Cricket Ireland announces restructure of Cricket Department
Cricket Ireland today announced a restructure of its Cricket Department, including new appointments in the areas of development and performance.
Tim Simmonite has been appointed Cricket Ireland's first ever National Development Manager, while current Director of Cricket Operations Mark Garaway will become Performance Director.
The news comes as Cricket Ireland revealed that its participation figures had increased from 15,000 to 25,000 in just four years, including the development of new clubs in established cricket heartlands throughout the island, and the establishment of a new provincial union in Connacht, the first new union to emerge since the Munster Cricket Union was formed 55 years ago in 1956 .
Previously Club Development Manager in Northern Ireland, Simmonite's new role will include working in partnership with the Provincial Unions to oversee the full integration of the successfully-piloted Club Accreditation Scheme throughout Ireland, which will see him focus on areas such as Umpires and Scorers, Groundmanship, Coach Education, Club/School links and Facility Development.
The former-PE teacher is a product of the ECB Premier League system and Hampshire CCC Under 19 set up and has also played two seasons in the NCU with North Down. His impressive CV has seen him attain Level 3 Coaching and a role as Ireland Under-19 Assistant Coach where he works with Jeremy Bray.
Speaking after the announcement, Simmonite said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the development of the game of cricket across Ireland. I look forward to building on the popularity and successes of the National Men's team by working in conjunction with the Provincial Unions to secure future sustainable development successes."
Mark Garaway's role as Director of Cricket Operations will change to Performance Director, focusing on ensuring that all International squads develop against the most professional backdrop possible. Garaway will also be responsible for developing relationships and opportunities with both the players and Cricket Ireland's many stakeholders. He will also continue to manage the performances of all the coaching staff and the National Age Group Squad Coaches and Managers.
Speaking about the role he will now adopt, Garaway said: "The restructure of the Cricket Department and the shift into a more focused Performance Director role brings Cricket Ireland in line with the organisational structures of Full Member Nations and other high-performing sporting governing bodies throughout Ireland and the world. It enables me to spend more time with the players, coaches and support staff as we continue to enhance Ireland's reputation in world cricket.
"Over the last two years Cricket Ireland have made huge strides within elite coach development, preparation programming, our ability to plan and execute at the highest level and in the development of our High Performance Player Development Model. I look forward to continuing to drive our systems whilst supporting the development of the people who work within our high performance environments."