With the 2016 season well under way for all clubs, it is a good time to recap on what's happening in Munster at both club and provincial level as we look forward to some exciting encounters for the Munster Reds and in our League and Cup competitions. With the Leinster Lightning due to take on the Reds and a new website and logo due to be launched in the coming weeks it is an exciting time for Munster Cricket.
Munster Reds defeat the MCC
The Munster Reds began their 2016 campaign with a comprehensive 9 wicket victory over the Marylebone Cricket Club at the Mardyke on Tuesday May 31st. The touring side won the toss, but having lost two wickets off their first two balls from the bowling of Mudassar Aziz, and from there they never recovered, on 28-5 at one stage a brief late fightback saw them close on a subpar 116 all-out. Despite losing opener Stephan Grobler the hosts made light work of chasing down the score, with Co Galway’s Conor Mullen (57*) and Cork County’s Cormac Hassett (46*) sealing a comfortable nine wicket victory.
MCC 116 all out off 37.3 overs (G Jackson 45*; Mudassar Aziz 9-4-23) lost to Munster Reds Development XI 117-1 off 20.3 overs (C Mullen 57*; J Forsyth 7.3-1-35) by 9 wickets. scorecard
Next up for the Munster Reds is entertaining the current Interprovincial champions the Leinster Lightning in two T20 challenge matches on Sunday 17th July at the Mardyke.
Presentation Brothers College Retain the Munster Schools T20 Cup:
A smashing partnership between brothers Aidan and Brian Kelleher secured the Cork T20 Schools cup for Presentation Brothers College against the Combined Community School side at the Mardyke a fortnight ago. Despite Seanan Jones’ excellent 79 the Combined Community School favourites ended just below the considered par of 150 on 148. Pres lost opener Diarmuid Carey early but fine batting between Aidan and Brian, ably assisted by Ryan O’Connell either side of the partnership, having retired from back spasms, guided PBC to retain the inaugural crown they won last year.
Munster Cricket were delighted to see five schools participate in the round robin tournament – Midleton College, Bandon Grammar and CBC Cork being the other participants aside from the finalists. It is hoped that this competition will expand further in 2017 with some schools from outside Cork participating as well.
IUCA Outdoor Intervarsity:
Munster Cricket reached another landmark at the beginning of June, hosting the Irish University Cricket Association outdoor intervarsities across two days in Cork. While hosts UCC exited at the semi-final stage, comprehensively beaten by the University of Ulster; the tournament saw some top class cricket by all four sides, with DIT beating UUJ in the final having been given a bye into the final after losing to Trinity. The competition is the premier third-level cricket tournament in Ireland, and a successful tournament down South may see more hosted in the future.
New Administrative Assistant:
Off-the-field the Munster Cricket Union appointed Kevin Galvin as Administrative Assistant for the 2016 season. Kevin is a freelance journalist, who writes on Cricket every Thursday in the Evening Echo, and is a member of UCC Cricket Club and has been involved in Munster Cricket almost a decade. His position is to facilitate the growth of Munster Cricket across all levels, and to work with the Munster Reds in their preparations for the 2017 Interprovincials.
Speaking following his appointment Galvin said “I’m extremely delighted to have this opportunity to work with the Munster Cricket Union and develop the sport down here to its fullest potential. The development of Munster Cricket is close to my heart, and through the success already seen at UCC Cricket I believe I can deliver what Munster needs from my position to flourish.
"As we can see through the increase in numbers, improvement in facilities, competitive senior and underage teams, and improved cooperation between the clubs and the union we are heading in the right direction, and this year is absolutely crucial to continue on that success as part of our transition to next year’s Interprovincials.
"We are now beginning to build a sustainable structure, and with assistance from Cricket Ireland we hope to build towards being a leading light of Irish cricket. My job will focus on many areas; from on the field performance, to proper administrative practices, improving our image and publicity, to securing sponsorship and the financial requirements of the Union going forward.
"I am always open to ideas and I would ask anyone who feels they have something to offer not to hesitate to contact me or the Munster Cricket.”
Galvin was chosen following a process that saw five candidates selected for interview from a pool of applicants. Kevin began with the Union on Monday May 16th and will be working until the end of the season. He can be contacted via email kjgalvin@gmail.com
Club Accreditation:
Clubs are reminded that the Accreditation examination process will be undertaken by Tim Simmonite of Cricket Ireland on the week beginning Monday September 5th. Clubs are asked to send the contact details of the relevant points-of-contact for accreditation to the Munster Cricket, or Administrative Assistant Kevin Galvin (see email address above)
Full details of Club Accreditation are available by clicking here.
Club Grants:
Munster Cricket are pleased to confirm that grants have been allocated to clubs in recent weeks to assist them in upgrading their facilities in the overall context of working towards achieving club accreditation to Level 1 or 2 status.
Grants totalling €10,000 have been allocated from the funds that were ring fenced for this purpose in 2014.
The projects receiving assistance are as follows:
- Co Kerry – net facilities at the new Oyster Oval Ground
- Limerick – planned purchase of an outfield mower
- Lismore – assistance with cricket equipment
- Waterford & District – contribution to the cost of the matting wicket at the new ground at Carriganore
- Cork County – replacement of sightscreen damaged in the winter storms
- Co Galway – contribution to the cost of replacement of their matting wicket
- Midleton – planned purchase of an outfield mower
- Cork Harlequins – planned purchase of a heavy roller.
New Logo & Website:
As part of the Munster Cricket's re-branding strategy we are pleased to announce that Munster Cricket have partnered with Granite Digital – a Cork based IT company with whom our PRO, Robert Duggan, is employed – to develop the new website with financial support from Cricket Ireland.
Launching on Monday June 20th, the upgrade will maintain current content as well as developing entirely new sections on the history of Munster Cricket and information on the Union itself. A sleek, easy-to-use new layout will be partnered with some eye-catching graphics to make Munster Cricket’s web-space on par with some of the best sporting websites in Ireland.
If you would like to contribute stories or images to the new website you can contact webmaster Robert Duggan at rduggan2000@gmail.com.
