Lightning Announce Squad for La Manga

The Leinster Lightning have today announced a 13-man squad for the opening InterProvincial Cup matches to be played in La Manga, Spain later this month.

There are no major surprises, as Barry McCarthy slots back into the panel six years on from his previous appearances for the Lightning, after returning from his spell in England with Durham.

Only Jack Tector, returning from an injury plagued 2018, and Fionn Hand, his new YMCA teammate, were not involved in Ireland Wolves or senior international squads this winter.

Captain George Dockrell is raring to go ahead of the opening match against the North West Warriors.

“There’s an incredibly exciting season coming up and I’m looking forward to starting it all off with IP50 Series out in Spain.

“It’s fantastic to see the huge number of lads who have been away with the Wolves and the national team over the winter or are heading away with the Academy this weekend.

“Everyone has had plenty of cricket and they’ll hopefully be staking strong claims for spots with the Lightning and for the national team.”

With an ODI against England and a Tri-Series with West Indies and Bangladesh in May, these fixtures provide the perfect opportunity for Lightning players seeking international honours.

Dockrell will lead the Blues for his second year in 2019.

“I’d like to think I’m always getting better and I’m always picking up things from different people so hopefully in that sense my cricket and my captaincy will continue to develop this year.”

Head Coach Albert van der Merwe is also relishing the opening of the InterProvincial season.

“The tournament is expanding and we’re looking forward to getting more quality cricket in. Touring is always good; it brings the group together early in the season and they’ll all learn a little about themselves and as a group.

“There’s a fresh feel to the squad following the exits of some established players, and it’s really exciting for them going forward.”

As ever, none of this would be possible without the support of Cairn Homes, something the squad and General Manager Philip Smith, readily acknowledge.

“Without the tangible support of Cairn Homes, so much of our Leinster Lightning programme wouldn’t be possible. We appreciate and value their commitment to the Lightning and Cricket Leinster as a whole,” said Smith at the squad announcement.

The Lightning face the North West Warriors on Monday April 22^nd, followed by the Northern Knights on Thursday April 25^th.

Leinster Lightning Squad

• George Dockrell © - Leinster
• Andrew Balbirnie – Pembroke
• Peter Chase – Malahide
• Stephen Doheny – Rush
• Gareth Delany – Leinster
• Fionn Hand – YMCA
• Tyrone Kane – Merrion
• Josh Little – Pembroke
• Barry McCarthy – Pembroke
• Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
• Simi Singh – Phoenix
• Jack Tector – YMCA
• Lorcan Tucker – Trinity/Pembroke