O'Rourke to give masterclass

16 May 2008

Brian O'Rourke takes Leinster Cricket Union to the North East in June

Ireland Under-19s coach Brian O’Rourke is to lead a cricket masterclass for local junior cricketers as part of the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Quadrangle Championship at Longhirst Hall in June.

O'Rourke is returning to the North East for the fifth straight year with his Leinster Cricket Union team thanks to their sponsors LHW Insurance Group and ED Sport. Alongside assistant Nigel Pyne, the Irish Women’s Under-21s coach, they have always ensured Leinster interact with the community like no other touring side through generous fundraising for local charities and free equipment for juniors.

For 2008, they have decided to take it a new level by dedicating an evening to a masterclass for local juniors which has been supported by Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and the Hilton in the community Foundation.

Those juniors could hardly be in better hands, as Leinster’s playing standard over their tours has been nothing short of staggering. Eight of the touring players have gone onto international or County Cricket while another six have represented the full Leinster side. However, the most famous tourists are Kenny Carroll and Kevin O’Brien, who played such a memorable role in Ireland’s World Cup heroics last year.

This emphasises why they start as favourites for this year’s tournament at Longhirst Hall. Leinster challenge Scotland, Warwickshire and defending champions Northern Universities Elite over five days.

The junior masterclass, for under-13s to under-17s, is to be held at Morpeth Cricket Club, Longhirst Hall, starting at 5pm on Thursday 5 June.