Big bustling Rosco has been a mainstay in the Lurgan team for an amazing three decades and starred many times for Ulster Country before finally winning his place in the Ireland team way back in the Eighties. His pedigree is impeccable and his enthusiasm boundless given that most of his vintage have long since dropped down the teams or chosen the decadence of bowls or golf on a Saturday afternoon.
Of course that may change now, given the demands of selection these days and the heavy responsibility on regional selectors to produce potential Irish players without the benefit of trial matches or interprovincial regional competitions as stepping stones to reach the higher level. Add a rookie overseas coach with no knowledge of the game at grass-roots level and suddenly Ross McCollum is an important figure in the aspirations of a bevy of young northern players anxious to break into the current squad, dominated by Dublin and overseas players with local qualifications.
It has all gone sour for Ireland in the wake of their memorable 2007 Cricket World Cup adventure but it was always going to be difficult for Phil Simmons taking over from Adi Birrell. That situation wasn't helped when Matt Dwyer resigned as assistant coach and then NCU selector Ian Johnston followed suit citing a lack of contact with the new national coach and a feeling of being 'surplus to requirements.' Whatever the reasons 'Johnty' jumped ship and that left the door open for a successor with a greater appetite for the job in hand. It appears this was a blessing in disguise given the credentials and enthusiasm of his replacement.
It is early days for the big Lurgan man but those who have played with and against Ross McCollum know he's up for any challenge and he has a very positive attitude which will stand him in good stead for one of the most trying jobs in Irish cricket.
Good luck Rosco and let's hope your appointment becomes a watershed in Irish and Ulster cricket.
