For a country with no real cricketing history, Ireland has come a long way.
Ireland stormed into the Super Eight stage by registering one of the greatest cricketing shocks, whipping one-time world champion Pakistan two weeks ago at the Sabina Park at Kingston, Jamaica.
That victory albeit somewhat underrated by many, has stirred up support for the team back home and spread outward making the Irish-born Managing Director of Cara Hotels Shawn Mc Grath a cricket enthusiast even through he only knew about the sport after coming to Guyana.
For McGrath it like a great reunion with his Irish roots since his hotel is hosting the Irish team, officials and media personnel.
In smiles during an interview with Stabroek News, Grath recounted that it was only a year ago during a meeting at which teams were being allocated to specific hotels, that he jokingly registered his desire to play host to the Irish team.
“I only joked about hosting the Irish team and it looks as though my wishes came through,” Mc Grath said.
Cara Hotels are filled to capacity and according to him it’s “like a normal day’s work.”
He explained however that mostly the hotel would host executives who are usually not in during the day; the difference is that over this period more people are in during the day.
Mc Grath said when it started raining in Georgetown at the weekend this had put a damper on things but the team persevered and was optimistic and was still able to practice.
“But I can tell you that they are having a lovely time here in Guyana, they have a favourable impression and they are very happy with the service and food here at Cara,” he said.
An Irishman looking after the Irish cricket team here in Guyana, Mc Grath said, has attracted attention both in Ireland and in Guyana and the hotel manager said he would use this opportunity to promote Guyana.
The Cara Hotel management has organized tours of several interior locations for the Irish cricket team as according to McGrath, “you can’t come to Guyana and not venture into the interior.”
He plans to use this opportunity to showcase Guyana more in his homeland with the hope of having many more Irish people visit these shores. Already Mc Grath has received a number of calls from interested persons.
After the team scored big against Pakistan the Irish were so elated that the postal service declared all congratulatory mails coming to Guyana, free.
“So in another few days we expect tons of mail coming here for the team since everyone is satisfied and really thrilled that we were able to make it thus far,” he asserted.
Security at Cara Lodge is serious business and ranks of the Guyana Police Force are on site.
Ireland will play England on Friday at the National Stadium at Providence.
