fbpx

Cork Cricket Club

Blog

Archive for the ‘Cork Cricket’ Category

Cork County’s Quest for Historic Treble

Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

As Cork County Cricket Club gears up for the Munster Senior Cup final against County Kerry Cricket Club, they have their sights set on achieving a remarkable treble this season. Already crowned champions in the Senior T20 Blast and Premier Division, Cork County now aims to add the Senior Cup to these.

The prospect of securing the treble is a testament to the talent and hard work of the Cork County squad who juggle both Munster and Leinster commitments. Their performances in the Senior T20 Blast and Premier Division have been consistent throughout, earning them well-deserved titles and recognition in the Munster cricket scene.

Now, with the Senior Cup final on the horizon, Cork County has the opportunity to cap off an extraordinary season with another significant achievement. Winning the Senior Cup would not only solidify a dominant season in Munster but also add a historic chapter to their storied legacy in the competition.

Since the inception of the Senior T20 Blast in 2016, the Munster Senior treble has been a rare and coveted feat, and achieving it would be a source of immense pride for Cork County Cricket Club who has achieved the accolade on two previous occasions in 2017 and 2019. It’s a testament to their commitment and determination, and it reflects the strong cricketing culture and tradition within the club.

If the weather permits, the Senior Cup final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with County facing a Kerry side buoyed by the addition of Monil Patel to their ranks and following victories at the Quarter and Semi-Final stages against Harlequins and Limerick, respectively. The Mardyke will be buzzing with excitement, and spectators can expect a fiercely competitive match as these two talented sides take the field.

A victory would mean a first Senior Cup title for the club in the 2020s following the two gap due to Covid and since their last victory in 2019. The club has won 20 Senior Cup titles since 1987 and won six in a row during the 2001 to 2006 period.

2023 Munster Senior Cup Final

Sunday, 24th September, at the Mardyke (11.30am)

Remembering Jim Fitzgerald RIP

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

Cork County Cricket Club mourns the loss of former player & club captain, James “Jim” Fitzgerald, who passed away recently. Jim’s contributions to the club have left an indelible mark on its history and the hearts of its members.

Jim Fitzgerald captaining the Bohemians Cricket Club at the Mardyke in Cork
Jim Fitzgerald captaining the Bohemians side at the Mardyke in Cork

A stalwart of the Cork County family, Jim served as Club President in both 1982 and 1983, guiding the club through important milestones during the early 80s. His leadership and passion for the game inspired countless players and supporters alike.

However, Jim’s legacy stretches back even further. In 1965, he proudly captained the club, displaying exceptional skills on the field and nurturing a sense of camaraderie among his teammates. He was a true embodiment of the club’s values, and his dedication to the game and its community was evident in every match.

Jim Fitzgerald and Jim Kiernan pictured at a recent annual awards dinner

Throughout the years, Jim remained a familiar face on matchdays at the Mardyke grounds. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we remember the countless memories he created, the friendships he forged, and the passion he instilled in generations of players. Jim Fitzgerald’s legacy will live on in the heart of Cork County Cricket Club.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Young Female Cricketers Meet Stars at ODI Series Opener

Monday, July 24th, 2023

In the opening game of an eagerly anticipated three-game series between the Irish and Australian women’s cricket teams, the first ODI may have been a washout, but for the eager young members of Cork County Cricket Club, it was an unforgettable experience! Despite the rain-soaked conditions, the girls who journeyed to Castle Avenue were thrilled to meet the players from both teams and even snagged some precious autographs.

The budding cricket enthusiasts excitedly engaged with the talented athletes of the Irish and Australian women’s cricket squads, soaking in every moment of this special occasion. The enthusiasm was contagious as they chatted with their idols and gained insights into the world of professional cricket.

But the excitement didn’t stop there. Despite the rain’s persistence, the young players managed to seize the opportunity to enjoy a few cricket moments of their own before the weather turned too heavy. An impromptu game ensued, creating cherished memories on the hallowed grounds of Clontarf.

While the ODI might have been curtailed, the day proved to be an inspiration for these young cricket lovers. The experience of witnessing world-class players in action and interacting with them up close left an indelible mark on their cricketing journey.

As the Cork County girls returned home, they carried with them the spirit of camaraderie and a renewed passion for the sport. Such moments reaffirm the significance of cricket in fostering a strong sense of community and mentorship within the cricketing family.

We join them in cherishing this memorable day and look forward to seeing these young talents grow and thrive, carrying the #BackingGreen spirit with them in every step of their cricketing endeavours. 🏏 #IREvAUS

Give It A Bash: Discover Cricket for Kids

Monday, April 24th, 2023

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of cricket? Look no further than Give It A Bash, taking place on Sunday, 7th May, from 10 to 11.30am at the iconic Mardyke cricket grounds.

This free event is open to anyone aged 5 to 13 who has never played the game before but wishes to give it a go. Our selection of qualified coaches will be on hand to teach the basics of the game, including batting, bowling and catching skills, in a fun and relaxed environment.

Give It A Bash is the perfect opportunity for children to meet new friends, learn new skills, and have plenty of fun. And who knows your child may discover a lifelong passion for cricket!

So what are you waiting for? Come down to the Mardyke cricket grounds on Sunday, 7th May, from 10 to 11.30am and give cricket a bash. No equipment or previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to have fun and learn something new. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Now

Give It A Bash: Discover Cricket for Kids in Cork - Sunday 7th May 2023

2023 1st XI Season Preview

Friday, April 21st, 2023

As the 2023 cricket season approaches, Cork County prepares for an exciting and challenging campaign under the leadership of its new club captain, Abubakar Saddique, who takes the reins from Ross Durity. With a wealth of experience gained at both club and interprovincial levels, Saddique will look to lead from the front with bat and ball, having taken 142 wickets at 19.7 in Leinster competition.

Abubakar Saddique - Cork County Cricket Club

Joining the squad as the club’s overseas player is South African Stefano di Bartolomeo, a seam bowling all-rounder from Benoni Northerns CC in the Easterns Premier League. Di Bartolomeo, who is also eligible for the Italian national side, will aim to play his way into their squad for the WT20 Qualifiers later in the summer while also aiming to put in some strong performances with bat and ball for the club in all competitions.

The 1st XI will face a tough start to their Premier Division campaign with an uncompromising schedule of three successive away fixtures in Munster competitions, followed by a trip to Ardmore in the Irish Senior Cup. However, the squad is strengthened with a few new faces who will inject some freshness and necessary depth into the team. Saddique will also be able to rely on the experience and talent of the likes of  Ross Durity, Byron McDonough, Nabeel Anjum among others who will all have key roles to play to ensure the club has a successful season.

Saddique is optimistic about the upcoming season and his role as club captain, stating, “It’s a new season, and as the new captain, I want to instil an aggressive mindset in the squad and look to win back some silverware in Munster and become a tough opponent in a very competitive-looking Leinster Championship.” It promises to be an exciting season for Cork County, and their supporters can’t wait to see what unfolds on the pitch.

Groundsman Matt Reed is also hard at work preparing the Mardyke for what promises to be another action-packed season on the ground, with fixtures at all levels scheduled throughout the summer. In addition, the first T20 Interpro festival is set to take place in early June, adding to the already exciting lineup of matches. Matt’s expertise and attention to detail ensure that the ground is always in top condition, ready for play at all times.

Looking north across the the Mardyke Cricket grounds towards Sunday's Well.

Join the Fun at the Mardyke Cricket Summer Camps

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

Cork County Cricket Club is delighted to announce its upcoming cricket summer camps for kids aged five years and above. The camps will run from 3rd to 7th July and 31st July to 4th August, from 10 am to 3 pm daily, and will offer a fun-filled and educational experience for all participants.

The Summer Camps are designed to provide children with an opportunity to develop their cricketing skills, regardless of their prior experience with the game. Whether your child is a complete beginner or an experienced player, the camp’s fully qualified coaches will provide top-quality instruction and coaching to help them develop their batting, bowling, and catching skills.

The camp will be held at the beautiful Mardyke ground, home to one of the premier cricket clubs in Munster. Participants will get a chance to play on the club’s top-quality pitches and experience the thrill of playing in a real cricket match. Along with developing their cricketing skills, participants will also have the chance to make new friends and enjoy a range of fun games and competitions.

The summer camps are open to both members and non-members of the Cork County Cricket Club. The cost is from €120 per camp, and discounts are available for siblings or for those who sign up for multiple camps.

Cork County is one of the most successful cricket clubs in Ireland, with a long history of excellence on and off the pitch. The club has produced several international players and has a strong focus on youth development.

“We are thrilled to be offering these summer camps to young cricket enthusiasts in the area,” said Youth Committee Chair, Sukhi Byrne. “Our fully qualified coaches will provide top-quality coaching to all participants, regardless of their prior experience with the game. We look forward to welcoming both members and non-members to the Mardyke Grounds for what promises to be a fun-filled and educational experience for all.”

In conclusion, if you have a child who loves cricket or is simply looking for a fun and educational experience this summer, then the Cricket Summer Camps are a perfect choice. With top-quality coaching, a range of fun games and competitions, and the chance to make new friends, these camps offer an unforgettable experience for young cricket enthusiasts. Sign up today and give your child a summer they will never forget!

GET IN TOUCH

Secure Your Place

Player Registration Guide 2023

Monday, March 13th, 2023

This article outlines the process of registering Cork County Cricket Club members correctly for the season 2023.

All members must complete 2 steps to become eligible to play in Muster competitions

  1. Munster Cricket Union Registrations
  2. Cork County Cricket Club Membership

Additionally, if a player wants to be eligible to play in Leinster competition then they need to register for

  1. Cricket Leinster Registration
Player TypeDescription
New PlayerMembers who were not part of any Munster cricket affiliated club previously.
Transferring PlayerMembers who played for a Munster Cricket club in 2022 that was not Cork County Cricket Club and want to play for Cork County in the 2023 season.
Renewing PlayerMembers registered as Cork County Cricket Club members last year (2022).

New Player

  • All New players will get a personal email from one of the club committee members with a link to register as a new player. (Please make sure to pick Cork County Cricket Club while doing the registrations to avoid any issues)

Transferring Player

  • All transferring players MUST register for their PREVIOUS Club while registering with the link sent to them in their personal emails.
  • Any member transferring from a Leinster club who already has an existing GameDay ID needs to follow the above step as well.
  • If you are Transferring from a Leinster club and you do not have an existing GameDay ID then please register as a New Player as per the section above.
  • Post registration please let any committee member or captain know that you have completed registrations with the previous club.
  • Club administrators will take care of transferring the registrations to Cork County.

Renewing Player

  • All players will get an email with a link to renew on their personal email. Click and follow that link to complete the Munster Cricket Union Registrations. (Players must pick Cork County Cricket Club while doing the registrations to avoid any issues)
  • Cork County Cricket club membership can be obtained by paying the subscription fees using the link below and by choosing the correct membership options for all player types.

Ardmore await in Irish Senior Cup

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

Cork County have been drawn away to Ardmore in the 1st Round of the 2023 Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. The tie will take place on Saturday, 20th May, at the Bleachgreen.

It will be a repeat of the draw for the 2003 competition which saw County come out on top in a refix at the Mardyke.

The Irish Senior Cup, established in 1982, is a 50-over tournament for the top clubs in their respective provincial unions. The reigning champions, CIYMS, currently hold the prestigious Bob Kerr Trophy, having won the final against Lisburn last year.

The fixtures for the first round of the tournament have been determined after the draw was conducted, with the home team listed first:

Irish Senior Cup – First Round

  • Malahide v Instonians
  • YMCA V Coleraine
  • Railway Union v Bready
  • Pembroke v Brigade
  • Woodvale v Balbriggan
  • CSNI v Leinster
  • North Down v Eglinton
  • Fox Lodge v The Hills
  • Donemana v Carrickfergus
  • Newbuildings v Waringstown
  • Cork Harlequins v Merrion
  • Ardmore v Cork County

The semi-finalists from 2022 – Clontarf, Phoenix, Lisburn and CIYMS – will receive a bye into the second round.

Irish Senior Cup Schedule:

  • Round 1: 20th May 2023 (reserve date 28th May)
  • Round 2: 4th June 2023 (reserve date 11th June)
  • Quarter-Finals: 18th June 2023 (reserve date 25th June)
  • Semi-Finals: 9th July 2023 (reserve date 30th July)
  • Final: 12th August 2023 (reserve date 2nd September)

Sports Hub Announced as Apparel Supplier

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

Cork County Cricket Club is excited to announce a three-year agreement with Sports Hub as its official apparel supplier. Sports Hub, one of the largest cricket stores in Ireland, will provide top-quality gear to players of all levels, ensuring they look and perform their best on the pitch.

This partnership marks a significant step forward for Cork County Cricket Club, as players will now have access to the latest and greatest club apparel and the agreement will provide members with exclusive discounts and offers, making it easier for them to stay equipped for success.

“We are thrilled to have Sports Hub on board as our official apparel supplier,” said Abubakar Saddique, Club Captain. “Sports Hub has a long-standing reputation for providing top-notch cricket gear, and we are excited to offer our members access to their products. This partnership will benefit our players in a big way, allowing them to perform at their best on the pitch.”

With the support of Sports Hub, Cork County Cricket Club is poised for a successful season and beyond. The club is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment at the Mardyke where players of all ages and abilities can grow and excel in the sport they love.

So, get ready to take your game to the next level with the latest gear from Sports Hub. Join Cork County Cricket Club today and be a part of a community that is dedicated to promoting the sport of cricket and developing future stars.

Viat Sports Hub at kbsportshub.ie

Indoor Nets commence

Thursday, February 2nd, 2023

Cork County Cricket Club is pleased to announce the start of indoor cricket net sessions at Douglas Community School, starting on Saturday, 4th February. These sessions will run for a six-week period and provide players with a chance to work on their skills, get some much-needed practice, and have fun with fellow cricket enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, these sessions are a great opportunity to improve your game and get ready for the upcoming season. Coaches and experienced players will be on hand to provide guidance, advice, and support, so you can take your skills to the next level.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your gear ready and join us for these exciting indoor cricket net sessions at Douglas Community School. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up soon!