Described by Inverell Shire mayor Paul Harmon as “a young lady of immense talent and uncommon dedication,” Claire Lennon was recognised for her cricket success as Inverell’s 2019 Young Citizen of the Year.
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Picking up the ball and bat at just five-years-old, Claire has long been representing her town and region in the sport, regularly reaching state and national levels since she was a junior.
“Her emerging talent was clear when, as a primary student, this young lady represented the northern half of NSW at the state carnival, where she was selected for the NSW PSSA team,” Cr Harmon said.
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From just 11-years-old, Claire was honing her skills as a member of the Central North Cricket Academy, where she worked her way through Cricket Australia’s Female Pathways program.
She was an integral member of the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Open team, which won the NSW All Schools Carnival in 2015. She went on to captain the North West Open Girls Cricket team for two years. She also captained the Central North team at the NSW Country Championships.
“Her leadership and gift at bowling led to selection in the ACT/NSW Country Under 15s team and later the ACT/NSW Country under 18s team,” Cr Harmon said.
Claire recently represented NSW in the Australian Country Championships in Shepparton. The 19-year-old was excited to continue challenging herself in the women’s level.
She is now living her dream as a part of the Sydney first grade competition, representing Bankstown, and also participates in the NSW Cricket Elite Program. She is also a net bowler for the NSW Breakers and part of the Sydney Sixers Academy.
Announced at Victoria Park on Saturday, mother Libby Lennon accepted the award on her behalf.
“I’d like to thank the Inverell community for always supporting Claire and the other kids in our family with their sport and activities, and supporting all the local young sports people that are just out doing something that they love,” Libby said.
“It’s great to know that such a great town is behind them wherever they go in NSW or Australia.”
Speaking to the Inverell Times last December, Claire said she would embrace the chance to play professionally, but wanted to keep an open mind about her future.
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Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
