Howzat! for Fingal as Malahide Cricket Club to host Ireland’s inaugural test match

      Test match between Ireland and Pakistan will take place in Fingal next summer
​Local Fianna Fail TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the news that Cricket Ireland Cricket Ireland have confirmed that Malahide Cricket Club will host Ireland's first Test match against Pakistan from May 11th-15th.


Earlier this year, the national sports organisation received full test status following a review carried out by the International Cricket Council.


He commented, “There has been a long tradition of Cricket in Fingal and the sport is played by many and acquiring full test playing status was a game changer for the sport in our community.


“I have been delighted over the years to have assisted and supported the expansion and development of the facility in Malahide to become the only international size cricket ground in the country.


"We have previously hosted a number of sell-out 10,000 capacity matches in Malahide and they have been fantastic successes. This Test game will bring major business to the village and the surrounding area for hotels, restaurants and bars. 


“It is great news for Fingal that Ireland will play their inaugural Test match against Pakistan next year at our local grounds and a brilliant acknowledgement of the hard work of all those involved with the club. 



"The announcement of Malahide as the venue for Ireland's very first test match is a great honour for Malahide Cricket Club, the village itself and the wider Fingal area, particularly the large and vibrant cricket playing community and their supporters.


“The leadership of Cricket Ireland deserve our thanks and praise also for their ongoing work to secure this success today.


“I very much look forward to help in welcoming players and supporters visiting Fingal from Pakistan and nationwide. This is set to be a wonderful and historic occasion for all,” concluded O’Brien.