Here are match previews for Week 5 of the Munster Cricket Union (MCU) season, set for Saturday 17 May and Sunday 18 May. The sun is shining across the province, and anticipation is high—especially for the kickoff of the MCU Women’s T15 Superleague!
🗓️ Saturday, 17 May – Match Previews
🔵 Cork Harlequins CC 4th XI vs Waterford Vikings 1st XI
📍 Farmers Cross, Cork | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 3A – 40 Overs
The Harlequins 4th XI return to Farmers Cross seeking to build early-season momentum and will enjoy home advantage on the excellent Quins track. Waterford Vikings 1st XI, known for their tenacity, will be looking to travel well and impose their experience. Expect a competitive clash between Cork finesse and Waterford grit.
🟢 Clare CC 3rd XI vs Kerry CC 5th XI
📍 Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 3B – 40 Overs
Clare’s 3rd XI welcomes the newest of the Kerry sides in their 5th XI for a crucial early battle in Division 3B. With both teams still finding rhythm, this match could be a breakthrough for emerging talents on both sides.
🟡 Midleton CC 3rd XI vs United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI
📍 Townparks, Midleton | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 3A – 40 Overs
Midleton’s 3rd XI will be eager to protect their home turf against Clonmel’s 2nd XI. With both clubs fielding well-balanced squads, this could be a close contest shaped by top-order batting.
🗓️ Sunday, 18 May – Match Previews
🔵 Midleton CC 2nd XI vs United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI
📍 Townparks, Midleton
Division 2B – 40 Overs
Midleton’s 2nd XI face a stern test against the more seasoned Clonmel 1st XI. The visitors bring experience and tactical depth, but the home side will be banking on local knowledge and crowd support to stage an upset.
🔵 Waterford & District CC 1st XI vs Lismore CC 1st XI
📍 Carriganore CG, Waterford
Division 2B – 40 Overs
Two of the top contenders in Division 2B face off in what could be an early season decider. Waterford will want to make Carriganore a fortress, but Lismore are well-drilled and never short on discipline.
💖 MCU Women’s T15 Superleague Launch!
💥 Round 1 of the Women’s T15 League begins this weekend!
The MCU Women’s Superleague returns and the 1st round of matches is hosted at Lydican, home ground of Co. Galway CC. This year 4 teams are in contention for the league title, with newcomers Kerry Oystercatchers starting their campaign in the 2nd round. Will the advantage of home games help Co. Galway women retain the silverware? Or will Limerick CC and Cork Co. CC cause upset? It’s all to play for at Lydican.
🟣 County Galway CC Women’s 1st XI vs Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI
📍 Lydican (MC), Galway | ⏰ 10:00am IST
This marks the launch of the 2025 MCU Women’s Superleague. Galway’s squad, always athletic and sharp in the field, will face a spirited Limerick side with power-hitters in the lineup. A historic game in the making!
🟣 Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI vs Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI
📍 Lydican (MC), Galway | ⏰ 1:30pm IST
Limerick play back-to-back matches, needing depth and endurance against a seasoned Cork County team. Expect fireworks as Cork brings tactical know-how and experience to the afternoon clash.
🟣 County Galway CC Women’s 1st XI vs Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI
📍 Lydican (MC), Galway | ⏰ 5:00pm IST
This late fixture wraps up a thrilling day in Galway. With two of the strongest squads in the province, it could be a preview of the finals. Watch for sharp bowling and fast scoring in this twilight showdown.
👦 Youth Spotlight – MCU U13 League
🧢 Cork County CC U13B TIGERS vs Limerick CC U13 XI
📍 The Mardyke, Cork | ⏰ 10:00am IST
Young talents take centre stage as the Tigers host Limerick in this 30-over clash. A fantastic chance for future stars to show their form in front of family and friends.
🧢 Cork County CC U13A SHARKS vs Cork Harlequins CC U13 XI
📍 Lydican (MC), Galway | ⏰ 1:30pm IST
An all-Cork derby in Galway? This match promises fun and fierce local rivalry as the Sharks and Harlequins U13s square off for bragging rights and early season points.
🟠 Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI vs Limerick CC 3rd XI
📍 Farmers Cross, Cork | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 2A – 40 Overs
Both clubs are evenly matched and looking to climb the Division 2A table. Harlequins will lean on their consistent middle order, while Limerick’s seamers could cause problems early.
🟢 Limerick Blasters CC 2nd XI vs Nenagh CC 2nd XI
📍 Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 2A – 40 Overs
A key fixture for mid-table shaping. The Blasters, always aggressive with the bat, meet a solid Nenagh side known for discipline. The pitch could be the equalizer in this tense encounter.
🔵 County Kerry CC 3rd XI vs Clare CC 2nd XI
📍 Oyster Oval, Tralee | ⏰ 11:00am IST
Division 2B – 40 Overs
Kerry’s 3rd XI are tough to beat at home, but Clare’s 2nd XI are known for late-inning surges. This could be a match that swings in the final five overs.
