NWRC student hailed as ‘inspiration’ after Cricket World Cup campaign with Ireland

A North West Regional College (NWRC) student says he’s been bowled over after playing for the Ireland Under-19 squad at the Cricket World Cup.

Sam Haslett, a Woodworking Apprentice at the college’s Greystone campus – was back in the workshop this week after an incredible experience in Namibia.

The Irish team recorded a triumphant win over Japan, before being knocked out by Afghanistan.

A former student of Limavady High School – 18 year-old Sam is in the second year of his Apprenticeship in Woodworking skills, working within his family business - Johnny Haslett Stairs. He says the support he’s received from his fellow students and lecturers has been fantastic.

Sam comes from a family of well-established cricketers from Claudy who learned their trade at Bonds Glen Cricket Club.

He said: “Namibia was a brilliant experience – I was happy to be picked for the team. Most of my family are cricketers, and this is the furthest any of us have got so it really is a first in the family.”

Mark Smith, Lecturer in Woodworking at NWRC said: “The entire class and campus are delighted for Sam, to represent Ireland in the Cricket World Cup was a great achievement. It goes to show what hard work and determination can achieve, and that’s what we encourage at NWRC.

“It’s back to work now as Sam is back on site completing his Apprenticeship swapping his precious cricket bat for tools. Sam and his fellow students on the course also took part in the college’s apprenticeship showcase talking to some of the students who will be joining NWRC in September answering questions and sharing first-hand experiences.

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“At NWRC we’re delighted to support our students in their extracurricular activities as well as their on-site vocational training. In both the cricket world, and as a carpenter or joiner we see Sam has a bright future ahead of him.”

Applications for the Woodworking Skills Traineeship and AppNI are open for applications, contact mark.smith@nwrc.ac.uk for further information. You can also apply at www.nwrc.ac.uk/apply. 

To find out more you can visit the college’s Open Day at:

STRABANE CAMPUS - Tuesday February 24th 12-7 p.m.

STRAND ROAD AND SPRINGTOWN CAMPUS – Wednesday, February 25th 12-7 p.m.

LIMAVADY MAIN STREET AND GREYSTONE CAMPUS – Thursday, February 26th 12-7 p.m.