Munster’s Bryan O’Donnell named as Cricket Ireland President 2026-27
Bryan O’Donnell is a prominent figure in Irish cricket, particularly within the Munster region. A founding force at the Cork Harlequins Cricket Club and later a Cork County Cricket Club man, he has a long-standing legacy as a player, administrator, and representative of the sport in Cork. During the late 1960s and 1970s, O’Donnell was one of a small group of high-profile cricketers who helped establish the section’s competitive standing. His father Cyril O’Donnell was a long-time Cork County President, and Bryan is quite unique in having significant honours at two of the province’s most prolific clubs.
Cricket Career & Achievements
- Player: O’Donnell was a formidable fast bowler for both Cork County and Cork Harlequins.
- Representative Cricket: He played Guinness Cup (interprovincial) cricket for Munster for nearly two decades (1970–1988). During this time, he took 77 wickets, which included notable seven-wicket hauls against North Leinster and Ulster Town.
- Leadership: He captained Cork County in 1973 and 1974 (the club’s centenary year). He also captained the Munster interprovincial side in 1977.
Administration & Governance
Bryan has been a cornerstone of cricket governance in Munster for many years:
- Munster Cricket Union (MCU): He served as the Treasurer and Chair of the Commercial Committee for the MCU for a significant period before stepping down from those specific roles around 2021. He is a former President of the MCU.
- Cricket Ireland: He was recently named the President-elect of Cricket Ireland for 2026. This follows a family tradition, as his father, Cyril C.G. O’Donnell, also served as President of the Irish Cricket Union in 1963 and was a long-time President of Cork County CC.
Legacy in Cork
His contributions are frequently recognised at the annual MCU Awards. He is widely respected for his “calm assurance” in fiscal matters and his lifelong dedication to promoting the sport in the South of Ireland. His family name is synonymous with the history of the Mardyke, the home ground of Cork County Cricket Club.
All at Munster Cricket wish Bryan all the very best as he assumes the office of President of Cricket Ireland. Go n-éirí leat!
MCU Cricket Ireland Presidents’ Honour Roll (1946- )
1963 CCG O’Donnell (MCU)
1971 AP Harris (MCU)
1979 NC Mahony (MCU)
1987 PJ Dineen (MCU)
2002 E McCann (MCU)
2022-23 David Griffin (MCU)
2026-27 Bryan O’Donnell (MCU)
