Pictured: Paddy Halpin and Janice Walsh Chairwoman from Pembroke Cricket Club practise for the world record of keep up with cricket bats.
Dedication is what you need! That’s the mantra of those who hold a Guinness World Record.
NewsFour was in attendance as Pembroke Cricket Club attempted their own world record for Cricket Keepy Uppys. Club member Marissa Whaley, who wanted to try something “a little bit different”, to generate interest conceived this novel fundraising idea.
Proceeds from the event will go to cricket charity, the Lord’s Taverners, who primarily provide transportation for children with special needs and whose president is George Hook.
NewsFour spoke to two of the organisers, Marie Ann Halpin and Helen Crawford. “It has taken hundreds of man hours to get this off the ground. There are stringent rules that need to be adhered to if the attempt is to be accepted by Guinness. 250 people need to be simultaneously keeping the cricket ball bouncing in the air for at least one minute,” said Halpin.
Everyone was welcome to take part. Even Newsfour was invited to give it a go! Crawford added, “We expect that the cricket players will have their own bats, but we have spares in case non-members want to try.”
Club President Janice Walsh expressed her gratitude for the sponsorship of local Law firm Byrne Wallace. “We couldn’t have done it without them. They took care of the related costs. I would also like to thank SMC print for providing the flyers and posters. Pembroke Cricket Club is a community-based club and we are always looking for new members. All ages, men and women, are welcome.”
Three independent judges, Niall Burke, Paul Cooper and Brian Delaney adjudicated the attempt. Children were entertained with bouncy castles and face painting, and the event heated up to become an exciting evening of celebration with a barbeque and full bar (as always), with band Wish List providing live music into the night.
Walsh concluded, “The rest of the day went very well and thankfully the rain held off. We had 148 people of all ages take part in the record attempt. The next step is to submit the video evidence along with paperwork signed by the independent observers to the Guinness World Record People, and wait. We would hope to hear back in a couple of months. Watch this space! It was great to have so many people take part, particularly families from the local area. Hopefully, we will be able to say Pembroke Cricket Club is not only a great place to play cricket, but also a Guinness World Record holder!”
By Maria Shields O’Kelly
