Now that the property has been sold, the YMCA cricket club will return to its home ground of Claremont Road after a year away. Since their landlord, the YMCA Dublin charity, put the site up for sale in March 2021, the club has been unable to play at its customary location.
The cricket club has been informed that it has not been picked as the preferred bidder after submitting four proposals in the last year. Although it is unknown who will buy the land, The Irish Times knows that Lansdowne RFC has met with YMCA CC in the past to negotiate a ground-sharing deal.
At this moment, Lansdowne RFC has declined to comment.
Monkstown rugby club and Pembroke cricket club both operate on the same field on Sydney Parade, therefore there is precedent for a shared ground idea in the area. In the winter, the adjoining Railway Union sports club hosts rugby, and in the summer, cricket.
The history of YMCA Cricket Club with Claremont Road
Claremont Road has been home to YMCA CC since 1911, but the club’s lease with its landlord expired in March 2021, when the site was put up for sale for €10 million. The cricket club could have continued to operate there during the sale if the board of directors had signed a deed of renunciation. The club, however, refused to relinquish its claim to Claremont Road, preventing them from using the venue. During the 2021 season, home games were moved to Wesley College.
Now that a new owner is scheduled to take over after the current cricket season concludes in September, the club has signed a deed of renunciation, assuming it would be negotiating a lease with a new landlord from next season onwards.
The Dublin YMCA first appeared to be seeking to sell the area to a housing developer, but land zoning issues and political support for Claremont Road remaining a recreational amenity for the numerous schools and clubs who use it made planning clearance doubtful. It is believed that this has resulted in a significant reduction in the site’s asking price.
Also Read: IPL 2022: DC vs KKR Match 41 Prediction
The statement by Chief Executive of YMCA
In line with YMCA Dublin’s current five-year strategy, they plan to expand their work and fund community investment with the creation of three new community hubs in disadvantaged areas of Dublin, which desperately lack community services and facilities. Said Kathryn O’Mahony, chief executive of YMCA Dublin, in a statement to The Irish Times.
Funds obtained from the sale of the YMCA properties in Sandy mount will be used to expand our services, including the development of three new community hubs.
They are unable to discuss the prospective purchaser while the sale process is continuing. However, they are pleased to announce that the YMCA Dublin and the YMCA Cricket Club have collaborated to agree on access terms for the season while the sale is being finalized.
