Munster Cricket Awards 2025 – Celebrating a Season of Success
The 2025 Munster Cricket Awards proved a fitting finale to a hugely successful season, as more than 100 guests gathered at the stunning Fota Island Resort in Cork on a fine autumnal afternoon to celebrate excellence across all levels of the game. Every one of Munster’s 14 clubs was represented, with over 50 awards presented in recognition of the achievements, commitment, and spirit that defined another memorable year for cricket in the province.
Proceedings began with Operations Manager Len Browne offering opening remarks, setting the tone for an afternoon that balanced reflection with celebration. MCU President Jack Filen then officially welcomed everyone, taking the opportunity to look back on what he described as “a season of growth, achievement, and togetherness across Munster cricket.”
The Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Brokenshire, guided the audience through the day’s programme warmth and energy. His presentation, supported by striking graphics and video highlights, brought to life the key moments and milestones of the 2025 season—from thrilling title races to landmark individual performances.
The awards began with the Youth Categories, shining a spotlight on the next generation of Munster cricketers, before moving on to the Women’s Awards, Open League trophies, and the coveted Cup competitions. A refreshment break followed, with tea, coffee, and a tempting array of pastries providing a welcome pause for conversation and camaraderie.
Among the afternoon’s highlights was the presentation of the Blanche Rutland Celtic Spirit Women’s Super Cup, awarded by sponsor Sarah Barry, as well as the Sports Hub Munster Senior Cup, presented by Yogesh Kashyap of Sports Hub. The audience was also delighted to welcome Brian O’Donnell, Cricket Ireland President-elect for 2026, a familiar figure in Munster cricket and a former MCU President and formidable fast bowler for both Cork Harlequins and Cork County.
Following the interval, attention turned to Interprovincial achievements, celebrating the Munster Reds’ progress and the individual players who made their mark at national level.
The ceremony concluded with the Special Recognition Awards, a series of honours that captured the spirit and character of the Munster cricket community:
- Umpire of the Year – Dean Wilson
- Munster Spirit of Cricket Award – Braden Warnke (Kerry)
- President of Munster Cricket Award – Abdul Jabbar Younus (Cork Harlequins CC), a hugely popular and richly deserved winner
The final major presentation went to the MCU Team of the Year, awarded to Cork County CC 1st XI, whose remarkable season included victories in the T20 title, Premier Division, and the Sports Hub Munster Senior Cup, as well as an impressive run to the All-Ireland T20 final, where they narrowly missed out against Instonians.
As the afternoon drew to a close, heartfelt thanks were extended to all players, officials, volunteers, and supporters for their contributions throughout the year. The event concluded with a warm invitation to attend the forthcoming Munster Cricket AGM, with details to be confirmed shortly.
The 2025 Munster Cricket Awards not only celebrated outstanding achievements but also underlined the shared passion, dedication, and community spirit that continue to drive the game forward across the province.
