepped up massively. We had big wins, but also tough days — and it was in those tougher games that the squad’s character really showed.
We bounced back from setbacks, supported each other, and always kept our eyes on the bigger goal. Everyone contributed — whether with bat, ball, or just sheer energy and belief.
Huge thanks to our supporters and volunteers — your presence made the difference.
We’re not done. This is just the start of something bigger. Bring on 2026.
Valliraja, 5th XI Captain
As captain of the newly formed 5th XI, this season was all about development — and what a year of learning and growth it was.
Our focus was to give young players opportunities — and they rose to the challenge. Euan impressed with the ball in every game, picking up a five-for. Ollie scored a sensational century. Jacob, Aidan, Hassan, and Abdul all had moments that showed their potential.
We faced tough teams and results didn’t always go our way, but the attitude and fight were never in question. This group is building something long-term.
Big thanks to the senior players, coaches, and volunteers — especially Rachel, Lara, Tatum, Albert, Barry, Alan, Roger, Damo, and Andre — for your support.
We’ve taken the first step. Next season, we go further.
Tess Maritz, Women’s 1st Team Captain
This year was my first as captain of the Women’s 1st XI, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved.
We finished 3rd in the league — a huge result considering the strength of the competition. It took serious effort and belief. We had to dig deep in a few games, but that’s what made the results even more rewarding.
Our squad showed great commitment, with players travelling long distances just to represent the club. That dedication says everything about the culture we’re building.
A special shoutout to Lara Maritz for her All-Rounder of the Year award — a reflection of the talent we have in this team.
We’re heading in the right direction, and next year, we’re aiming even higher.”
Erin Knight, Women’s 2nd Team Captain
I’m so proud of the progress this team made. We put in the work, showed up every week, and grew stronger with every game.
Winning the Division 4 Cup was an incredible achievement — especially as one of the youngest squads in the competition. It showed how far we’ve come and what we’re capable of.
But what stood out most was our team spirit. No matter the result, we stuck together. After tough games, we bounced back. In training, we pushed each other. And on the field, we always backed one another.
That mindset — and that unity — is what made us champions. We’ll take that into 2026 and build even more
🧒 Youth Development & Indoor Centre
Our Under-11C side went unbeaten this year — a testament to the coaching team and the effort behind the scenes. But if we’re serious about the future, we need to invest more in structured, skills-based youth coaching. That’s how we build from the ground up.
The opening of our Indoor Training Centre is a massive step forward. A place to train all year round. But it won’t run itself — we need volunteers to bring it to life.
🙌 Thank You
To every player, coach, parent, volunteer, sponsor, umpire, scorer, supporter — thank you.
This season wasn’t just about what we won. It was about what we built.
Let’s carry that momentum forward. Let’s grow together. Let’s Back the Brig. 💙
