The NCU today announced that the 2023 Gallagher Men’s Challenge Cup Final will take place at Stormont. The move sees the final return to the Belfast venue for the first time since 2004. The last ten finals, stretching back to 2012 have been staged at North Down Cricket Club’s Comber Road ground.
Commenting on the change of final venue, Patrick Grimes, Chief Executive of the NCU said ‘we are pleased to announce that the final of our flagship competition the Gallagher Men’s Challenge Cup will make the move to Stormont this season, with the final taking place on Friday 4 August 2023. Stormont has over the years become the home of cricket in the NCU and we are pleased that the fantastic facilities at Stormont will stage the most prestigious event in our domestic calendar. The future plans for the redevelopment of the Stormont complex will enable us to grow the event over the next few years alongside our long-standing partners Gallagher and NICSSA.’
Reflecting on the change of venue after ten successful years at North Down, he added ‘We are indebted to North Down Cricket Club and their members for the fantastic work which they have put into hosting the event for the last decade. During this period there have been some memorable matches and some fantastic individual performances including match-winning centuries from Kyle McCallan (2013), Rassie van der Dussen (2015), Adam Dennison (2018) and Ross Adair last year. And with the ball, who can forget the outstanding performances of Lee Nelson (2011) and Gary Kidd (2013). Long-lasting memories have been created and The Green will always have a special place in the history of this competition.’
