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IRELAND NAME MEN'S SENIOR AND EMERGING ACADEMY SQUADS
36 players have been named in the latest Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Senior and Emerging Academies for the year ahead. 21 of those are in the senior ranks, with five players gaining elevation from last year's Emerging squad.
They are Rush top-order batsman Stephen Doheny, North County paceman Fionn Hand, Ballyspallen all-rounder Graham Kennedy, Merrion opening bowler Max Neville and Ireland U19 captain Harry Tector, an off-spinner and top order batsman with YMCA and Munster Reds.
Other new faces in the squad include left-arm spinners Ross Allen and Tom Stanton along with emerging fast bowlers David Delany and Aaron Cawley. Six of the senior Academy squad have international experience with James Shannon, Simi Singh, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Sean Terry and Lorcan Tucker all capped at senior level.
There are no fewer than 12 new additions to the Emerging group, five of whom will be representing Ireland Under 19's in the World Cup next month in New Zealand. They are Phoenix all-rounder Ian Anders, Coleraine leg-spinner Varun Chopra, Pembroke's talented all-rounder JJ Garth, Rush batting prodigy Neil Rock and Clontarf batsman Andrew Vinc
Academy Manager Peter Johnston is really pleased with this years intake of players saying: “We have two really strong Academy groups. It’s great to see the potential in the Emerging group while the Senior Academy contains some exciting athletes who are pushing hard for opportunities with the Wolves and senior team. Indeed, with central contracts still to be announced in the New Year, there is a chance one or two players may move up into the senior squad then.
"Every year the bar gets raised and we are developing good depth covering all bases. While our programme offers a great deal of support, ultimately it comes down to the athletes to take ownership and they should not see their efforts as a sacrifice, but as a positive decision to be the best they can be at their sport and play against the best in the world.”
There will be an Easter Academy training camp at the European Centre in La Manga, followed by a Wolves tour to the West country to play Bath and Gloucestershire. The final stages are also being compiled for a busy summer programme at all levels.
“This pre-season formula certainly helped many of our players to kick-start their season and have momentum going into the domestic season, and I don’t see next year as being any different. With so many exciting Irish and Wolves fixtures planned for next summer, along with our First-Class domestic Provincial competition there has never been a better time to be an emerging player.”
Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Senior Academy
Ross Allen, Rory Anders, Aaron Cawley, David Delany, Stephen Doheny, Shane Getkate, Fionn Hand, Tyrone Kane, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, James McCollum, Robert McKinley, Max Neville, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Nathan Smith, Tom Stanton, Harry Tector, Jack Tector, Sean Terry, Lorcan Tucker.
Cricket Ireland Shapoorji Pallonji Emerging Academy
Ian Anders, Varun Chopra, JJ Garth, Gavin Hoey, James Hunter, Kyle Magee, Reece Malone, Oliver Metcalfe, Cian Nulty, Marcus Poskitt, Neil Rock, Sean Stanton, Alex Stiles, Mitchell Thompson, Andrew Vincent.

ANDREW WHITE APPOINTED NATIONAL CHAIR OF MEN'S SELECTORS
Andrew White has been appointed the Chair of National Men’s Selectors as Irish cricket embarks on what is destined to be an historic 2018.
White brings a wealth of experience, both past and present to the role, winning 232 caps in a glittering international career between 2000-2014, playing in both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
The 37 year-old all-rounder captained the Northern Knights for three seasons at inter-provincial level and continues to play an integral role in the current Instonians side, which he will captain in 2018.
He has earned widespread respect for his work as a coach, having roles with both the Ireland senior team and Shapoorji Pallonji Cricket Academy, as well as running his own cricket Academy in the NCU.
"It is an honour and privilege to accept the post of Chair of Selectors as we move forward as a Full Member," said White.
"Cricket Ireland is entering a challenging but hugely exciting period in its history and I am looking forward to working closely with Graham Ford, his staff, selectors and those in the high performance environment as we aim to meet the challenges head on."
Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth welcomed the appointment of White, in what will be an employed part-time position.
“The men’s selection committee has been re-structured over the last six months and the appointment of Andrew as Chair is the final part to this," said Holdsworth.
"Andrew’s role is vital to the leadership and smooth running of the national selection panel, working closely alongside his fellow selectors – the three Inter-Provincial head coaches and Graham Ford.
“The newly increased role will ensure Andrew sees current and key players of the future playing in Inter-Provincial, Ireland Wolves and Ireland teams, as well as some of the emerging talent in the club game.
"He will also travel on selected tours and have key input into selection when away. Andrew and his fellow selectors will be supported by our Assistant Head Coach, National Academy Coaches, Sports Science and Medical staff, and International youth coaches, who will provide them will key information on current players and future pathway talent.
“Andrew’s huge experience in a wide variety of roles and positions as a player, captain, coach and national selector, give him a great deal of knowledge and understanding about current professional and international cricket, as well as the current and potential players of the future, and I look forward to working closely with him." concluded Holdsworth.

Well done Ireland!
Paul Stirling’s brilliant century fired Ireland to a five-wicket win over Afghanistan in the series decider in Sharjah. MOM and Man of the Series followed. Super effort Paul.
Happy days are back for Ireland.

HOME ADVANTAGE FOR CUP HOLDERS
CIYMS, holders of the Northern Cricket Union’s Arthur J. Gallagher
Challenge Cup, will face newly promoted Premiership club Armagh in
the first round of next season’s competition and will have home
advantage.
The cup features the eight Premiership and 10 Section 1 clubs and
there was only one other tie featuring teams from the top flight with
CSNI at home to Carrick.
The draw is:
Preliminary Round:
Lurgan v Cregagh
Bangor v Laurelvale
First Round:
Bangor or Laurelvale v Downpatrick
CIYMS v Armagh
Holywood v Muckamore
Derriaghy v Lisburn
Lurgan or Cregagh v Instonians
Waringstown v Woodvale
CSNI v Carrick
North Down v Donacloney Mill.

The draw was also made for the Arthur J. Gallagher Women’s Challenge
Cup which went as follows:
Preliminary round:
Carrick v Instonians
Laurelvale v Clogher
First round:
Lurgan v Donacloney Mill
Carrick or Instonians v CSNI
Waringstown v Laurelvale or Clogher
Muck more v North Down.
INQUIRIES: ROBIN WALSH 077 33 100 821

Cooke Collegians cricket club have an ambitious 3 year strategy both on and off the pitch.

Our Vision is to continue to provide facilities and a welcoming environment for cricketers of all level of talent and all backgrounds , and to be able to develop their skills to participate in a competitive and enjoyable way

As a result we wish to appoint a player/coach who will assist with the implementation of the clubs development plan.

The successful candidate will:
1) have recent and regular experience of senior cricket
2) be able to develop coaching programmes for adult cricketers as well as youth.

Remuneration will be discussed.

Anyone interested should contact club secretary Graeme Pollock via email graemewkpollock@hotmail.com
Closing date 31st Jan 2018

I admire your optimism! There was part of the sermon on the mount that wasn't quoted in the New Testament - blessed are they who expecteth nothing - they will never be disappointed!!

'Future of Irish cricket is incredibly bright'. Really? Maybe I just see things differently - as I said before 'the emperor's new clothes!

CHAIR OF MEN’S SELECTORS
The future of Irish Cricket is incredibly bright following the recent awarding of ICC Full Membership and Test status to Cricket Ireland. The strategic vision of the organisation is to become a Test nation, not just in name (now achieved) but in the broader sense of what it means to be a ‘Test’ playing country - our Strategic Plan 2016- 20 defines this is great detail.
Ireland has a great new opportunity to compete in Test cricket, whilst in one-day international cricket, Ireland has an immediate focus on the ICC 2019 World Cup Qualifier which will take place in the first half of 2018, and we will continue to schedule as many bilateral ODI’s as possible in 2018 and 2019 until the new ICC ODI League commences in 2020. In Twenty20, we intend to schedule as many International T20 matches as possible and improve our global ranking, ahead of the next World T20 Qualifier, likely late 2019/early 2020.
Cricket Ireland is seeking a National Chair of Selectors to help ensure Ireland selects its best players ready to take to the world stage. The successful candidate will report into the Performance Director, and the position will initially be a three-year term.
The position is a part-time paid position, and will require the candidate to attend a minimum of eight meetings annually, which will usually take place in Dundalk, at a representative match convenient to the other Selectors, or via phone or Skype if necessary. The position will need to have a flexible diary and time in order to be able to watch a good amount of International, A-team and Inter-Provincial cricket. They will also be required to tour at least once a year.

The Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards is imminent and it is an opportunity to nominate local cricketers and teams who have performed with distinction. The series has involved many outstanding individuals in the past. Further details can be obtained from the NCU website and the event has been slated at 29 January 2018.
The full list is shown and
List of Categories:
Sports Star of the Year
Hall of Fame
Malcolm Brodie Player of the Year (sponsored by Celerion)
Team of the Year
Young Player of the Year (sponsored by Decathlon)
Manager/Coach of the Year
Sports Person of the Year with a Disability
Game Changer Award (sponsored by Electric Ireland)
WJ 'Paddy' Patterson Award (sponsored by the NI Sports Forum)
George Best Breakthrough Award
Local Heroes Award
Young Team of the Year
Special Recognition Award (sponsored by Volvo)

MALAHIDE TO HOST HISTORIC IRELAND TEST AGAINST PAKISTAN
Cricket Ireland have confirmed Malahide will be the venue for the inaugural Test match against Pakistan in May next year.
“We are delighted that Malahide has agreed to host this historic game against Pakistan," said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
"Even in its short history of hosting our matches, the club has already given us some wonderful memories, and we trust that May 11th and its ensuing days will provide many more.
"We would like to thank the club’s members for their continuing hospitality.”
Malahide Chairman Ciaran Keohane was clearly delighted that his club would be hosting the first blue riband match of the 2018 calendar at the picturesque venue.
"Malahide Cricket Club is delighted to host the Inaugural Test Match in Ireland. We are looking forward to welcoming both teams to The Village.
"This is a great showcase not only for Irish cricket, but for Malahide and the wider Fingal area."
Tickets for the match will go sale on Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ie from 10am tomorrow - Wednesday November 22nd.
There will also be a full range of hospitality packages on sale tomorrow. Please visit the Cricket Ireland website www.cricketireland.

Wondering why there doesn't appear to have been an NCU nomination for the 'groundsman of the year'. Also I was disappointed to see the withdrawal of Dungannon but I realise the efforts that were made trying to keep things going for the last couple of seasons. I have been lambasted in the past as a 'naysayer' for comments that I made about the future of cricket but I have seen nothing that encourages me to think otherwise. The achievement of Test status will have little effect on the majority of club cricket that continues to be in decline and if the 'whispers' that I am hearing about proposals for the inter-pros are correct then the position of 'contracted players' will come into play. Remember the story about the emperor's new clothes!

The 2017 Cricket Ireland Turkish Airlines Award Winners

Turkish Airlines Men’s International Player of the Year – Paul Stirling
Hanley Energy Women’s International Player of the Year – Gaby Lewis
Sunday Independent Aengus Fanning International Emerging Player of the Year – Jacob Mulder
Hanley Energy Inter-Pro Player of the Year – James Shannon
Cricket Writer’s of Ireland Hall of Fame Award – Mary Pat Moore and Miriam Grealey
Gibney’s Outstanding Contribution to Irish Cricket, in honour of John Wright – Barry Chambers
Tildenet Club of the Year – Waringstown CC
O’Neills Club Player of the Year – Nigel Jones
Toyota Super 3s Player of the Year – Laura Delany
Clear Treasury Coach of the Year – Ryan Eagleson
IAA Official of the Year – Andrew Mooney
Oasis Volunteer of the Year, in honour of Derek Scott – David Ramsey
Shapoorji Pallonji Female Academy Player of the Year – Lara Maritz
Shapoorji Pallonji Male Academy Player of the Year – Simi Singh
Notts Sports Groundsman of the Year – Dale McDonough
Devenish Nutrition Female Youth International Player of the Year – Gaby Lewis
Flogas Male Youth International Player of the Year – Harry Tector

The NCU hosted a Club Life and Captains Forum last night at the Lagan Valley Civic Centre, Lisburn.
Over 70 people were present and from all accounts it was well received by club delegates. A wealth of knowledge and assistance was available from the NCU team, including umpires, and spearheaded by Club Chairman Alan Waite and General Manager Angela Platt. Cricket Development Officers Simon Johnston, Nigel Jones, Callum Atkinson and Umpire Alan Neill also played a big part. An excellent Presentation was provided with several accompanying workshops.
They included:
Grants available both local and national, Club facilities grant.
New laws of cricket (NIACUS to deliver for all captains within Clubs).
Emerging Accreditation scheme timeline.
CI proposed changes to youth playing formats.
NCU development team focus clubs and club developments for 2018.
2017 overview and looking ahead, update on Visa regulations and new developments.
2018 focus clubs.
Development support.
Attendees with the option of 2 workshops - intended 'audience' highlighted in bold type.
Grants & Governance
CI Facilities and Council grants.
Emerging Accreditation Scheme.
Safeguarding / Access NI.
New Laws of Cricket for 2018.
Open Forum-Game Development - Youth Cricket
New Playing Formats - CI proposals.
NCU Mini Bash / Summer Camps.
Support and Advice were the keynotes for the Presentation and it was an impressive list to cover. A follow-up will follow in March 2018.
Well done NCU.

It is with great regret that Sylvia Walker has sadly passed last night.
Husband Cecil was a much-loved former President and is an Honorary Life Member. Sylvia was just as much-loved, as she was a stalwart in the Lisburn scene for many years. Ailing health brought change and we missed her dearly. At her home she always dealt with a warm welcome despite her struggles, and Cecil was a Trojan behind her.
We extend the sincere condolences to Cecil, daughter Gloria and the family circle.
Rest in Peace dear Sylvia.
JCH

Well done to Goal Line youth trust (youth reach) for arranging another disability cricket evening. Big thanks to Craig Chambers and the Portadown Taverners cc for conducting the session.
A few pics can be found in the link below.
http://tinyurl.com/goallinecricket