In a historic commemoration of the club’s rich legacy, Cork County Cricket Club recently marked the 150th anniversary since its inception. The journey began in 1874 when the inaugural meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Sir Thomas Tobin on the 4th of April 1874 at the Imperial Hotel in Cork.
Led by President Mortimer Kelleher and Chairman Peter Dineen, the current committee gathered at the very location where it all began to pay homage to this significant milestone. Among the distinguished attendees were former Club President Kieran Aherne and esteemed club stalwart David Griffin, who served as both President of Cricket Ireland and a long-standing officer of the club.
Accompanied by current committee members Robert Duggan, Talha Kayani, Diarmuid Carey, Sid Joshi, Kevin O’Sullivan, Pat Donnelly, Susan O’Connell, and Rahul Sethi, the group convened at the Imperial Hotel. Together, they captured a commemorative photograph on the grand staircase of the hotel foyer, mirroring a similar effort by the club committee during the centenary celebrations in 1974.
Photo recreating the 1974 centenary celebration photo, featuring the current Cork County Cricket Club committee (including President Mortimor Kelleher, Chairman Peter Dineen, Robert Duggan, Talha Kayani, Diarmuid Carey, Sid Joshi, Kevin O’Sullivan, Pat Donnelly, Susan O’Connell, and Rahul Sethi) on the steps of the grand staircase at the Imperial Hotel in Cork, commemorating the club’s 150th anniversary.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the club’s enduring legacy and the profound impact it has had on the cricketing community in Cork and beyond over the past century and a half. As Cork County Cricket Club embarks on its 150th year, the spirit of camaraderie and dedication to the sport continues to thrive, ensuring a bright future for generations of cricket enthusiasts to come.
This special gathering marks the official kick-off of a year-long celebration planned by the club. We look forward to sharing more details about upcoming events as we commemorate 150 years of cricketing excellence and camaraderie at Cork County Cricket Club.
The hallowed turf of Cork County Cricket Club’s Mardyke grounds has always been a delight to play on, but now it’s officially award-winning! Matt Reed, the club’s dedicated groundsman, has been crowned the Lord’s Taverners Groundskeeping Team of the Year at the recent Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards, a well-deserved recognition for his meticulous work and passion.
For years, Matt has been the silent maestro behind the scenes, coaxing the Mardyke’s pitches into playing surfaces renowned for their consistency and bounce at both club and Interprovincial level – the dream for any cricketer. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, and finally, the wider Irish cricketing community has acknowledged his immense contribution to the sport.
“The award is richly deserved,” says Club President Mort Kelleher, echoing the sentiments of many.
“On behalf of everyone at Cork County Cricket Club, I would like to congratulate our groundsman Matt Reed on winning the title of Cricket Ireland Groundsperson of the Year.”
“Matt’s wickets at our beloved Mardyke home have been consistently good over the years but this has only been due to Matt’s hard work and diligence. The award is richly deserved. Credit also goes to those who assisted Matt in any way.”
But Matt isn’t one to take all the credit. “I’m incredibly grateful for this award,” he says humbly, “but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the club and the fantastic team who help me keep the Mardyke looking and playing its best.”
The award isn’t just a personal accolade for Matt; it’s a testament to the dedication and passion that runs deep within Cork County Cricket Club. From the tireless efforts of the groundskeeping team to the unwavering support of the club community, the Mardyke’s magic is truly a collective effort.
So, the next time you witness a thrilling match unfold on the Mardyke’s pristine turf, remember the silent hero behind it all – Matt Reed, the award-winning groundsman who ensures every ball bounces true and every player experiences the joy of playing on a pitch fit for champions. Congratulations, Matt!
Cork County Cricket Club emerged with an impressive haul of 20 awards across various divisions and age groups at the prestigious 2023 Munster Cricket Awards. The club’s unparalleled success was celebrated at the ceremony which took place at the Charleville Park Hotel, highlighting both team and individual achievements.
Team Awards
Premier Division Champions – Cork County 1
Premier T20 Champions – Cork County 1
Division 1 Champions – Cork County 2
Division 2 T20 Champions – Cork County 3
Division 3 T20 Champions – Cork County 4
U13 T20 League Champions – Cork County U13 Sharks
U13 Super League Champions – Cork County U13
U17 T20 League Champions – Cork County U17
Munster Team of 2023 – Cork County 1
Individual Awards
Premier T20 Batter of 2023 – Stefano Di Bartolomeo
Premier T20 Bowler of 2023 – Hamdullah Safi
Division 2 Batter of 2023 – Ishaan Singh Seehra
Division 2 T20 Batter of 2023 – Ishaan Singh Seehra
Division 3 Batter of 2023 – Rahul Sethi
Division 3 T20 Batter of 2023 – Prateek Chappanda
U17 Leagues Batter of 2023 – Niall Donnelly
U15 Female Player of 2023 – Ciara Spalding
U13 Leagues Batter of 2023 – Hashim Bilal Ahsan
U13 Leagues Bowler of 2023 – Elmond Momand
U13 Player of 2023 – Eddie Ross
The club’s dedication to fostering a vibrant cricketing community, where individuals of all ages and abilities can excel, has once again been recognised, with 11 individual and team award recipients across both adult and youth levels.
Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions to Cork County Cricket Club’s phenomenal success in 2023. Here’s to more triumphs and cricketing excellence during our 150th anniversary season in 2024!
Cork County Cricket Club at the 2023 Munster Cricket Awards
Youth cricket in Cork County has never been more vibrant, and the recent awards ceremony was a testament to the talent and dedication of our young cricketers. Under the warm embrace of the sun, Cork County Cricket Club celebrated the remarkable achievements of its U13 and U17 squads in the 2023 Munster Cricket competitions. The event not only marked a glorious moment for the players but also highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing young cricketing talent.
Behind every successful youth program, there is a dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure the players have the best possible experience. The Youth Committee of Cork County Cricket Club played a pivotal role in organizing the awards ceremony and supporting the young cricketers throughout their journey. Their commitment to fostering talent and providing a nurturing environment deserves special recognition.
The U13 and U17 squads of Cork County Cricket Club have been on an outstanding journey throughout the season, showcasing their skills, determination, and passion for the game. Their hard work resulted in more silverware:
U13 T20 Cup
U13 Super League
U17 T20 Cup
The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of Jack Filen, the President of Munster Cricket. His attendance not only added prestige to the event but also showed Munster Cricket’s unwavering support for youth cricket development. Mr. Filen’s words of encouragement and praise motivated the young cricketers and instilled a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
No celebration is complete without delicious treats, and the young cricketers were in for a delightful surprise thanks to Lavish Foods. The generous contribution of Lavish Foods added flavour to the event, and their tasty treats were enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Cork County Cricket Club looks forward to continued success and growth in youth cricket, driven by the enthusiasm and passion of these remarkable young players.
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.
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 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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
