Pembroke Cricket Club are on the verge of one of the most remarkable seasons in Irish club sport, with a five-trophy haul in their sights and a CL Senior Cup final against Leinster CC taking place today at Sydney Parade.
Never before has a more talented group of players assembled under the same club banner in Ireland. Seven of the men's first team have played for Ireland in the last nine months: Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Tim and Harry Tector, Gavin Hoey, Barry McCarthy and Josh Little. Byron McDonough is set to make his debut for the national side next week.
The club has already won the Leinster T20 Cup and will meet Newbuildings in the All-Ireland T20 semi-final next Sunday. The following week they face CSNI in the Evara All-Ireland 50-over final in Clontarf. Pembroke also lead the IBI Corporate Finance Premier League with five games to play, making today's cup final the second step in what the club calls the Drive for Five.
Selection headaches pile up
The cup final against Leinster comes with significant absentees. Test captain Balbirnie is ineligible, having not played in the tournament this season. McCarthy and Little are injured. The looming Ireland series against Afghanistan threatens further disruption, with Hoey and McDonough called up for potential ODI debuts.
Cricket Ireland's rest and recuperation protocols have added to the tension. The governing body has warned clubs that any player who turns out for Ireland in the final match of the Afghanistan series cannot play in a marquee club fixture the following day. Club chair Barry Tucker said the arrangement could result in the Ireland coach playing for CSNI while five of his players are forced to sit out. At least one senior Pembroke player has reportedly told Cricket Ireland he intends to play at Clontarf regardless.
A formidable opponent
Leinster CC present a strong challenge. Their attack is led by Jai Moondra, described as the fastest bowler in the country, while Gareth Delany is characterised as a world-class all-rounder. Younas Ahmadzai has scored three centuries this season, and Mark Tonge has earned a cap for Lightning after a productive year. The side is led by experienced Australian Joey Carroll.
Women's game also represented
Pembroke's success extends to the women's game. Five women's internationals play for the club, including Orla Prendergast, described as Ireland's best player. Kim Garth, who won a T20 World Cup medal with Australia, also came through at Pembroke.
Built on a lean period
Tucker attributed part of the club's current strength to a difficult spell roughly a decade ago when they were forced to play young cricketers early. That experience gave players such as Little, JJ Garth and Lorcan Tucker the senior exposure they needed to develop. The Tectors and Olly Riley subsequently joined after the closure of neighbouring club YMCA two years ago.
The club is also conscious of retaining its pipeline. Twins Daniel and Luke Murray, nearly 19, have made just 12 senior appearances between them and are heading to Australia on cricket scholarships this winter. Pembroke fear they may seek more game time elsewhere on their return, a concern brought into sharper focus after another young player already moved to Railway Union.
Today's final begins at noon and is live on YouTube.
