Mark Adair and Orla Prendergast Shine at Irish Cricket Awards 2024

Mark Adair and Orla Prendergast Shine at Irish Cricket Awards 2024

A Night of Recognition for Ireland’s Finest Cricketers

The 13th edition of the Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards saw Ireland’s top cricketers being recognized for their exceptional performances in 2024. Mark Adair and Orla Prendergast emerged as the biggest winners of the evening, being named the Men’s and Women’s International Players of the Year, respectively. The event, held in Dublin, celebrated the dedication and excellence of players across all levels of Irish cricket, highlighting their contributions to the sport.

Mark Adair’s Exceptional Year

Mark Adair, the 28-year-old all-rounder, had a phenomenal year across all formats of the game. His consistency with both bat and ball saw him named in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year in 2023, and he continued his fine form into 2024.

In Test cricket, Adair impressed with 10 wickets at an average of 15.50, with a best bowling performance of 5/39. His presence in the Irish bowling attack was crucial as he led from the front in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.

In ODIs, he played five matches, taking nine wickets at 34.77, with a standout performance of 4/50. While his batting contributions were limited, he played crucial cameos when needed.

Adair’s biggest impact came in T20Is, where he played 14 matches and picked up an impressive 25 wickets at an average of 17.04, with best figures of 4/31. He also chipped in with valuable runs lower down the order, scoring 157 at a strike rate that kept Ireland competitive in crucial matches.

Orla Prendergast: A Star in the Making

Orla Prendergast’s rise in Irish cricket has been nothing short of inspiring. At just 22, she claimed the Women’s International Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, further cementing her place as one of Ireland’s top cricketers.

In ODIs, Prendergast played 12 matches, scoring 360 runs at an impressive average of 35.42. Her highest score of 122* highlighted her ability to anchor innings and dominate opposition bowlers. With the ball, she claimed nine wickets at an economical average of 23.00, proving her all-round value to the team.

Her T20I performances were equally outstanding, with 18 matches yielding 544 runs at an average of 36.26, including a top score of 80. She also took 21 wickets at an average of 12.90, with a best bowling performance of 4/22.

Additionally, Prendergast briefly captained the Ireland Women’s team, showcasing leadership qualities that will be crucial for the team’s future.

A Celebration of Irish Cricket’s Best

The Irish Cricket Awards also recognized achievements beyond the international arena. Pembroke Cricket Club was named Business Plus Club of the Year, while Scott Macbeth (Brigade CC) and Lara Maritz (Holywood CC/Balbriggan CC) won the Butlers Club Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

Ruhan Pretorius was awarded Dream11 Inter-Provincial Series Player of the Year, while Abi Pollock received the Cricket Ireland President’s Spotlight Award. The Evoke Super Series Player of the Year was none other than Orla Prendergast, further cementing her dominance in women’s cricket.

Honoring Irish Cricket’s Legacy: Hall of Fame Inductees

The Cricket Writers of Ireland inducted three legendary players into the Irish Cricket Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting contributions to the sport.

• EDR Shearer (Posthumous): Shearer played 32 times for Ireland between 1932 and 1952, scoring 1,300 runs at an average of 23.21, with two centuries to his name. A key figure in early Irish cricket, he also served as President of the Irish Cricket Union in 1966.

• Clare Shillington: One of Ireland’s greatest women cricketers, Shillington played 180 matches between 1997 and 2018, scoring 3,328 runs at an average of 22.04. She was Ireland’s most-capped player at the time of her retirement and played a crucial role in developing the women’s game.

• Trent Johnston: A name synonymous with Irish cricket’s rise on the world stage, Johnston played 199 matches for Ireland from 2004 to 2013, captaining the side in 60 games, including at the ICC World Cup in 2007. His all-round contributions included 2,610 runs and 273 wickets, making him one of Ireland’s most influential cricketers.

The Growth of Irish Cricket

The Irish Cricket Awards 2024 not only celebrated the best players but also acknowledged the steady growth of the sport in the country. With Ireland continuing to make strides on the international stage, the recognition of players like Adair and Prendergast reflects the bright future ahead for Irish cricket.

As the sport gains momentum, young talents continue to emerge, ensuring Ireland remains competitive in global cricket. The support from clubs, officials, and volunteers plays a crucial role in this journey, and their efforts were rightfully acknowledged at the awards ceremony.

Looking Ahead

With the 2024 season wrapped up, Irish cricket looks forward to another exciting year. The national teams will be aiming for further success in upcoming international assignments, while domestic competitions continue to produce the next generation of cricketing stars.