The hallowed turf of Cork County Cricket Club’s Mardyke grounds has always been a delight to play on, but now it’s officially award-winning! Matt Reed, the club’s dedicated groundsman, has been crowned the Lord’s Taverners Groundskeeping Team of the Year at the recent Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards, a well-deserved recognition for his meticulous work and passion.
For years, Matt has been the silent maestro behind the scenes, coaxing the Mardyke’s pitches into playing surfaces renowned for their consistency and bounce at both club and Interprovincial level – the dream for any cricketer. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, and finally, the wider Irish cricketing community has acknowledged his immense contribution to the sport.
“The award is richly deserved,” says Club President Mort Kelleher, echoing the sentiments of many.
“On behalf of everyone at Cork County Cricket Club, I would like to congratulate our groundsman Matt Reed on winning the title of Cricket Ireland Groundsperson of the Year.”
“Matt’s wickets at our beloved Mardyke home have been consistently good over the years but this has only been due to Matt’s hard work and diligence. The award is richly deserved. Credit also goes to those who assisted Matt in any way.”
But Matt isn’t one to take all the credit. “I’m incredibly grateful for this award,” he says humbly, “but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the club and the fantastic team who help me keep the Mardyke looking and playing its best.”
The award isn’t just a personal accolade for Matt; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion that runs deep within Cork County Cricket Club. From the tireless efforts of the groundskeeping team to the unwavering support of the club community, the Mardyke’s magic is truly a collective effort.
So, the next time you witness a thrilling match unfold on the Mardyke’s pristine turf, remember the silent hero behind it all – Matt Reed, the award-winning groundsman who ensures every ball bounces true and every player experiences the joy of playing on a pitch fit for champions. Congratulations, Matt!
