News & Events

As the days grow longer and the 2025 season begins to take shape, we’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our members, both returning and new, for what promises to be another exciting chapter at the Mardyke. Following a truly memorable 150th anniversary season, filled with silverware and special moments, we look forward to building on that momentum together this summer.

The 2025 season brings fresh challenges and great opportunities. Most notably, our 1st XI will be competing in the newly formatted Leinster Premier League, which now features twelve of which are probably some of the top club sides in Ireland and Europe. This is a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves at the highest level, and each fixture, especially the home matches, will be a great occasion for the club. Your support will be crucial as we look to make our mark. View the full Leinster fixture list here >

We are also delighted to confirm the return of Mark Andrianatos, who will take on the role of Head Coach and all-rounder. Mark’s energy, leadership and talent had a huge impact last season, and we are excited to welcome him back to help drive the club forward on and off the pitch.

Following our trophy winning 2024 campaign, which saw us lift the Munster Premier Division, Division One, Division Two A, Senior Cup, Minor Cup, and both 2nd & 3rd XI T20 trophies, there is plenty to be excited about across all competitions in 2025 as well as the continued progress of our young pathway players as they build their experience in adult competitions.

Our youth section continues to grow, with sides competing at Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 levels. After their title win in League B last season, the Colts will now step up to compete in the Under 15 Boys League A. It is encouraging to see so many young cricketers progressing through the ranks into adult cricket. In his role as Head Coach, Mark will be providing guidance and structure to the youth training plans for the summer, which is also a huge boost.

Training schedule:

• Mondays: U15s & U17s
• Tuesdays: High Performance Academy, 1st & 2nd XIs
• Wednesdays: 3rd, 4th & 5th XIs
• Thursdays: 1st & 2nd XIs
• Fridays: U7s up to U13s and Girls Softball

The women’s section also continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the hard work of Aideen Spalding and Mick Hull. We are especially looking forward to seeing new players join the squad this summer after strong interest during the off-season CricHIIT sessions.

As we look ahead, we also pause to remember the recent passing of club legend Pat Dineen. Pat captained the club on six occasions between 1963 and 1984 and represented Ireland 23 times. He was part of the famous Irish side that bowled out the West Indies for 25 at Sion Mills in 1969. His impact on the game in Munster and beyond was immense, and his legacy will endure at the Mardyke.

A reminder that annual subscriptions must be paid to attend training and be eligible for selection. Please also ensure that your Munster and Leinster competition registrations are completed as soon as possible.

Finally, as we prepare to take the field once again, I would like to remind all players and supporters of the importance of upholding the Spirit of Cricket. Let’s play hard and play to win, but always with respect for the opposition and match officials. Passion is welcome, but it should never cross the line. We all represent Cork County both on and off the field — let’s do so with pride and integrity.

We are excited to welcome everyone back to the Mardyke and wish you a successful and enjoyable season ahead.

Yours in cricket,

Robert Duggan

Chairperson

We’re pleased to announce that a limited number of reserved car parking spaces are now available for club members at the Mardyke on a monthly basis.

Rates (per calendar month):

• Pavilion Members: €120
• Full Members: €90
• Family Members: €90
• 3rd Level Students: €80

Access:

• Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 6.00pm
• (No overnight, weekend, or public holiday parking)

Important Notes:

• Spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Parking is non-transferable and must be in designated areas.
• The club accepts no responsibility for vehicles on the premises.
• Cars must be registered with the club and parked safely at all times.

To register your interest or request more details, please email parking@corkcountycricketclub.com.

We hope this provides a convenient option not only for those who regularly visit the club, but also for members who work locally or are studying at UCC or other nearby educational institutions.

Cork County Cricket Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its most iconic figures, Pat Dineen, at the age of 86. Pat was a pillar of the club for many decades, serving as First XI Captain on six occasions between 1963 and 1984, and earning legendary status for his achievements both on and off the field.

A passionate and immensely talented cricketer, Pat’s influence extended far beyond the boundary ropes of the Mardyke. His leadership, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to Cork County helped shape the club’s ethos and legacy. He was one of the club’s most capped players, and his outstanding career included 23 appearances for Ireland, including the unforgettable match at Sion Mills in 1969 when Ireland bowled out the mighty West Indies for just 25 runs.

Pat’s final appearance for Ireland came against the MCC at Lord’s in 1973, capping off a remarkable international career that included seven first-class matches. He also served as President of the Irish Cricket Union (now Cricket Ireland) in 1987, demonstrating his continued influence and commitment to the development of the game.

Beyond his on-field heroics, Pat played a pivotal role in elevating Cork County’s profile during the 1980s and 1990s by bringing some of the most star-studded sides to the Mardyke. Thanks to his connections and enthusiasm for the game, the club welcomed visiting teams such as the Stuart Surridge XI, Essex, and other notable sides — events that brought crowds flocking to the Mardyke and helped cement the club’s reputation as a key venue for top-class cricket in Ireland.

The Dineen name has long been synonymous with Cork County, with Pat’s contributions echoed through the generations, most recently in the service of his son, Peter Dineen, who served as Chairperson from 2021 to 2024.

As we reflect on Pat’s extraordinary legacy, we remember a man who gave his heart to Cork County Cricket Club and to Irish cricket. His memory will live on through the stories shared, the matches remembered, and the generations of players he inspired.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Dineen family at this time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The 2024 Annual General Meeting of Cork County Cricket Club took place on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, bringing together members to reflect on the successes of the past year and set the stage for the upcoming season.

The 2024 Annual General Meeting marked several significant changes in leadership and celebrated the contributions of key individuals. Peter Dineen stepped down as Chairperson after a successful three-year term during which he oversaw the club’s emergence from the challenges of the Covid pandemic and played a pivotal role in organizing the 150th anniversary celebrations. Notably, Peter was the club’s first duly elected Chairperson and continued the proud tradition of the Dineen family’s involvement in Cork County Cricket Club. Peter’s unwavering dedication, countless hours of effort, and steadfast commitment to putting the club first have left an enduring legacy for future generations.

Peter is succeeded by Robert Duggan, a former club captain and long-standing member of Cork County Cricket Club. With nearly 30 years of involvement both on and off the field, Robert has played over 200 matches in Leinster competitions, primarily representing Cork County, and also captained the Irish Universities side. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the club will provide strong leadership as Cork County embarks on another exciting chapter in 2025.

The AGM also saw the return of David Griffin as Treasurer, a role in which he has served with distinction for many decades. David’s extensive expertise and intimate knowledge of the club will be invaluable as we navigate the financial and operational challenges that lie ahead. His steady hand and unparalleled experience will be a vital asset to the committee moving forward. Talha Kayani who worked diligently in the role for the past three years had decided to step down having taken over from David back in 2021.

Additionally, Diarmuid Carey takes over the club captaincy from Ross Durity, who led the 1st XI with great resolve during his tenure. Diarmuid steps into the role after a successful season as 1st XI captain in Munster and will face a challenging year ahead, with the senior side competing in the Leinster Premier League following their promotion to the league’s newly restructured format. Diarmuid’s recent captaincy experience aided by a wealth of experienced campaigners in the squad will be critical as the team takes on this exciting new chapter in Cork County’s cricketing journey.

Here’s a summary of the key outcomes and discussions from the meeting:

Key Appointments

• President: Mort Kelleher (re-elected)
• Chairperson: Robert Duggan (nominated and elected)
• Secretary: Pat Donnelly (re-elected)
• Treasurer: David Griffin (nominated and elected)

Six committee members were also elected:

1. Kevin Bray
2. Sid Joshi
3. Rashi Mukhopadhayay
4. Talha Mannan
5. Ross Durity
6. Ishaan Singh Seehra

Captains for the 2025 Season

Club Captain: Diarmuid Carey
2nd XI Captain: Robert Duggan
3rd XI Captain: Ishaan Singh Seehra
4th XI Captain: Talha Mannan

Child Welfare

• Child Welfare Officer: Stephen Byrne
• Designated Liaison Person: Pat Donnelly

Membership Subscriptions

Proposed changes to membership subscriptions for the 2025 season were discussed and approved as follows:

• Full Member: €275 (up from €250)
• Family Membership: €350 (unchanged)
• Squash Membership: €150 (up from €120)
• Youth Membership: €125 (unchanged)
• Pavilion Membership: €150 (up from €120)

The increases reflect the club’s need to address rising costs while continuing to maintain and improve facilities.

Achievements of 2024

The meeting celebrated the club’s remarkable achievements over the past year:

• 21 Awards Won: Highlighting the club’s success on both team and individual levels.
• 1st XI Success: Securing a League and Cup double and a spot in the Leinster Premier League for the 2025 season.
• 2nd XI 3 in a row: Winning Division 1 league and T20 Cup.
• 3rd XI Dominance: Completing a remarkable treble of League, Cup and T20 Cup
• U15 winning the T20 Cup and qualifying for All-Ireland Semi-Final
• U13 Team Success: Completing a clean sweep in their league.

Financial Overview

The outgoing Treasurer Talha Kayani provided an update on the club’s financial position:

• Membership numbers and revenues remain strong.
• Rising costs present ongoing challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable revenue solutions.
• A call was made for continued support from members to ensure the club’s long-term success.
• Several financial challenges remain for the new committee to tackle.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on the club’s financial health, operational efficiency, and maintaining its rich tradition of cricketing excellence. The committee encouraged all members to stay actively involved as the club moves forward into another exciting season.

For more updates and information about the upcoming season, stay tuned to our website and social media channels.

Cork County Cricket Club is delighted to confirm details of its 2024 Annual Awards Dinner, set to take place at the elegant River Lee Hotel on Friday, 24th January 2025. This special evening will bring together players, members, and supporters to reflect on the achievements of the past year and celebrate the spirit of the club.

The Annual Awards Dinner is a key highlight in the club’s calendar and offers an opportunity to recognize outstanding performances on and off the field, while also sharing an enjoyable evening with the Cork County community.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 24th January 2025
• Time: Drinks reception begins at 6:00 PM
• Venue: The River Lee Hotel

Tickets:

• Adults: €60
• U18s: €35

Evening Highlights

The evening will begin with a Prosecco and Orange Juice Reception on arrival, followed by a three-course meal featuring:

• A choice of 2 Starters
• A choice of 2 Main Courses
• A choice of 2 Desserts
• Tea/Coffee to finish

As always, the event will feature a guest speaker, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks. This year’s dinner will also include the highly anticipated Awards Presentation, recognizing the players, volunteers, and contributors who made a significant impact during the 2024 season.

Running Order

• 18:00: Guests arrive for drinks reception
• 19:00: Seating arrangements commence
• 19:15: Guests seated
• 19:30: Dinner service begins, with orders taken and wines poured
• 21:00: Speeches and awards presentation during dessert service

Celebrate the 2024 Season

The 2024 season was filled with memorable moments and achievements, and this dinner will be a chance to come together as a club to celebrate those successes. The event is expected to be a fantastic occasion, offering a blend of celebration, recognition, and community spirit that defines Cork County Cricket Club.

Tickets are now available, so be sure to secure your spot early to avoid disappointment.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the guest speaker and other exciting announcements. We look forward to seeing everyone at what promises to be a memorable evening at The River Lee Hotel!

The Committee of Cork County Cricket Club is pleased to announce that the 2024 Annual General Meeting will take place at the Mardyke Clubhouse on Tuesday, 10th December 2024, at 7:30 PM.

This important event is a key date in the club’s calendar, offering all members the opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and discuss the future direction of Cork County Cricket Club.

Agenda for the AGM

1. Apologies
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting
3. Hon. Secretary’s Report
4. Hon. Treasurer’s Report
5. Election of Captains, Officers, and Committee Members for 2025
6. Ratification of Child Safeguarding Personnel for 2025
7. Membership Subscriptions for 2025
8. Any Other Business

The Committee strongly encourages all members to attend the AGM. It is not only an opportunity to stay informed about the club’s operations and plans but also a chance to share your views and contribute to the continued success of the club.

We look forward to seeing as many members as possible on the night. Your participation is vital to ensure Cork County Cricket Club remains a vibrant and well-functioning part of our community.

Mark your calendars and join us as we shape the future of our club!

Date: Tuesday, 10th December 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Clubhouse, The Mardyke

For any questions or additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact a Committee member.

A Century and a Half of Cricket at the Mardyke 

Cork County Cricket Club, a cornerstone of cricket on Leeside and the Munster region, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. To mark this historic milestone, the club has released a commemorative brochure that delves into its rich history, showcasing the club’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1874 to its current status as a thriving cricketing hub.

A Glimpse into the Past

The brochure takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the club’s illustrious past from its formation in 1874 right up through the highs and lows of 150 years of cricket at the Mardyke. From the early days of cricket in Cork to the modern era of international cricket, the club has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Irish cricket.

Cricket was first played on the Mardyke in 1850, and by 1874, Cork County Cricket Club was born. In 1903, cricket legend W.G. Grace famously played at the Mardyke, cementing our place in the sport’s history.

Both World Wars had a profound impact on Cork County. During these periods, the club sustained itself through local matches, building a resilient community spirit that kept the sport alive at the Mardyke.

The post-war years were a golden age for Cork County. Renowned teams from the UK and Ireland regularly visited, and we saw the rise of talented local players who made their mark in Munster and Irish cricket.

1970s to the present day

The 1970s and 80s are remembered as a Golden Age for Cork County, with top-tier teams from across the UK and Ireland regularly visiting the Mardyke. Alongside hosting international stars, the club nurtured local talent who went on to represent Munster, Irish Universities, and even the national team. This era laid the foundation for a thriving youth program, ensuring that the club would continue to grow.

As the 1990s progressed, all the hard work from club legend Dermot Giltinan was beginning to bear fruit. The club entered a highly successful phase which has extended to this day. John Power won his first Irish cap and others achieved recognition at representative levels.

A chap called John Stephenson had been to the Mardyke with Surridge Grant in 1989, and liked it so much he brought his stag party over in September 1994. We had a wonderful game against them in front of a large crowd who came to see Graham Gooch, Nasser Hussain, Derek Pringle, Nick Knight and James Whitaker, who scored a fabulous hundred.

More recently the club has endured the devastation of the flooding in November 2009 which caused significant damage to the long room, squash courts, dressing rooms, and even the bar sustained catastrophic damage, adding insult to injury after the major renovations were completed just a few years prior.

In August 2002, the Mardyke hosted its final full Men’s International fixture between Ireland and the MCC which underlined the Mardyke’s ability to host high-profile international matches. More recently, the club plays host to the Munster Reds with IP50 and IP20 fixtures regularly throughout the summer months.

Cork County re-entered the Leinster League in 2010 having previously played in the competition in the late 1990’s. Since those early days, honours achieved include the Leinster Division 3 title in 2013 and the Leinster Division 2 title in 2016 which also cumulated with honour of the Cricket Ireland Club of the Year. In 2025, the club will compete in the restructured Leinster Premier League.

The pages are filled with many more captivating stories and images of legendary players, memorable matches, and significant milestones that have defined the club’s identity.

A Celebration of the Present

The brochure also highlights the club’s current standing as a vibrant and inclusive sporting organisation. With a thriving membership, a strong focus on youth development, and a commitment to women’s cricket, Cork County CC is ensuring a bright future for the sport in the region.

Own a Piece of History

Over the years, Cork County has been home to players who have represented Munster, Ireland, and international youth teams. Today, we celebrate our 150-year legacy with an eye on the future, inspired by the generations of players, supporters, and volunteers who have made our club what it is.

To learn more about these storied moments, cherished memories, and our vision for the future, pick up our 150th Anniversary Brochure.

To order your copy:

Brochures are available to order online to either collect in the clubhouse or postage throughout Ireland by visiting https://bit.ly/cccc-ticket-sales

Alternatively, you can contact the club at info@corkcountycricketclub.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Cork County Cricket Club’s history.

Cork County Cricket Club is proud to host a landmark event – their inaugural U16 girls’ match – as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations!

On Thursday, 25th July, talented young cricketers from six Fingal clubs in Dublin will travel south to take on the Cork County U16 girls’ team in a thrilling T25 match starting at 1:15 pm.

This match signifies a significant milestone for both Cork County and Munster cricket. It provides a valuable platform to showcase the skills of the club’s dedicated female players who currently compete in the Munster Cricket Union leagues. More importantly, it serves as a crucial stepping stone in the development of girls’ cricket within Cork and the wider Munster region.

The establishment of the first female cricket league in Munster this season has been a major step forward. It has provided regular competitive opportunities for Cork County’s girls, allowing them to hone their skills against teams from across the province. This match against the Fingal U16 girls further strengthens the pathway towards a thriving female cricketing scene in Munster.

The chance to compete against talented players from Dublin adds another exciting dimension to this historic event. Cork County hopes that this will be the first of many such matches, fostering connections and fostering growth within the Leinster cricketing community.

Currently, eight enthusiastic girls are actively involved in hardball cricket at the Mardyke, with five of them gearing up to represent the club on Thursday. Show your support for Ciara Spalding, Sophie Blake, Sara Kamel, Suzanne Kamel, and Alexandra Costello as they take to the field!

This promises to be a fantastic day for cricket, celebrating female talent and the future of the sport. Join us at the Mardyke and be a part of history!

Growing the Women’s Game

Cricket is one of the very few sports where girls and boys can play on the same teams.

Cricket is a great way for young people, especially girls, to participate in a team sport and to make new friends of lots of different nationalities and cultures.

Aideen Sullivan (Girls Squad Manager) has mentioned previously “We have been developing a girls’ squad at Cork County over the past few years. This has two aims, to allow the girls in our club to play matches against girls’ teams in other clubs (as well as the mixed teams in which they currently play), and for the future development of a women’s team at our club.

“Some of our girls have been playing cricket for several years now and in the next few years they will be over the maximum age of 17 for youth competitions, and will be hoping to play in women’s leagues.”

There were no women’s cricket teams in Munster until this season, but several clubs in Leinster and the North have female teams, so there are options for regular matches and even leagues in the near future.

Aideen added: “In Cork County, we have been actively recruiting girls for the past few years, and now have over 20 playing in our club. The other clubs in Munster have smaller numbers of female members. Galway and Kerry Cricket Clubs have women’s teams and we plan to start a women’s team at Cork County within the next year.

“We have been working with the Munster Cricket Union over the past couple of years to develop girls’ and women’s cricket in the province, and are very excited to say that we are planning the first ever interclub girl’s and women’s Munster leagues this summer.

Cricket is a unique sport, explains Aideen, as it allows players to excel at individual skills while also encouraging teamwork. “It would suit girls who have experience at other sports such as camogie or hockey and would like to try something new. But complete beginners who have never played other sports are very welcome also,” she said. “Beginners don’t need to have a high level of physical fitness to play cricket.”

Any girls or women who would like to give cricket a try, please contact youth@corkcountycricketclub.com

The Mardyke is abuzz with anticipation as Cork County Cricket Club gears up for its commemorative 150th anniversary showpiece fixture against the iconic Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Thursday, 6th June.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion is the presence of renowned broadcaster and current MCC President, Mark Nicholas, as the guest speaker for the pre-match lunch. Cricket supporters from Munster and beyond will have the unique opportunity to rub shoulders with this legendary figure while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic milestone event at the Mardyke.

Club Chairman Peter Dineen is looking forward to the occasion and recognises “the unique opportunity to showcase the wonderful venue that the Mardyke is while also celebrating the 150 years of cricketing heritage in the heart of Cork City.”

“It is a great honour for the club to be able to welcome iconic figures such as Mark Nicholas and Graeme Swann among others to the Mardyke for this special occasion”

The excitement intensifies further with the announcement of both lineups, showcasing some familiar names from the international and county scene.

Graeme Swann played 60 Tests for England taking 255 wickets at a touch under 30 runs apiece. He retired as England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker, the leading offspinner, and second among all England slow bowlers only to Derek Underwood.

The MCC side also includes two stalwarts of the English county scene. James Hildreth has been a familiar face in the Somerset side for many seasons and played 286 First Class games for the County amassing 18,000 runs at an average of 41. Jack Brooks, aka the “Headband Warrior”, was one of the leading lights in Yorkshire’s Championship wins of 2014 and 2015. Jack played 154 First Class games in his career taking 531 wickets at an average of 27.66.

Both sides will line up as follows:

MCC:

1. Clint McCabe* (Devon)
2. Garth Davson (Essex)
3. James Hildreth (Somerset)
4. Oliver Soames (Hampshire)
5. Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire)
6. Tom Ullyott (Derbyshire)
7. Ehtesham Ahmed (Balbriggan)
8. Daniel Hogan+ (Pembroke)
9. Jack Brooks (Somerset)
10. Jack Grundy (Oxford University)
11. Alex Evans (Bedfordshire)

Cork County XI:

1. Ross Durity*
2. Robert Duggan
3. Diarmuid Carey
4. Benji Marris+
5. Thorne Prophet
6. Mark Andrianatos
7. Abubakar Saddique
8. Nabeel Anjum
9. Sam Fenn
10. Abdul Ghaffar
11. Sid Joshi
12. Cronan Browne (12th Man)
13. Sahill Momand (13th Man)

With figures like Mark Nicholas, Graeme Swann, Jack Brooks, and James Hildreth gracing the Mardyke, this promises to be a truly unforgettable encounter and a memorable way to mark the 150th year of the club’s existence.

In 1999, Cork County Cricket Club celebrated a monumental year – the club’s 125th anniversary, alongside the 150th anniversary of both the Cork City Club (County’s predecessor) and cricket at the Mardyke Cricket Ground. This article, published then, provides a fascinating glimpse into the club’s rich history.

A Ground Steeped in History

The Mardyke emerges as a central character in the story. Cricket has graced its grounds since 1849, witnessing legendary names like W.G. Grace and W.G. Murdoch, and later stars like Duleepsinhji and Sir Learie Constantine. The article also mentions the final, rain-affected match of 1999 against Mark Alleyne’s Gloucestershire XI, a reminder of the ongoing cricketing legacy.

Beyond Cricket: A Stage for History

The Mardyke wasn’t just about cricket. It hosted the first international lacrosse match in Ireland (1903) and witnessed advancements in cycling technology with the first pneumatic tire used in a race. The ground also holds significance during historical events, with the presence of the 17th Lancers and the 16th Irish Division leaving their mark.

A Legacy of Players and Personalities

The article highlights several notable figures associated with the club. Four test cricketers – Leland Hone, Sir Tim O’Brien, Charlie Hallows, and Doug Wright – donned the Cork County colors. Additionally, interesting personalities like George Berkeley (inventor of the follow-on rule), Dyer (of the Amritsar massacre), and W.P. Lloyd (Victoria Cross recipient) add unique chapters to the club’s story.

Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future

The 1999 celebrations included two commemorative books, delving deep into the history of cricket in Cork. This dedication to preserving the past continues today. As we celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2024, we look back with pride on the rich tapestry woven by players, administrators, and supporters. The legacy of the Mardyke and the incredible stories it holds inspire us to continue this remarkable journey.