Armagh Cricket Club
Grounds: The Mall, the Pavilion Armagh. Royal School, Armagh
Club Colours: Royal Blue & Sky Blue
Formed: 1859
1st Team League: Division One; Section Two
2008 Hon President: George W. Breakey
2008 Club Captain: Andrew J. Bratten
2008 Hon Secretary: Ryan R.J. McCarter
Web address: www.armaghcricketclub.com
The Cathedral city of Armagh boasts one of the oldest and most respected cricket clubs in the NCU. The 2009 season will see the Clubs 150th anniversary with planning started within the club to mark the occasion. Armagh is a thriving, modern club that provide 4 senior teams and a mid week team in addition to the 4 junior teams.
Each team that visits Armagh will normally expect a hard fought game, but many appreciate this is a price to pay to play a game on the Mall. Perhaps as picturesque a venue as there could be anywhere in Ireland, the ground is circled with various trees and buildings of exquisite Georgian architecture – the Mall has a completely unique atmosphere on a sunny afternoon. Being right in the city centre, crowds can gather all around both pitches to watch a bit of play.
Armagh are undoubtedly a competitive outfit at all levels, but silverware has been reasonably limited in the club’s long history. Armagh has never lifted the Challenge Cup, but have been First Division champions on three occasions, last in 1939.
The Intermediate Cup was won by Armagh 2nd XI in both 1983 and 1989, and the Lindsay Minor Cup was won back in 1972.
The Minor Qualifying Cup virtually took residence at Armagh in the late 90’s as the ‘dream team’ 4th XI won it 3 years out of 4, narrowly losing in the final the year in-between. The cup returned to Armagh, against the odds, against a strong CSNI team in 2005.
Success has been much more prevalent at youth level as the club has taken both the Graham Cup and Banoge Cup over the last decade, with an all Ireland success at under 13 level too. The clubs under 11 team last season reached the semi final of the Quoile Cup and lost a thrilling league final to Lurgan.
It takes considerable work behind the scenes to keep a successful club going; one of the leaders behind the youth setup is Club President - George W Breakey. Well known in local circles through his distinguished football career with Milford Everton (now Armagh City). George has always been a cricketer of great ability, top score of 120 for Armagh first XI.
George fell ill in the winter of 2006 it took a long period after surgery and finished his playing days; he now directs all his energies towards managing the 4th XI and the club’s junior teams. 
The first overseas professional Armagh employed was Indian test player Uday Joshi in 1982. Other names include Ashok Malhotra and Yashpal Sharma who averaged 80 with the bat and 11 with the ball in 3 years at the Mall. More recently, Pakistani ODI player Zahid Ahmed took a remarkable 149 wickets at an average of seven.
Like most clubs, Armagh places a huge emphasis on their youth academy with the overseas player acting as head coach. The 2007 summer youth academy saw 80 children aged under 13 playing under the guidance of coach Steve Lazarus. So many talented youngsters around the future of Armagh cricket is well in place.
On the senior front, the 2008 season promises to be a tough one for Armagh Cricket Club as all of their teams look to be in fairly competitive divisions. 1st XI Captain Andrew Bratten will have to ensure that his team plays well to stay away from the bottom two. He will look to Colin Russell, Gareth Robinson and David Bullick for runs. Alan Whitcroft and the skipper will have to be reliable with the ball as the expected absence of the legendary Reg Stinson will cause a void. Reggie will be missing after over 30 summers of service with the new ball.
The 2nd XI will target for another strong showing in division two, section two. Captain Simon Cardwell is hoping to have his team challenging for honours on both fronts.
Paul Wilson’s 3rd XI had a successful 2007 losing a Minor Cup Semi Final but winning the division three, section two league title.
Armagh 4th XI, captained by Matthew Wright should be a good learning ground for some young players to discover in the senior game.
Club Training / Coaching
Monday from 6.30pm – senior club night
Wednesday from 6.30pm – junior club night
Thursday from 6.30pm – senior club night
Friday evening – junior club matches
Saturday – senior club matches