Malahide @ Malahide CC , May 8th 2026

Ghosts, Pullovers and Power Hitting: Walnuts Brave the Haunted Castle at Malahide

Malahide was the venue for our second match of the season — and, fittingly enough, one of Ireland’s most famously haunted locations provided the backdrop.
To set the scene: Malahide Castle is reputed to host at least five resident ghosts. The most famous is Puck, the 16th-century court jester said to roam the grounds after vowing to haunt the castle following his untimely death. Visitors have long reported flickering lights, sudden chills and mysterious sightings on the staircase.

Yet on the evening of 8 May 2026, another terrifying spectre emerged under the fading Dublin light — Malahide CC’s batting line-up.
First, though, the good news: our batting.
Garret won the toss on a chilly evening and we strode confidently to the crease on the hallowed castle grounds.
Gourang batted with technical elegance, caressing his way to a fluent 14. Gerry then unleashed controlled destruction on the Malahide bowlers, blasting a rapid-fire 20 from just 8 deliveries in a man-of-the-match display featuring two towering sixes and two crisp boundaries — a short innings of pure power and timing.
Liam and Jan then steadied and shaped the remainder of the innings superbly. Liam compiled a calm and measured 20, while Jan showcased some powerful straight hitting on his way to 14, including a sublime off-drive boundary that deserved the small but intrigued audience of joggers, walkers and ghost hunters (probably). 

Our total of 109 always felt just slightly below par and, in the end, Malahide’s batting proved relentless as they picked apart our attack. But huge credit goes to Gerry, Gourang and Jan for their performances, and to every Walnut on the night for battling hard, sticking together and giving absolutely everything in the field. And Paddy was excellent behind the stumps, keeping wicket with sharp reflexes and assured hands throughout
A huge thank you as well to Malahide Cricket Club for being such outstanding hosts. The post-match pizzas in the clubhouse were very warmly received as darkness settled over the castle grounds.
Special thanks also to Gerry for organising our new team pullovers. These things take time, effort and no small amount of coordination, and thanks to him the whole team will now look the part for this summer and many more to come.
As for me, I’m currently lying in bed wearing mine while reading about Puck the ghost.
If we give him a pullover too, I wonder can he bowl?
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