Munster-born Bryan O’Donnell has been formally appointed as the President of Cricket Ireland for the 2026-27 term – a role which his father held 63 years ago.

Mr O’Donnell was an all-round sportsperson from an early age, whose interests included competitive swimming, athletics, rugby, fishing and cricket. 

The latter of these became possibly his true sporting passion and played club cricket with numerous clubs, but possibly most significantly for Cork County Cricket Club, where he was captain of the Club during its Centenary Year in 1974. 

He played Guinness Cup from 1970 to 1988 and represented his province from the age of 17. He was also a founding member of Cork Harlequins Cricket Club. 

After retiring from playing cricket, Mr O’Donnell went into swimming coaching and other voluntary administrative roles – and he served as Treasurer of the Munster Cricket Union from 2012 to 2021.

Addressing the attendees of the AGM, Bryan O’Donnell said:

“My thanks to those who have placed their trust in me to represent the Office. I’m very proud to be following in my father’s footsteps and honoured to become President of Cricket Ireland. To Donna , I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your year as President and have plenty of tips for me - and I wish you the happiest time ahead for your next endeavours.

“While three kids and eight grandchildren usually keep us busy, unfortunately granddad is going to be around a little less over the next year.”