Merrion have announced the appointment of Michael Hingston as their new Youth Development Officer (YDO).

Hingston will lead the delivery of  the Angleseas Road club's Strategic Plan for youth cricket with the focus on establishing an outstanding programme for developing both the youth cricketers and coaches at the club.

“The decision to investment in a full-time YDO is a major step for the club and one which reflects MCC’s commitment to our young cricketers and our coaches," said Christian Dijkstra.

"It is fantastic to have someone with Michael’s experience, enthusiasm and range of skills to develop and drive the programme. Michael has real depth of experience in cricket coaching and sports development.

"He has worked closely with both Cricket Ireland and Cricket Leinster as a performance coach and coach developer and was the Head Coach of the Cricket Ireland U13 Player Development Programme for seven years.

"In recent years he was also the Cricket Development Manager in Malahide with responsibility for the youth and women’s sections."

Michael Hingston said on accepting the new role.

"I am excited and delighted to be joining the club and leading up the Youth Development Programme. I would also like to thank everyone at Malahide CC for all their support in difficult circumstances as a result of the pandemic, and from where I learnt much more about year-round sports club and youth player development and I can’t wait to bring all that experience to this new role with Merrion.

"Merrion has a long history of success both on and off the pitch and is regarded as one of Ireland’s strongest clubs. I look forward to working with the whole club – the youth players, coaches, members, supporters, parents/guardians, the club committee and sub-committees and existing staff and local schools to find opportunities where I can add to, and improve on, the strong foundations that are already in place."