Ireland international Andre Botha proved their inspiration, turning in a Man of the Match performance. He top scored in North County's total of 259 for 8, hitting a majestic 84, and followed that up with a hat trick and two catches, making it an easy task for adjuducator Phil Simmons.
In front of a large crowd at the wonderful picturesque Clontarf crowd, North County had no hesitation in batting first on winning the toss. Their total of 259 for 8 was built on that innings by Botha, who hit 10 boundaries, reaching his half century from 66 deliveries. There were also useful contributions from Conor Armstrong (41), and Paul and John Mooney who scored 31 apiece.
Veteran Matt Dwyer (2-44) and Jeremy Bray (2-52) were the most successful of the bowlers.
Most of the hopes for The Hills centred on Jeremy Bray who has been in superlative form all season. He disappointed though, making just 9 before being dismissed by Reinhardt Strydom with the score on 13. Botha then took his hat trick, dismissing Patrick Byrne for 24, and both Farooqi and O' Herlihy first ball to leave The Hills reeling on 51 for 4 in the 13th over.
A half century from Barry Archer from 81 balls and 36 from Mark Dwyer put them back in contention with a stand of 76 at 127 for 4, but with the rate creeping up, leg spinner Richie Lawrence then intervened. He took 5 for 38 to rip through the middle order, and effectively end the game as a contest.
Eddie Richardson had the final say, bowling Nadeem Akhtar for 4 to spark great scenes of jubilation among the North County fans, as The Hills lost their last 6 wickets for 32 runs.
Botha (3-31), and Eddie Richardson 1-14 from 5.5 overs also bowled well in addition to the aforementioned Richie Lawrence.
Irish Cricket Union President Tom Prior paid a moving tribute to Bob Kerr, after whom the competition is now named, and also Karl Mc Dermott, groundsman at Clontarf, who was announced today as the ICC Groundsman of the year.
The Hills captain Joe Clinton was disappointed by his side's performance, "We didn't turn up today. North County fully deserved their victory. They are clearly a very strong and experienced team. We gave a below par performance, and you can't do that against them."
Darragh Armstrong was in jubilant mood, "It's been a great day, and to see so many fans here is pleasing. This is now our fourth Irish Cup in six years - that's no mean feat, and I think it proves we're the best team in Ireland. It hasn't been an easy season for us, with the weather and injuries, but we've shown what we can do with our full team. The team has been superb today, and I'd like to applaud their efforts."
