The Ireland Over-40s squad has been named for next week’s Triple Crown tournament at Bishop’s Stortford in England.
Merrion stalwart and former senior international captain John Anderson will lead the 15-player panel for the three-day competition, which runs from July 28-30.
The squad contains a wealth of former international and inter-provincial talent, with Kenny Carroll, Phil Eaglestone, Johnny Robinson, Alan Eastwood and Paul Ryan among those selected. Rory McCann, Ehtesham Ahmed, Conor Kelly, Bilal Azhar, Connor Mullen, Ross Durity, Andrew Cowden and Yaqoob Ali complete a strong-looking group.
Anderson said it was a privilege to be handed the captaincy and admitted he was relishing the opportunity to lead Ireland again.
“It is a great honour to captain Ireland at any level, and to be given the chance to do it again is something I am very proud of,” said Anderson.
“There is a lot of international experience in this squad, but there is also a real hunger to perform well and represent the country.
“The Triple Crown is always a great occasion. You are playing competitive cricket against quality opposition, but there is also a strong sense of friendship and respect between the teams.
“We are looking forward to getting over to England, enjoying the tournament and, hopefully, putting ourselves in a position to challenge for success.”
Former Ireland international Alan Lewis will coach the squad, with Greg Molins serving as manager and John Heavey as assistant manager, while Peter Searson has been appointed scorer.
Ireland will travel with realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy, with the squad’s combination of batting depth, bowling experience and familiarity with representative cricket expected to make them strong contenders.
For Anderson and his teammates, the tournament offers another opportunity to pull on the Ireland shirt and compete for international honours.
Ireland Over-40s squad
- John Anderson (captain)
- Kenny Carroll
- Phil Eaglestone
- Stephen Ogilby
- Johny Robinson
- Alan Eastwood
- Rory McCann
- Ehtesham Ahmed
- Paul Ryan
- Conor Kelly
- Bilal Azhar
- Connor Mullen
- Ross Durity
- Andrew Cowden
- Yaqoob Ali
Support staff
- Coach: Alan Lewis
- Manager: Greg Molins
- Assistant manager: John Heavey
- Scorer: Peter Searson
