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Interesting debate on flags and painted flagstones at a time when the Olympics is full of flag-waving and nationalism. Athletes are usually motivated by this support but are they intimidated by other flags? I think not. The main problem we have is that these flags are not just symbols of nationalism they are statements of identity and drum-beating in local neighbourhoods. But times have moved on. Reconciliation and tolerance is a long process but we have to build bridges and reach the stage where these statements are not necessary. Certainly it's not the responsibility of the local cricket club to champion that process but they can talk to residents and tell them how they are perceived from the outside. It may not change things overnight but it could be a start of a process that leads to universal understanding and tolerance of other people's views. This is 2008 not 1690 and the world has moved on. Time for us to catch up.

OK bunnies everybody happy again? I guess it's the weather making us all cranky and frustrated. Have to say the groundsmen have mountains to climb to prepare cup final wickets in these conditions. And to be fair to Ryan, it can't be easy getting grounds and organizing finals especially with the changes. Good luck to all the teams and let's hope we get some cricket.

Fair enough Mark, maybe I took you up wrong then at the first stage.
I will say however, be assured, that all NCU officials have been working overtime to let the weekend cup finals an opportunity to play. Keep in mind this takes time to organise.
I am happy to leave it at that. And keep our fingers crossed it will be dry this weekend.
Ryan

This is not personal Ryan and you were not mentioned in my original email. You took it upon yourself to reply in that context. And in your reply you placed the blame for the lack of information on awaiting the committee's decision. That's what we needed to know not the rest of the stuff that you are throwing out. I value my privacy and you should respect it. Time to move on.

Mark,
I would like to know who you are so I know who I am talking with, rather than you being one of these people that hide behind single names.
Anyway, I am sorry that I even bothered with you and I am not going to carry on with the debate.
As you have such great ideas, maybe you should put your name forward for office at the next AGM. I seem to do such a poor job, then maybe you will do wonders.
BTW - you still didnt answer my question about what other ways you propose communication, seriously - please give me a call and we can discuss. Number on the notice board, but here it is 07709 399 334

Tut tut Ryan. Not very good PR. I'm a minnow in the sport but you are an elected officer with a role that involves letting everyone know about things that are happening in the NCU game.
The NCU website is the notice board but if that's your only communication tool then we know where we stand. As for correct information 100% of us want it not 98% and as for communication then perhaps the decision makers should be answering this email not you. And as for my name why is that your business?

Dear Mark,
many thanks for your interest in the NCU and in particular the Junior Cup. We have all be experiencing a heavy workload with the rain etc and trying to get things orgainsed so that the finals can be played and be a special occasion for the teams and the sponsors - this takes a bit of prep work.

I, as NCU PRO, have to wait for the meetings to happen before I can give you and the public information.
I would love to know what you mean by 'be more proactive, communicative and timely’? Do you want me to bombard you with hearsay? Please tell me as I would like to know how I can improve. I would say that 98% of people want the facts, not what I THINK may happen.

I will not even bother wasting my time anymore, as you don’t even bother giving me your full name.
Why have a PRO and not just a notice board? Well who would pin the notice to the board Mark and would you pop in to read it?

Thanks again for your interest, please feel free to check the NCU website for future notice board additions!

Regards,
Ryan

At last some up to date details of the junior and senior cup finals have been posted on the NCU website.(Wed) As usual you come to us in your time rather than be proactive, communicative and timely. Why have a PR officer and not just have a noticeboard?

Can someone from the NCU clear up the Junior Cup final venue confusion?

there's a rumour that the junior cup may be at saintfield.woodvale have been asked to move an away fixture to accommodate.

Re David- Junior Cup Final

As far as I know it is still at Osbourne- the game definitely starts at 11.00am!

Does anybody know what happens if the final is postponed again? Is it rolled back another week/ bowl-out/ share of the trophy?

Cheers

Chris

What time does the Junior Cup Final start at on Saturday and more importantly where is it being played?

Re Martin Donaldson's rant on the other channel.
I'm glad that come September he'll be happy pushing a shopping trolly round Tesco, while in the NCU we will still be enjoying our cricket!

Well done to Andrew White on a century against Canada, hes the Ireland player who has been shuffled about the most in the past 5 years, always doing a good job for the team and here has been given a good chance to bat up the order in a 3 day game and cashed in. Well done Andrew!

Ivan, I'm all for anything that helps and your ideas are positive but someone in both unions need to take the responsibility to tackle the problem or hire a PR company to do it. Right now I'm not sure it is a high priority as so many other things are happening and maybe it suits to have poor crowds in the north as it makes it easier to allocate the best matches to Dublin.