Clontarf from the air, 1952

What was Clontarf like in the 1950's?  Well thanks to a website www.britainfromabove.org.uk we can see how it looked from the air in 1952.  There are a number of aerial shots of Clontarf and a couple include the cricket club.  The best shot is copied below and the club is in the top right of the picture.  The cricket club was on what is now the rugby pitch and the square is clearly shown.
Note you can find more photos at the website but use the search of Clow Tarf (7 photos) abd Clontarf (1 photo)

1984 Marigold Ladies Senior Cup Win

Clontarf once again showed their strength in depth when they defeated Claremont in this year's Marigold Cup Final at a sun drenched College Park. Claremont opened the batting, but had no answer for the Clontarf bowling attack, with the Owens sisters Stella (5 for 18 in 13 overs) and Elizabeth (4 or 28 in 12) in superb form.

The only Claremont player to show any resistance was Caroline Watson who put on a brave 16 before being given out l.b.w. off Stella Owens. The Claremont total of 55 for 9 off 25 overs was never going to be enough against the powerful Clontarf attack and some fine stroke playing by Anne Murray who made 34 not out, laid the foundation for Clontarf's emphatic nine wicket victory.

On receiving the cup, Clontarf captain Elizabeth Owens paid tribute to Claremont's brave display in their first season in Senior cricket and the Claremont Road side got some consolation when Caroline Watson received the Woman of the Matach award

This report by Colin Kerr appeared in the Irish Cricket Magazine

Note 1. Tom Prior remembers that the Woman of the Match award was given to Caroline Watson by Clarissa Pilkington for "winning the toss"!

Note 2. The Clontarf side contained 5 cricket internationals, Elizabeth (Lily) Owens, Stella Owens, Anne Murray, Susan Bray and Tracey Skoyles.  It also contained 3 hockey internationals, Jacqui Potter, Deirdre Courtney and Fiona Manning.

Back L-R L Glen, F Manning, L Spence, M Murray, T Skoyles, A Murray, J Burgess
Front L-R J Potter, S Bray, S Owens, E Owens, D Courtney, J Cassidy.

Tom Prior

 

First published in the Club programme of 2007