The subject of cricket divides the population very neatly in two: those who understand how it works and those who don't. They certainly understand it in Cork.
This year Cork County Cricket Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Also being celebrated is the 150th anniversary of cricket being played at the Mardyke grounds, which is still in use today.
"What I love about playing cricket is that you're like a knight in armour going out with your sword," says Peter Somerfield, the club's treasurer until last year, trying to explain the fascination the game holds for him. "The longer you manage to stay out there fighting with your bat, the more plaudits you win. It even feels like you're dressed in armour, when you're wearing those protective pads to stop you getting hit."
Freddie Lambkin is a former president of the club. In 1874, his great-uncle, James Seymour Lambkin, was one of the founder members of the Cork and County Cricket Club - now known as the Cork County Cricket Club.
Prior to that, cricket was played at the Mardyke since the mid-19th century by members of the Cork Cricket Club which was formed in 1849.
At a meeting in the Imperial Hotel in April 1874, a group of people who would have owned a substantial amount of the city and county between them decided to include County in the name, says Mr Lambkin.
Among the first life members in 1874 was Sir George Colthurst, of Blarney Castle, who was also the club's first president. Although no longer active players, the Colthurst family still retain an interest in the club, and the present owner of Blarney Castle is an honorary member.
Some of the famous cricketers who have played at the grounds earlier this century include W.G. Grace, the Nawab of Pataudi, and K.S. Duleepsinghi. In more recent years, Graham Gooch played there.
Records show the club had 72 members in 1874: today there are some 30 active adult players, supplemented by 25 children.
"Cricket is an addiction - it's all about the mental struggle between the batsman and the bowler," says David Griffin, secretary of the club.
Its plans to celebrate both anniversaries include the compilation of a book by Colm Murphy. He is seeking photographs and stories about cricket in Cork and can be reached at 11, The Mariners, Valetta Way, Eplanade, Rochester, Kent ME1 1FB, England.
Three matches with visiting teams are also planned. In May, a team is coming from Chetna in India; in June, the club entertains the Crusaders Club from Melbourne; and in September, the Gloucester County Cricket Club.
"Nowadays our players come from all walks of life," Mr Griffin stresses, keen to scotch any notion that cricket remains an elite game.