Cork cricket club on sticky wicket launches appeal to save clubhouse

A fundraising campaign to tackle severe leaks in the roof of the iconic Pavillion clubhouse at the Mardyke has been launched by Cork County Cricket Club.

The Pavillion has been the club’s home since 1874, but the roof is severely leaking at present, leading to increased water damage that threatens the structural integrity of the building and will lead to the building being deemed unsafe without intervention.

The Cork County Cricket Club has launched a “Raise the Roof” campaign, looking to raise €50,000 to fund a restoration project in two phases.

The first phase would cover the immediate replacement of the entire roof structure to ensure it is watertight, while the second phase would address the internal damage that has been caused and include a full interior restoration.

The campaign is supported by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who visited the club at the weekend to cut the ribbon on the club’s recently refurbished Scorer’s Box.

Important part of Cork's history

Mr Martin said: “The Cork County Cricket Club is an important part of Cork’s history and the clubhouse is a popular location for many events, not just cricket.

“I wish the club the very best of luck in their efforts to repair the roof and maintain it for many years to come.”

Cricket club chairperson Robert Duggan said: “The Mardyke Pavilion is more than just a clubhouse; it’s a living piece of Cork’s sporting heritage.

“For 150 years, it has stood as a beacon for cricket, hosting countless matches, fostering young talent, and bringing generations together. To lose it would be to lose the soul of our club and a vital community asset.”

Club honorary treasurer David Griffin added: “Every sum raised will directly contribute to protecting a unique piece of Irish sporting architecture and guaranteeing that our junior players, current members, and future generations continue to have a safe, vibrant home at the Mardyke.”

• Email: info@corkcountycricketclub.com for information; donate at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/raisetheroof.