I was born and raised in County Kerry, Ireland, a proud footballing county – and by football I mean the Gaelic type.
We love our sport in Ireland. Gaelic football, hurling, boxing, soccer and union. And though only a small nation, we have often packed an almighty punch.
We have been FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists, had several boxing and athletics world champions, European Cup rugby champions, Six Nations Champions and had several Olympic magic moments.
We love not only winners, but those that give it a good hard lash – or, as they say here in Australia, those that give it a go.
Despite having lived in Australia for 20 years, I’ve never had much interest in cricket, but a few days ago I went to see Ireland take on the United Arab Emirates in the cricket World Cup.
Now I’m a cricket convert – not only because Ireland are winning, but because I got to see cricket for the wonderful game it is. If only the ICC could see that the World cup is converting me and many more to their game, they would expand rather than cut teams in the World Cup.
The other day I watched Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh on TV. My wife thinks I am going crazy, but I am simply falling in love with cricket – and so are many others.
Would I be writing this if Ireland hadn’t qualified for the World Cup, or were being hammered by every team they encounter? Maybe not. But I am someone from the UAE, Scotland or Afghanistan would.
I am watching cricket. I am no expert and I have to learn the rules, but cricket has grabbed me. Piqued my interest.
But the ICC could lose me and millions of others across the globe come the next World Cup by ditching the likes of Scotland, Ireland, UAE and Afghanistan.
ICC, you have new fans. Don’t blow it!
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