Graeme McCarter's ton and the return of Laura Delany the highlights of the latest round-up from the Antipodes.

THERE are now more than 20 senior Irish cricketers playing in Australia and New Zealand this winter, including nine women and six men who are full internationals.

Ger Siggins looks at the performances of the Irish in Australia and New Zealand.

IRISH cricketers don’t hang around and suffer through the winter chills like the rest of us. These days they jet off Down Under to work on their skills and gain fantastic experiences on and off the field.

AMID the flurry of records Ed Joyce has been racking up over the last year or so, one seems to have passed us by. The Sussex batsman has been accumulating first-class centuries for fun over his glorious career, and has now racked up 45, which is nearly twice as many as the next Irish-born cricketer, former England captain Freddie Fane

IT’S nearly a decade since Ireland took their first tentative steps on cricket’s world stage. It was mid-March 2007, and the opening game in the ICC Cricket World Cup, against Zimbabwe, had ended in a thrilling tie.

A look back at six things we learned from the Sri Lanka series last weekend.

It was seventy-five years ago on Tuesday when one of Ireland's leading cricket clubs was inadvertently dragged into the deadliest war the world has ever seen.

The Irish selectors make head scratching decisions with puzzling omissions from latest squad.

CRICKET IRELAND'S strategic plan is an admirable document, packed with the ambition and vision which are necessary to grow the game at home and be successful abroad. It's a remarkable document too, one that just was not imaginable ten years ago.

SEVERAL sides in Leinster Division 2 have opted to bring in an overseas player in 2016, some even two.

ANOTHER season rolls around, and the tides cast up another dozen young men on the shores of Dublin.

EVERYWHERE you look there's signs the season is nearly upon us, even in the sky above.

TWO weeks from now, in a hotel outside Dundalk, Dr Murray Power will hand over a trio of porcelain mugs to Henry Tighe to symbolise the transfer of the post of president of Cricket Ireland.

THIS weekend the cricketers of England and West Indies contest the final of the World Twenty20, three full weeks after Ireland crashed out at the first stage.

This weekend marks the centenary of the Easter Rising, a watershed moment in the history of our island. Given the controversy which still surrounds the rebellion, and the admirable non-political nature of Irish cricket, I have no intention of writing a political column, or even a historical one.

It may be Ireland's eighth global tournament in less than a decade, but it hasn't dimmed the ardour of the travelling supporters who make up the Blarney Army. The successes of the side have brought them to the four corners of the cricketing earth and always there to cheer them on have been a doughty band.

THE 2015 season will hope to work its way up to a climax over the next week, but this dampest of summers has been a bit of a damp squib.

IRELAND face Australia in Stormont tomorrow and it could be the start of a tasty string of internationals for fans over the next two summers.

The retirement of Alex Cusack was no great surprise, but its timing probably was. The Clontarf all-rounder has had a hard couple of years as his body started showing signs of wear and tear. But surely he would give it one more go at the T20 World Cup in India, or at least finish off with a home ODI against the land of his birth?

WHILE tickets are flying out for the Australian Ashes duds' trip to Belfast on the 27th, another side from Down Under is preparing for a visit here.

A stunning new documentary has the potential to rattle a few of the skeletons that blight the top level of world cricket.

Well, the main thing to note is that the job was done and they are off to India in March 2016. But defeats to Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong and the Netherlands would only have been part of a nightmare scenario before the Qualifier.

IRELAND will have a tricky semi-final on Saturday in Malahide. They take on Netherlands who beat Namibia on Tuesday and can look back on an epic run chase win over Ireland in Sylhet last year.

CROWDS have been thin at Stormont this week for the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier. A 10am Sunday start wasn't a great idea ñ especially with nothing scheduled for the afternoon ñ but Ireland home games should surely attract more than 100 paying spectators.

It's a squad of deep experience (eight have played between 40 and 70 games) mixed with raw promise (six more have five caps or fewer). Only Stuart Thompson lies in the middle although his 11 caps have yielded just two wickets and 61 runs.

It means Lightning have won five of the seven titles since the series began, but it rankles that no-one has ever done a clean sweep of the three formats.

IRISH cricket lost one of its gentlemen, as well as one of its greatest all-rounders last week. Gerry Duffy was known by everyone, and loved by any who got a chance to know him.

THE selection of Tyrone Kane for the Ireland T20 squad is just the latest example of how the Leinster system works.

While Jeremy Bray guides Denmark and Trent Johnston works with New South Wales, Andre Botha has been coaching the Malawi national team

THE new Super3 series will be ìinvaluableî to women's cricket in Ireland says senior player Isobel Joyce.

IF you think it was madness staging a big cricket international in May, then you're in for a nasty shock in 2017 ñ the next game against England will be played in APRIL!

Ireland against England in Fingal is as good as it gets for me said John Mooney.

THE new season began with a whimper in Dublin at the weekend, just one 37-over game being possible as the rains returned.

The much-loved Derryman last week bade farewell to an Irish ground for the last time in his ten-year career as manager.

Craig Young blasted his way into centre stage and has put his hand up not just for a place in the squad but for the starting XI too.

IT'S been a mixed sort of season for George Dockrell, but Ireland's frontline spinner hopes to get back on track against Scotland.

An exciting finish to the league, cheating uncovered, an American adventure for two Balbriggan cricketers plus vindication for Michael Sharp.

Clontarf will host the showcase of the domestic season on Saturday ñ and happily for them they also get to play in it too.

The season in Leinster is building up a nice head of steam, with some premature blowouts adding to the tension as the final day is reached.

Isobel Joyce on Ireland's T20 win, Jeremy Bray front-runner for Leinster job, while NW Warriors go from zero to heroes.

IN exactly 200 days Ireland kick-off World Cup 2015 against West Indies in Nelson. The Sri Lanka A series sorted out a few selection issues, but there are many moreÖ

Electronic selection, Churchillian speeches, Barry McCarthy, Cecelia Joyce and Stuart Poynter all in the latest column from Ger Siggins.

The final of the RSA Leinster Senior Cup is the great day out for supporters in the province, and there are fewer better venues for it than the Vineyard.

The issue of how to expand the interpros is currently keeping the biggest brains in Cricket Ireland very busy indeed.

With the Interprovincials in full swing this week, you might expect that the cream of local youth is straining every sinew to impress the Irish selectors.

It's been quite a week for Andrew Poynter. In the space of eight days he went to the wicket five times, and each time he returned with at least a fifty to his name.

Just hearing about Roy Silva's innings on Sunday afternoon is dizzying. But imagine what the Cliftonville fielders felt like.

Leinster Lightning kick off their three-day season in College Park on Tuesday, and coach Trent Johnston is confident they can retain the title.

The desire to become a top cricketer has burned hard within Shane Getkate for many years.

There aren't an awful lot of free moments in Kevin O'Brien's calendar this summer. Monday morning ñ besides talking to Inside Edge ñ was given over to being measured for his wedding suit.

The Irish invasion at Middlesex, big plans for Munster, Battle of boys in blue and the Slog Sweep.

It was a terrible waste of time and money for everyone concerned. Supporters got their money back, but not compensation for the day taken off work or the travel costs.

Ireland once again disappointed their home fans by letting a winning position slip at Clontarf.

John Mooney, Mary Waldron, search for a new Irish sponsor and the new guard of professionals in Leinster.

The final column of the season looks back on a memorable 2013 in Irish and Leinster cricket.

New pavilion at Malahide? Developing Ireland's next fast bowlers. Injustice for Balbriggan? Irish youngsters in England.

An interview with George Dockrell; a lady in London returns the ball to Paul Stirling; celebration of Samuel Beckett; wicketkeeping nursery at Star of the Sea.

Andrew Balbirnie gets a contract from Middlesex; suggestions of a testimonial for Trent Johnston; Slieve Bloom take the cup back to County Offaly.

Only 20 days until the England ODI at Malahide; the rearranged Leinster Cup Final; cricket catches on in Offaly; the AShes centurion who played in Dublin.

Stuart Poynter eyes the 2015 World Cup; Clontarf thwart YM's Irish Cup hopes; Malahide benefit from their North West import.

The rise of Kim Garth; Clontarf's Under 15s win the Cup; overseas players turn hoping to make it for ireland.

Max Sorensen to lead the Irish attack? Filling Trent Johnston's shoes; Lucy O'Reilly plays for Ireland at just 13; half-century from just 16 balls, and more.

Kevin O'Brien and the Caribbean t20; Ryan Gallagher is one of the summer's sensations in Dublin; oldest World Cup players.

Ed Joyce has risen again, and his unbeaten 96 against The Netehrlands went a long way towards ensuring Ireland reach a third consecutive World Cup.

Leinster Lightning lead the way inter-provincially; some good news from the ICC; a new Duckworth Lewis Method album; Boyd Rankin's England debut.

Isobel Joyce scores a half-century in Division 2; the cricketer who is arguably Ireland's top all round sportsman; tweets of the week; Longford on the rise.

The T20 interpros begin this week with more players from overseas involved; the interpro series may go international; details of charity events; the Muir College connection continues.

Approving mutterings about Pat Collins; Batman comes to your television screen; a century for Theo Lawson on his return to YMCA.

The mystery of John Mooney's omission; Irish players climb up the iCC rankings; Balbriggan is buzzing; another Irish player in Eastern European international action; Get Into Cricket is launched.

Heartbreak at Clontarf; a record partnership; the Krakow Cyklone from Tallaght.

Century round-up - another Lewis scores a maiden century; successive centuries both in vain; and a 37 year old hits his first ton.

Lightning strikes twice for Bill Coghlan, another album of Duckworth Lewis, and more tidbits from the past week.

Inside Edge returns for the new season, including a look at the interpros and the women's performances in England and Wales.

The game's world authority hasn't been quite so courteous as to provide Cricket Ireland with a road map showing the way, but everyone agrees that a strong domestic structure is certainly on the route.

Stuart Thompson's rise to prominence in recent months; Paul Stirling with Sri Lanka's tallest menu; the Dubliner who played for Ceylon and Malaya; and goodbye to the 2012 season.

Alex O'Brien's selection for Ireland A; an Under 11 batting sensation; the ICC Associate Player of the Year award; indoor cricket is the way to beat the rain; and more from Twitter.

The retreat of South Africa A from a soggy Ireland; two brothers make their senior debut on the same day; a former cricketer goes to the Paralympics; and the search for green and navy wristbands.

Clare Shillington looks back as she wins her 100th Irish cap; 15 year old off-spinner Jack Tector takes 8 wickets for Clontarf; and Paul Stirling is told he is eligible to play for Scotland.

An interview with Ed Joyce on how things have come together at the right time; performance of the week goes to James Shannon; and two pieces of Twitter.

Niall O'Brien got a call recently from a county coach. îAre you still playing for Ireland?î, O'Brien was asked.

Andrew Poynter on the LCU Cup Final goings-on; George Dockrell's Olympic Games connections; Oakhill's first-class debut as a venue; and cones.

Looking forward to the Leinster Cup Final; the Battle of the Big Hitters approaches; Roy Torrens dons the pyjamas; a century for a former rugby star.

The son of a Boomtown Rat makes the Ireland Under 15 squad; the Battle of the Big Hitters; the first Division 1 centuries of 2012 in Dublin.

The Under 19 World Cup team is finally selected; the Cricket4Cancer charity match in Dublin; the new Cricket Ireland hooped jersey raises a few eyebrows; Andrew Poynter in T20 form.

The selection of South African John Anderson in the Ireland ICup squad; the demise of Ballyeighan and six wickets for Nitin Sharma.

Hello to Malahide and goodbye to Clontarf; the Irish team visit the Titanic building in Belfast; and the start of a hectic period of representative cricket.

Niall O'Brien on his recall to the Irish team, Gary Wilson and William Porterfield to cycle the length of Ireland for cancer research, building your cricket ground's own railway station, Ö

Paul Stirling on his century at Lord's, a double century before lunch, a whirlwind Irish Cup century from Glen Aldicott - and George Dockrell's new sweater.

Zimbabwean sets records at Pembroke; Irish interpros could move to La Manga; RTE cricket reaches its fiftieth birthday.

Trent Johnston starts bowling again, a double century for Ted Williamson, a senior debut at the age of 60 plus and a new cricket book is published.

Why call them 'North' and 'South'? Dave Langford-Smith leaves Ireland but wins a return visit, and BrÌan O'Rourke gets his ICC award at Lord's.

Niall O'Brien on his axing from the Ireland squad, an idea for restructuring the Irish Senior Cup, Ireland's Under 19 wicketkeeping position, Boyd Rankin's cat and more Ö

George Dockrell back in Dublin, the Ireland women get their county campaign underway, and a new line in baby fashionwear from North County.

Boys in green to face Baggy Greens in Dublin.

Long struggle pays off for Leinster's Mark Jones.

Cusack joins the big league after masterful spell.

Dublin set to host Aussies as graceless England depart.

WHAT happens at the Oval over the next few hours could be a deciding factor in Ireland's one-day international against England at Stormont on Thursday.

Blueprint for disaster for Leinster youths cricket.

Eimear Richardson is the main focus of the column this week.

ANYONE wishing to see Ireland v England at the end of the month will have to buy one of the rapidly dwindl≠ing number of tickets, because the game will not be shown on television.

THE plan for the proposed international venue for Malahide goes on public display in the Fingal County Council offices tomorrow, the first step towards Ireland's own cricket stadium.

Dom Joyce relishing the opportunity to get back into the international fold.

ONE of the great stories of the 2009 club season so far has been the resurgence of Pembroke.

Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh − the Duckworth-Lewis Method − tell Ger Siggins why their new album of tunes inspired by cricket is anything but batty.

The prospect of more games against full member nations is in store for Ireland, according to CricketIreland chief executive Warren Deutrom.

Clontarf have lost an important cog in their powerful wheel with the emigration of Dom Rigby to Guernsey. Niall O'Brien to host wicket-keeping masterclass.

The Irish team missed a trick last Sunday as they went down to glorious defeat against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

Two years after the Caribbean raiders stunned the world of cricket they are at it again.

William Porterfield hates reporting late from Gloucestershire duty to represent his beloved Ireland.

The legendary EDR Shearer and Ireland Women's performances in the past week come under the microscope.

Ireland hammering adds to Batty's losing spree.

Next Thursday Eoin Morgan takes another giant step towards his dream of playing Test cricket.

Lewis still making centuries and why are LCU clubs playing on the same day as Ireland?

The ICC Executive received a report on Zimbabwe which recommended that they be invited into the Intercontinental Cup.

The ICC appears to be impeding Ireland with a concrete ceiling.

Ireland look to capture the elusive ICC Trophy.

The tale of the player hiring negotiation email sent to the wrong person!

Kevin O'Brien to play T20 for Notts; glimpses in Slumdog Millionaire; Ireland to host Pakistan matches?

Ireland's bid to recapture the glory days of two years ago begins in Willowmoore Park, Benoni on Wednesday.

Ireland will face a considerable set of obstacles next April if they are to qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

Jeremy Bray's Irish days are probably behind him, a victim of the increased commitment required.

It has been a difficult year for John Mooney since he came back from the Caribbean.

The Champions TRophy in doubt and it's 200 caps for Kyle McCallan.

Smiles for Simmons at return of Uptown Top Rankin

The problems of seeing th Twenty20 World Cup next year, Ireland A selection shambles, and an Irish-born cricketer is nominated for the Booker Prize.

Irish Government fails cricket, a 'World Cup' in Galway and Ireland's A team goes to England.

The Twenty20 Qualifier, the leaders in the Leinster averages,and grass and glue at Worcester.

Ireland will play at their 27th home venue when Milverton takes a well-deserved bow for the European Championship game against Norway.

England needs to play fair with Irish talent.

A dark day for cricket as the ICC appeases Zimbabwe.

The passing of John Wright, Deutrom off to Dubai, and talk of grounds.

Twenty20 cricket reaches County Wicklow and a look at the forthcoming women's matches between Ireland and West Indies.

Is Kevin O'Brien bound for county cricket? And news of another book covering Irish cricketing history.

Two more young players get a chance for Ireland; success for Irish batsmen in England and a Lord's Taverners lunch.

Irish players turn down a lucrative Twenty20 tournament in the USA while Boyd Rankin suffers yet another injury setback.

ëBeware of the Guinness Ravi, and get yourself to the gym.'

CYM to drop out of Leinster senior cricket, more about the 'Chicken Dance', and the return to Dublin cricket of Jason Molins.

Ger Siggins reflects on a successful pre-season start for both Boyd Rankin and Niall O'Brien.

Chicken Dancer is joined by Ferret; a look at some of the latest happenings in Irish cricket.