The news from the recent ICC meeting about Ireland’s future as a member of the ICC and as a Test playing nation is still positive - but of course nothing is yet confirmed. We await the outcome of the June meeting of the ICC with more than the normal interest.
But whatever the outcome, and perhaps even more so if the decisions are positive in so far as the future of Irish cricket is concerned, there is a great urgency to develop what talent we have and bring more young players into the coaching set up. The establishment of the National Academy has been an important step forward and it is hoped that there will be further developments at regional level that will bring even more young players into a structured coaching and development set up.
But it is not just about academies and what is done in the nets. Young players must also perform on the pitch and that is why it has been so heartening to see already this season outstanding performances from some of our young players. We hope to keep a close eye on the performance of these players [including some even younger in lower divisions] in club cricket during the year.
So far this season 23 youth players have taken the field in D1 matches and 19 in D2 matches. Of course due to exams a number of players are unavailable but hopefully will make an appearance later in the season. There are 24 Irish players who are still U19 who turned out for D1/D2 matches in 2016 yet to play this year.
But as important as the numbers taking part is the contribution that they make. There have been two headline grabbing performances already this year. Alex Stiles [U16] made his maiden 50/100/150 all in one go for Railway Union in scoring 151* against Malahide. Until evidence has been produced to the contrary, I am taking this as representing the youngest player to score 150 in Leinster senior club match. Not to be outdone, Harry Tector [U18] scored 117 for YMCA against Phoenix. Interestingly both innings were in losing causes.
Other notable performances this year:
D1:
Sam Murphy [YMCA] 74 v Phoenix
Josh Little [Pembroke] 4/39 v Leinster
David Delany [Clontarf] 3/19 v Cork
Cian Mulvaney [NC] 3/29 v The Hills
Danny Hogan [Pembroke] 84 v Leinster
Ben White [Phoenix] 4/40 v Clontarf
D2
Alex Neary [Rush] 4/15 v Terenure
All of the above represent best ever senior performances by the players concerned.