The Veterans Cricket Association of Ireland (VCAI) today unveiled the most ambitious programme in its short history, headlined by the launch of the inaugural Inter-Regional North vs South Series at both Over-40 and Over-50 levels, alongside the opening of player registration through the association’s new website.
The first Over 50 Inter-Regional is scheduled for Merrion CC, on the 10th of June with the first Over 40’s Inter-Regional taking place on the 24th of June in North Dublin. Selection for the Over 40’s Triple Crown in England in late July, will be very much on the agenda.
For players who thought their representative cricket days were behind them, think again.
The VCAI exists to champion competitive cricket for players aged 40 and over across Ireland, creating a genuine pathway from club cricket to regional selection — and ultimately to pulling on the Ireland shirt at veterans level.
And there is a key point at the heart of it all: selection will be earned, not handed out. The association wants veterans cricket to remain properly competitive, whilst enjoyable, while also being proud to wear the shamrock representing their country.
Liam Casey, organiser and committee member of the Veterans Cricket Association of Ireland, believes the game has reached a turning point.
“We set up the VCAI to give players over 40 and over 50 a real pathway in the game they love, while protecting the standard of what it means to play at an Inter Regional level & also represent Ireland at veterans level,” he said.
“With the launch of the North vs South Series, fantastic sponsor backing and a website that finally brings everything together, this is the strongest platform veterans cricket in Ireland has ever had. We’d encourage every eligible player to register and put themselves forward.”
The newly-launched North vs South Series is designed to become the centrepiece of that journey. Played at marquee venues across the island, the series will provide a true bridge between club and international cricket, bringing regional pride, old rivalries and competitive edge back to the forefront.
In a major boost, the VCAI also confirmed premium watch and accessories brand Daniel Wellington as title sponsor of the inaugural series.
Meanwhile, the Ireland Over-40s squad heads into 2026 with sponsorship backing from Synova and LHW, helping support travel, kit and a fixture list that now stretches across four nations. Sports Hub has also generously sponsored portions of the kits for players too.
The Ireland Over-50s programme is actively seeking a title sponsor, with the VCAI describing it as a unique opportunity to partner with one of the fastest-growing sectors of Irish cricket.
Off the field, the association is also beginning the serious work of formalising the game’s history.
A new official register will record every Ireland Veterans cap awarded — 36 at Over-40 level between 2023 and 2025, and 26 at Over-50 level since 2024 — ensuring players’ achievements are permanently recognised and properly documented.
The launch of the VCAI website gives the organisation a central home for fixtures, results, caps, constitutional documents and news updates, while registration is now officially open for players who believe they are ready to push for representative honours.
And there is more to come with the association keen to broaden its appeal and reach with a women’s section.
While the VCAI has initially focused on men’s cricket, plans are already underway to support the development of a women’s veterans structure. The association is actively seeking volunteers and players from across Ireland to help shape Women’s Inter-Regional and International veterans cricket in the years ahead.
There are currently at least seven fixtures scheduled for the Ireland Over-40s in 2026, with a minimum of four for the Over-50s and more games still being confirmed.
Further details will be released in due course once confirmed.
Check out www.veteranscricketassociationofireland.com for more information – or contact admin@veteranscricketassociationofireland.com if you have any questions.
