As the 2026 Munster Cricket Union season kicks into high gear, Week 2 presents a packed schedule across all levels. From the high-stakes battles of the Premier Division to the essential development matches in Division 4, here is your comprehensive guide to the weekend’s action.
Saturday, 25 April: Division 1 & Division 3
MCU Division 3 (40 Overs) | 11:00 AM
- Waterford & District CC 1st XI vs. County Kerry CC 3rd XI
- Venue: Carriganore CG, Waterford
- Preview: Waterford looks to protect their home turf against a Kerry 3rd XI that is difficult to break down. Watch for Waterford’s opening bowlers to try and exploit any early morning moisture in the Carriganore deck.
- Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI vs. United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI
- Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety
- Preview: A major test for the Blasters’ 3rd XI as they host Clonmel’s top side. Clonmel will look to dominate with the bat, but the Blasters have a knack for finding breakthroughs at Ballyneety.
- Clare CC 4th XI vs. Lismore CC 1st XI
- Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon
- Preview: Lismore brings significant experience to Shannon. For the Clare 4th XI, this is an opportunity to test their defensive discipline against a Lismore side that likes to score quickly.
MCU Division 1 (45 Overs) | 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM
- Midleton CC 2nd XI vs. County Kerry CC 2nd XI
- Venue: Townparks, Midleton
- Preview: A 2nd XI battle that often mirrors the intensity of the senior sides. Midleton’s blend of youth and experience will be tested by a Kerry side that travels with plenty of bowling options.
- Cork Harlequins CC 2nd XI vs. Clare CC 2nd XI
- Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork
- Preview: Traditionally a high-scoring ground, Farmers Cross should provide a great deck for this encounter. Harlequins’ 2nd XI will look to use their home-field advantage to put the visitors under early pressure.
- Cork County CC 2nd XI vs. Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI
- Venue: The Mardyke, Cork
- Preview: The Blasters’ 1st XI visits the historic Mardyke. County’s 2nd XI is coming off a strong 2025 campaign and will need their top order to fire to keep pace with the Blasters’ aggressive middle-order hitters.
- Limerick CC 2nd XI vs. Nenagh CC 1st XI (12:00 PM start)
- Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare
- Preview: The late start in Adare features Nenagh’s top side. Limerick 2nd XI will have to work hard to contain a Nenagh unit that has shown great form in pre-season friendlies.
Sunday, 26 April: Premier, Division 2 & Division 4
MCU Premier Division (50 Overs) | 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM
- Midleton CC 1st XI vs. Clare CC 1st XI
- Venue: Townparks, Midleton
- Preview: Midleton’s top squad will be tested by a formidable Clare 1st XI. In the 50-over format, the battle of attrition in the middle overs will be key.
- County Galway CC 1st XI vs. Cork County CC 1st XI
- Venue: Lydican, Galway
- Preview: A massive clash in the west. Cork County (last year’s Senior T20 finalists) faces a Galway side that is exceptionally tough to beat on their own mat.
- Limerick CC 1st XI vs. County Kerry CC 1st XI (12:00 PM start)
- Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare
- Preview: Last year’s National Cup finalists, County Kerry, head to Adare. This is arguably the game of the weekend; Limerick will need a clinical performance to stop Kerry’s potent bowling attack.
MCU Division 2 (40 Overs) | 11:00 AM
- Nenagh CC 2nd XI vs. Waterford Vikings 1st XI
- Venue: Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds, Nenagh
- Preview: The Vikings travel north looking for an away win. Nenagh’s home ground is famous for its character, and the Vikings’ bowlers will need to adapt quickly to the conditions.
- Clare CC 3rd XI vs. Limerick CC 3rd XI
- Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon
- Preview: A battle that could set the tone for the rest of the season. Expect a close-run game where the team that concedes fewer extras likely takes the points.
- Cork County CC 3rd XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 3rd XI
- Venue: The Mardyke, Cork
- Preview: The “Cork Derby” at the Mardyke. There is never much between these two clubs, and their 3rd XIs will be fighting for local bragging rights.
MCU Division 4 (40 Overs) | 11:00 AM
- Limerick Blasters CC 4th XI vs. County Kerry CC 4th XI
- Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety
- Preview: A vital fixture for the youth pathway of both clubs. It’s a chance for the emerging talent in Munster to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.
- United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI vs. Midleton CC 3rd XI
- Venue: Lisronagh Castle Grounds, Clonmel
- Preview: Midleton travels to the heart of Tipperary. The Lisronagh grounds often reward straight hitting, so the bowlers on both sides will need to maintain a disciplined line.
The MCU endeavours to review 5 matches at the end of each week, covering as many clubs and divisions as possible.
