Cricket Ireland has announced that corporate hospitality for next year’s feature one day international against England is close to selling out nearly six months in advance.
The match takes place in Malahide on May 8th and there will be a repeat of the temporary stadium initiative that drew a crowd of 10,000 to a sun drenched venue in 2013 when the sides last met.
That was a risk in terms of ambition for a sport that had never come close to such a crowd on Irish soil but the achievements of the team in recent years meant it paid off in style.
The side will have the small matter of the World Cup to contend with the back office team are already hard at work on what will hopefully prove a very warm welcome on their return.
“Ireland against England in any sport is always a hard-fought battle and the clash on May 8th will be no different,” said Ireland Manager Phil Simmons.
“There’s something in the Irish psyche that always motivates them against England.”
“The fixture certainly captivated the imagination of the Irish public the last time with the record crowd of ten thousand which contributed to such a magnificent occasion. With the glorious weather and the enthusiasm of the crowd it was more reminiscent of a West Indian match than an Irish one!”
“We’re overdue a high profile win in Southern Irish soil and hopefully with the backing of a sell-out crowd, we’ll be able to give the Blarney Army fans a day to remember.”
Cricket Ireland secured multi million backing for it’s cricket academy earlier this year from Indian multinational group Shapoorji Pillonji but is still seeking a headline partner to replace RSA whose term in that position comes to an end in the next few weeks.
Ireland’s six pool matches in the Cricket World Cup take place between February 15th and March 16th 2015.
