Ireland groundsman wins top award

Clontarf CC groundsman Karl McDermott was celebrating this week after being named European Groundsman of the Year. McDermott came to Lord's to pick up the trophy at the Groundsman of the Year awards.

McDermott's success comes after more than 16 years commitment to the club where he looks after 14 wickets on which more than 100 matches in a season are played.

McDermott was presented with the trophy by the ICC European Development Manager, Richard Holdsworth who has witnessed the top groundsman's achievements at Clontarf first-hand this season in hosting the Ireland v West Indies ODI.

Holdsworth said: "It is a pleasure for me to present Karl with this award. The dedication and commitment that he gives to Clontarf Cricket Club are second to none.

"The improvements made to the ground during his time at the club have not only brought the pitch up to the ICC's stringent playing standards for hosting one-day internationals but have made the ground and its facilities more enjoyable for both players and spectators alike."

Improvements to Clontarf include a new drainage system around the square, renewal of all the grounds equipment, installation of an artificial pitch and the additional of an electronic scoreboard.

The runner-up was Ian Vauntier, who has looked after the Grainville Playing Fields in Jersey for 32 years. Holdsworth added: "I am pleased that both Karl and Ian's hard work has been recognised.

"These two dedicated men stand as shining examples of the challenging work that must be done behind the scenes to enable so many cricketers to enjoy this great game."