Phoenix @ Phoenix CC , August 7th 2026

The Walnuts at Phoenix — An Odyssey in More Ways Than One 

 What a pleasure it was to turn onto Chesterfield Avenue on a warm, bright summer’s evening. It’s been a few years since the Walnuts played at the historic setting of Phoenix CC, the oldest cricket club in Ireland. Leinster Cricket claim it to be one of the oldest clubs in the world — and who would or could argue? The sign says “Founded 1830.” It had been a few years since the Walnuts’ last visit, but 39 years for me. The last time I visited this hallowed turf was in 1987, to watch the Walnuts captain play for his then beloved Phoenix. He was joined that day in the Phoenix team by another Lucan man, the great Edward Farrelly.  
Unfortunately for me, 39 years is a long time — and I actually walked into the wrong venue. I sat in the pavilion of the Civil Service ground for at least 10 minutes before asking an onlooker whether Phoenix were batting. “Probably,” he said. “But most likely at their ground.” I was beginning to feel a little like Odysseus. What seemed like a simple journey was becoming anything but. 
 The team had apparently assembled promptly, with even the perpetually late Liam managing to get there on time. The Walnuts lost the toss and Phoenix decided to bat. A brave call, I thought, as I began to get settled in the pavilion. The view from where I was sitting was something to behold. The Dublin Mountains stood proudly to the right, while the Wellington Monument poked through the trees straight ahead, seemingly trying to get a sneaky view of the action. I wondered what the Duke would have made of it all. Hard to believe that Napoleon lost his famous battle in 1815 — only 15 years before this great club was formed. I guessed the Walnuts were secretly hoping tonight would not be their Waterloo. 
 Graham opened the bowling and immediately made an impact with his line and length, causing problems for their opening batsman Dave Meade, their captain on the day. He was bowled with his second ball for a duck — which might explain why he didn’t stay around for the post-match awards. The early wicket enthused the Walnuts, who threw themselves around the outfield. Our heroics prevented numerous boundaries, with special mention to Brian, Mark, Graham and John, whose timely stops helped reduce Phoenix to singles. Admirable concentration was also displayed by those stationed on the square-leg boundary, who remained completely zen and focused despite the movements — and occasional songs — emanating from the Sirens in the local ladies’ yoga class. It was anyone’s guess whether the Sirens were attempting to distract the Walnuts or simply enjoying their evening. While no further wickets fell, there were some particularly fine displays of bowling from debutant Vanshaj, Brian, Eddie and Josh, who all kept a lid on the Phoenix run rate. The Phoenix batsmen stuck resolutely to the task and nudged their way to a very respectable 121 through John, Jonathan and Jack. 
 Josh and Liam opened our innings against a very pacey and accurate Phoenix attack. They were, however, slightly distracted at the start, and the slow run rate over the first few overs was blamed by Garret on the Yoga Sirens. By this stage, Garret had been strapped, just like Matt, to a pole at the corner of the pavilion for his own protection. An overly casual approach to staying within the crease then caused Liam to be stumped. Such opportunistic play by the Phoenix wicketkeeper could certainly be considered outside the spirit of the Taverners. To the naked eye, it just wasn’t cricket. And while there was no Cyclops on the field of play, there was a one-eyed monster in the form of our very own umpire, Graham Whelan. The Walnuts unfortunate batsman made an angry walk towards the pavilion, looking to the heavens — and perhaps the gods — for some justice. That would come later. 
 The incident seemed to spark the Walnuts batting into life. Superb boundaries from debutant Vanshay, Gerry, Brian and Josh, who all notched up their twenties, put the Walnuts into a commanding position with five overs remaining. Whether it was nerves, the Duke, the Sirens, Zeus or the distant sound of the piper, we will never know. But a stumping followed by a wicket in quick succession suddenly meant that the Walnuts were no longer such short odds to reach the Phoenix total. But then as the Walnuts were about to give thanks to their gods, Andrew was caught at mid-wicket by the outstretched arm of their fielder, John Anders. Anders then raised the ball triumphantly in a defiant act reminiscent of Perseus holding aloft the head of Medusa, apparently intent on derailing the Walnuts. It didn’t work. The Walnuts steadied the ship in a manner that Poseidon himself would have been proud of. And then, with the tension finally broken, John Chambers dispatched the winning runs with a glorious sweep shot to the boundary. The Walnuts had done it. They cruised to victory, reaching Phoenix’s total with a little over two overs to spare. 
 As is customary, both teams retired to the pavilion, where their wicketkeeper, Aido opened the bar and pulled some much-needed pints to quench the thirst of the Walnuts. Sandwiches — which, appropriately enough, arrived in stages — accompanied by buns and biscuits were devoured by the hungry players. Speeches and awards followed. The Walnuts Man of the Match went to debutant and new star Vanshaj, while Phoenix awarded their prize to Josh for an excellent display of bowling and batting. John Anders also received due recognition for his contribution. 
 And so, as we finally left the ground, I began to fret about the long journey home. Castleknock village might only be five kilometres away, but after all the heroics, history and the gods at play, it seemed considerably further. Fortunately, John Anders gave me a lift home. He turned ten years into ten minutes. I think Odysseus would have been proud.

Homer (Damian O'Riordan)