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The Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh has arrived with the Irish Squad in the Caribbean and he gives us his first update from the slightly different climes to home.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30:

I begin in the comfort of the British Airways flight from London Gatwick, an early check-in securing legroom and much relief from a backache that has plagued me for too many years than I care to remember. But no complaints, you understand – not with almost a month of cricket ahead in Trinidad and Jamaica.

First stop Port of Spain as Trinidad & Tobago prepares to host the prestigious Nagico Super 50, one of the highest profile inter-island competitions in the West Indies . Inter-island that is with one exception. It’s no coincidence that Phil Simmons is one of the most famous sons of Trinidad and his Ireland side have been invited to join the carnival.

So eight teams, two groups of four, two qualify from each group for the semi finals. Ireland have been pitched against Guyana, Windward Islands and Jamaica and all will be played in the Test arena that is the Queen’s Park Oval. Brilliant preparation for the games against the West Indies later in the tour, not to talk of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in March: whoever doubted serious professionalism is now the name of Ireland’s game.

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More comfort – now the Hilton Hotel sitting atop Port of Spain with its breathtaking views of the city. Time for proper greetings within a squad together again after the heroics in the UAE a couple of weeks before Christmas. And congratulations all round to skipper William Porterfield and vice captain Kevin O’Brien for reasons totally unconnected with cricket. Engagements have been announced between William and Natalie and Kevin and Ruth-Anne and I’m reliably informed that wedding bells will mix with jingle bells come December.

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William, Phil, manager Roy Torrens and the blazer head for a splendid opening reception on the magnificent hotel veranda overlooking the city lights. And the stars are out in more senses than one, not least one Brian Lara who never misses an opportunity to promote the island he loves.
Phil and Brian played in the same West Indies side against Ireland at Downpatrick back in 1991 although we don’t mention the fact that the latter was once despatched for a duck by Kyle McCallan.

It was good of the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Trinidad & Tobago to be there. Brian K O’Farrell left his native Limerick 45 years ago and is now retired after a lifetime of banking in his adopted Trinidad. Tells me the historic migration to the sugar plantations have had a lasting and favourable legacy on Irish-Trinidadian relations. Loves his sport and as he grew up in Limerick was a close friend of the late Ronnie Lawlor, chairman of selectors back in the 1990s.

Phil is the passport to meeting all sorts of interesting people. There were few among the throng of guests that he didn’t know, so warm welcomes from Baldath Mahabir, a member of both the West Indies Cricket Board and the Trinidad & Tobago Board. He tells me that when the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence in 2012 he organised one of the most significant cricketing events in its history. The top 50 players and administrators over 50 years came together to receive special awards. Among them, of course, Mr Simmons.

The tournament will receive wall-to-wall radio and television coverage out here and, as a former broadcaster, what a delight to meet Colin Croft. Jovial man who has taken to the microphone as professionally as he did to the leather ball.

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I finish looking out on the Queen’s Park Oval where the squad is having a full-blown net before the first game against Guyana tomorrow (Friday) It’s a day-night job starting at 6pm back home. There is no doubt that Phil Simmons and the team want ultimate success here and if it doesn’t happen it won’t be for the way of effort.

It’s a fact that, unlike the opposition, the Irish players are somewhat lacking in match practice: here’s hoping the handicap is not too great.

Robin Walsh
Yes
Connaught