LORCAN TUCKER APPOINTED LIGHTNING VICE-CAPTAIN

New Vice-Captain as Leinster Lightning Step Up Preparations

Lorcan Tucker has been appointed Leinster Lightning Vice-Captain as the preparations for the 2021 InterProvincial season build with the first full-squad session scheduled for Friday 9th April.

Tucker said he was delighted at being presented with the opportunity to take on a senior role within the squad and is looking forward to grasping the opportunity.

“It’s not something I’d really thought about, but I am massively excited by the opportunity to work alongside George in a leadership capacity – I will do everything possible to support him and my team-mates to success this summer,” said Tucker.

“In my key role as wicketkeeper, I see a lot at close quarters. I started being more vocal with the Lightning last year, taking it up a notch in terms of directing on the pitch and control over field settings, supporting the captain and then I tried to bring that into the winter programme with the International team.

“This is now another excellent chance to have a more official role as vice-captain of the Lightning. My role will probably be more on the field than off, with Jonesy (Head Coach Nigel Jones) and George having control of most of the off-field stuff.

“There’s some younger lads coming into the squad now as well so it’s great that we have a full training programme over the coming weeks to welcome people in and give them exposure in training to what they will face in match situations.”

Tucker is relishing the opportunity to be more hands-on this summer and is really looking forward to the new Lightning group coming together tomorrow for the first time.

The Lightning kit will have a new sponsor emblazoned on it for 2021 and Alan Lewis, Managing Director of LHW Financial Planning is “delighted to be afforded the opportunity to be associated with the Leinster Lightning brand.”

LHW has been supporting cricket in Leinster for many years and Lewie is quick to acknowledge why it is such a natural fit between LHW and the Lightning.

“We have seen first-hand the work done by Cricket Leinster Youth which has nurtured and developed so many cricketers that have gone on to bigger and better things for the Province and at a National level. This Youth Programme has continually looked to innovate and improve under the leadership of Brian O’Rourke, Fintan McAllister and others. We are now delighted to see Brian as part of the support staff for the Lightning team,” said Lewis.

“We have been delighted with the engagement Cricket Leinster provide in supporting what we do as financial planners to both individuals and advising on Corporate Employee Benefit Programmes. Working alongside the Leinster Lightning team was the logical next step for us. This was helped also by the fact that a player in the squad works with LHW, none other than Jack Tector.

“Jack has been providing invaluable investment and tax advice to both young and old in such a personable way. Hopefully, the Lightning can measure up to pension advice we often give clients “you need something to look forward to in your pursuit of Freedom to Live” and we look forward to watching them do what they do best over the coming weeks.”

As the Leinster Lightning begin their intensive preparations for the 2021 season, Lewie had this message for the squad.

“All our best wishes to Captain George, vice-captain Lorcan, the Team and the coaching staff of Nigel and Brian. Really looking forward to the new season and the expanded format with 4 teams competing for the two trophies on offer.”  

The Leinster Lightning squad that will train together over the summer is made up of the 12 core players listed below and a small selection of up-and-coming talent that the coaching staff will be monitoring closely.

Leinster Lightning Core-Group 2021

• George Dockrell (Captain)
• Lorcan Tucker (Vice Captain)
• Rory Anders
• Andrew Balbirnie
• Peter Chase
• JJ Garth
• Josh Little
• Barry McCarthy
• Kevin O’Brien
• Simi Singh
• Jack Tector
• Tim Tector