Connacht to Face Munster in First Cricket Interprovincial Match in Over 130 Years at Lydican Ground
Galway is celebrating a significant milestone in Connacht sport. On Wednesday, at the Lydican ground just east of the city, Connacht will play Munster in their first interprovincial cricket match in over 130 years.
Connacht’s head coach, Kevin O’Brien, an Irish cricket legend and current coach of Italy, views this as a significant starting point. The Connacht Cricket Union, now recognised by Cricket Ireland, is fielding a team for the first time. O’Brien was impressed by the quality of players he found, noting that Connacht’s XI could compete in Leinster’s second tier.
Cricket has a rich history in the west, with one of the first clubs established in Ballinasloe in 1825. Connacht participated in early interprovincial matches in the 1890s but had not played together since 1892. The sport saw a revival when Co. Galway was re-established in 1970, and the Connacht Union, founded in 2010, has been growing steadily. Their five-year strategic plan includes developing grounds and youth competitions.
The match against Munster will feature an all-Munster team, a rarity for senior interprovincials. O’Brien has high hopes, praising players like left-arm swing bowler Iliff Sumit and batsman Shariq Nasim. Cricket Ireland president Stella Downes will attend the 50-over game, starting at 11 a.m., alongside notable guests including Kevin O’Brien’s father, Brendan, a former Galway native and cricket international.
The match coincides with the 100th anniversary of Indian-born cricketer Kumar Sri Ranjitsinhji, Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, purchasing Ballynahinch Castle in Galway. Ranji, one of cricket’s greatest batsmen, played 15 tests for England and spent many summers in Connemara. Historian Anne Chambers will give a talk on Ranji during tea, celebrating the ongoing revival of Connacht cricket.
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