The Munster Cricket Union (MCU) calendar is in full swing as we head into the first Bank Holiday weekend of May 2026. With 16 matches scheduled across three days, teams are looking to cement their positions in their respective tables.
Here is your preview for Week 3 of the MCU season.
Saturday, 2 May
Division 1 (45 Overs)
Cork Harlequins 2nd XI vs. Cork County 2nd XI
Venue: Farmers Cross | Time: 11:00am
The Story: A classic Cork derby. Harlequins’ depth at Farmers Cross is always a challenge, but County’s 2nd XI often features experienced players capable of managing the 45-over grind.
Clare CC 2nd XI vs. Nenagh CC 1st XI
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval | Time: 11:00am
The Story: A massive test for Clare’s seconds. Nenagh’s 1st XI will be looking for clinical execution in Shannon to prove they are the class of Division 1 this year.
Midleton CC 2nd XI vs. Limerick Blasters 1st XI
Venue: Townparks | Time: 11:00am
The Story: The Blasters’ first team heads to East Cork as favorites, but Townparks is famous for being a “fortress” where the boundaries can be tempting and the pitch tricky.
Limerick CC 2nd XI vs. County Kerry 2nd XI
Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare | Time: 12:00pm
The Story: Starting an hour later, this match features a lovely Adare backdrop. Expect a competitive clash between two sides that mirror each other’s developmental structures.
Division 3 & 5 (40 Overs)
Limerick Blasters 3rd XI vs. Lismore 1st XI: Lismore’s firsts bring a wealth of experience to Ballyneety.
United Cricket Clonmel 1st XI vs. Clare 4th XI: Clonmel looks to assert dominance at the Castle Grounds.
Waterford Vikings 2nd XI vs. Midleton 4th XI: A developmental clash at Gracedieu West.
Nenagh 4th XI vs. Limerick 4th XI: Youth versus experience in the heart of Tipperary.
Sunday, 3 May
MCU Premier (50 Overs)
County Kerry 1st XI vs. Limerick CC 1st XI
Venue: Oyster Oval, Tralee | Time: 11:00am
The Big One: The match of the weekend. Both clubs have high aspirations for the Premier title this year. Kerry’s seamers will look to exploit the early morning conditions in Tralee, while Limerick’s top order will aim to go big in the full 50-over format.
Division 2 (40 Overs)
Waterford Vikings 1st XI vs. UCC CC 1st XI: The students travel to Waterford for a high-stakes Division 2 encounter.
Limerick CC 3rd XI vs. Cork County 3rd XI: Adare hosts a middle-table battle that could dictate the promotion race.
Division 4 (40 Overs)
Midleton 3rd XI vs. Lismore 2nd XI: A battle for local pride at Townparks.
Limerick Blasters 4th XI vs. Clonmel 2nd XI: Critical points on the line at Croker’s Oval.
Monday, 4 May (Bank Holiday)
MCU Premier (50 Overs)
Cork Harlequins 1st XI vs. Clare CC 1st XI
Venue: Farmers Cross | Time: 11:00am
The Story: Quins finish the weekend hosting a Clare side that has become increasingly dangerous in the longer format. With tired legs from a long weekend, the side with the better fitness and spin options will likely prevail.
Division 5 (40 Overs)
County Kerry 5th XI vs. Cork County 4th XI: The weekend concludes at the Oyster Oval with a focus on blooding new talent into the senior leagues.
Ground Conditions Note
With the current weather patterns in Munster, expect Oyster Oval and Farmers Cross to offer some early assistance to the bowlers, while The Manor Fields and Ballycasey are likely to be the pick of the batters’ wickets this weekend.
