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.
