Cricket Ireland has joined forces with the Irish Heart Foundation for a September partnership that demonstrates how sport can use its reach, community and personal stories to deliver a wider social impact.
The partnership, supporting the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Month campaign, was chosen by the Ireland Women’s squad and support staff in support of their teammate Orla Prendergast.
For the Ireland all-rounder, the cause carries particular significance following the death of her father from cardiac disease in 2025.
Prendergast has spoken openly about the influence her father had on her sporting career and has changed her Ireland shirt number to 10, marking his birthday and providing a personal connection every time she takes to the field.
“The Irish Heart Foundation is a charity that means a great deal to me and my family,” she said.
“My dad was my biggest support in cricket and I miss that every day. I decided to change my shirt number to 10, his birthday, as a way of keeping him close to me every time I play.
“Cricket has given me so much, and I’m grateful to Cricket Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation for helping to turn a personal story into something that can have a positive impact for others.”
That transformation of a deeply personal experience into a platform for awareness is at the centre of the partnership.
Throughout September, supporters, clubs and members of the wider cricket community will be encouraged to raise money, participate in Heart Month fundraising challenges and, importantly, engage with messaging around cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular disease remains one of Ireland’s leading causes of death, while the Irish Heart Foundation’s 2026 campaign is highlighting the role that relatively small and sustainable lifestyle changes can play in reducing the risk of early heart disease and stroke.
There will also be a direct fundraising element around Ireland Women’s ongoing three-match ODI series against England.
Cricket Ireland will stage a MatchWornShirt auction around the third ODI at New Road, Worcester on Sunday, September 6, with proceeds going to the Irish Heart Foundation.
The partnership therefore combines athlete advocacy, fan engagement, fundraising and health promotion, illustrating several of the ways in which sporting organisations can extend their impact beyond competition.
“We are incredibly grateful to Cricket Ireland and Orla for their support of the Irish Heart Foundation and our Heart Month campaign,” said Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services at the Irish Heart Foundation.
“Orla’s willingness to share her story is both courageous and powerful, and it will help us reach more people with important messages around heart health.
“Partnerships like this help us raise vital funds while also encouraging conversations about cardiovascular health and the steps people can take to protect their hearts.”
“This partnership is about much more than fundraising. It is about using the platform of cricket to support a cause that has touched the lives of many people across Ireland,” added Sarah Keane, CEO of Cricket Ireland.
“Orla’s story is one of resilience, pride and family, and we’re proud to work alongside the Irish Heart Foundation to help raise awareness and support their important work during Heart Month.”
Sport for Business Perspective
Sport for Social Good is at its strongest when the connection between the sport and the cause feels genuine.
This partnership has that authenticity through Orla Prendergast and a cause chosen not at corporate level but by the players and staff around her.
The fundraising matters, but potentially just as valuable is Cricket Ireland opening up its audience and its network of clubs to the Irish Heart Foundation during Heart Month.
Sport has an ability to reach people who may never engage with a conventional health campaign. A teammate’s story, a shirt carrying a special number or a match-worn jersey going to auction can create the connection that turns awareness into conversation and, potentially, changed behaviour.
It is another example of the value sporting bodies can bring to charitable partners: not simply a cheque, but profile, storytelling, community and the ability to make an important message personal.
Our annual Sport for Social Good Conference in partnership with Allianz will take place in November. Get in touch with rob@sportforbusiness.com if you would like to be part of the event.
Cricket Ireland are full members of Sport for Business. Allianz are partners of our Women in Sport coverage.
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Image Credit: Lidl Ireland
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