The Connacht Cricket Union, Munster Cricket Union and North West Cricket Union – with the support of Cricket Ireland - have today unveiled a new domestic representative competition – the Wild Atlantic Way Cup.
This new 40-over competition will feature a representative team from each Provincial Union playing a three-match round robin in its first year.
Three high-profile Irish coaches (formerly international players) will be head coaches of the teams:
- Kevin O’Brien (Connacht)
- Jeremy Bray (Munster)
- Boyd Rankin (North West)
Teams will play for a new hand cut Galway Crystal-designed trophy, with the intention that this will become an annual competition on the Irish cricket calendar.
Jeff Smith, Chair of Connacht Cricket Union, said:
“The Wild Atlantic Way Cup is a fantastic initiative that will provide additional high-quality cricket for emerging talent coming through the three westernmost Provincial Unions in Ireland. We believe the emerging talent in the Unions that share the western coastline deserve greater opportunity to play at an elevated standard. Part of this will be the three head coaches – Kevin O’Brien, Jeremy Bray and Boyd Rankin – who will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the competition. We look forward to the start of the action this Thursday.”
FIXTURE SCHEDULE
- 21 May 2026: Connacht v Munster (The Lydican; starts 11am)
- 17 June 2026: North West v Connacht (Ardmore; starts 11am)
- 25 August 2026: Munster v North West (Venue TBC; starts 11am)
