Thaindian News

London, March 3 (IANS) Ireland’ sensational three-wicket win over England in the World Cup has sparked massive celebrations at home as many hope the triumph willl force the authorities to take cricket seriously.

There was “mayhem” in the Balbriggan Cricket Club in Dublin as supporters celebrated Ireland’s famous win - and the role played by their local man John Mooney, who scored the winning runs.

“It means so much to us here that John scored the winning runs against the English. I first saw John when he was 14 and 15 hitting incredible shots like a Test cricketer,” Albert Harper, the secretary of Balbriggan Cricket Club, was quoted as saying in the Guardian. “Even then we knew he was someone special.”

Harper said the win was not only a boost for Irish cricket but also the entire nation at a time of gloom across the island.

Newly-elected Prime Minister Enda Kenny, said the team’s victory in India would lift the nation’s spirit.

“Ireland’s victory marks one of the finest days in Irish sport, and my warmest congratulations go out to each and every member of the squad after this historic win.

“Their supreme effort will lift the spirits of every single Irish person, no matter where they are in the world. Ireland’s performance is truly inspiring, demonstrating that, with self-belief, the apparently impossible can be made possible, and that real change can occur.”

Another established club, Cliftonville in north Belfast, said the result will force ICC to reconsider its decision to trim associate nations in the 2015 World Cup.

“Great to see Ireland win, after all the talk about the associate nations not being good enough. Also big congratulations to Paul Stirling, who grew up playing his cricket for our club from all the boys at the Ville,” the club said in a statement.

Irish rugby union captain Brian O’Driscoll also issued a statement this evening praising the exploits of Ireland’s cricketers.