CRICKET/Weekly Column: Given that the annual Triple Crown campaign and the first-class three-day match against Scotland have gone by the board, Ireland's involvement in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy and the European Senior Championship has taken on an added dimension this summer.
The European Championship takes place in July, so as far as the new national coach Adi Birrell is concerned, it's a question of first things first, and his sights are firmly set on the upcoming C & G Trophy match against Nottinghamshire at Castle Avenue on May 29th.
After a few weeks in his new job, Birrell is well aware of Irish cricket's modest profile. "But I think we need to earn a higher profile which in turn would encourage more media interest in the game - I mean, you need to win against Nottingham, and if that happens, then suddenly cricket's not a minor sport that nobody watches; if people become aware that we can be professional and competitive at English County level, well then I think you can move the game forward and develop more interest in it".
After Ireland's disastrous ICC Trophy campaign in Toronto last summer, the subsequent away wins over Wiltshire and the Hampshire Board X1 in the C & G Trophy preliminary rounds were some consolation. Nottinghamshire, who reached the fourth round last season before losing at home by six wickets to Leicestershire, look rather a more daunting proposition, but that is not the way Birrell sees it.
"We can't keep on saying that the county sides are our yardstick, we've got to be better than that and so we've got to use the opportunities which come our way. The Notts game is such an opportunity and if we can beat them, then I think the victory will create a bit of public interest."
Birrell comes across as quiet-spoken and thoughtful and his positive attitude is almost infectious. "My impressions so far of Irish cricket are pretty favourable", he told The Irish Times at last Saturday's first Inter-Regional Challenge 2002 match in Lurgan.
The coach says that the clubs are the base upon which to build. "There is quite a bit of talent around, and it needs to be nurtured and fine-tuned. Yes, steps can be taken towards improvement and improvement can be made with this level of cricket, with the provincial or regional matches."
His views on what he clearly sees as the positive approach of Ireland's representative players are thought-provoking, given the modest records of the past.
"I'm looking at it along these lines that you've got to earn publicity and earn media coverage - for Ireland to compete in the World Cup, we've got to be at least as good as a county side. Remember, England choose from 16 county sides and where are England on the world scene? Probably just fifth or sixth", says the coach.
So what of his approach to coaching? "Quite a bit of psychology comes into it, I try to coach in a holistic way and bring in other disciplines, for to be mentally prepared is a huge factor. I have sessions with the regional squads in the north-west, Belfast and Dublin on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we've brought in consultants to help with fitness training, and the players are equipping themselves well", Birrell added.
So far he has enjoyed himself in Ireland, and is looking forward to the arrival of his wife and son from South Africa next month. "Overall, I'm happy with the state of Irish cricket and I'm looking forward to the challenge; it's a big challenge, but I'm definitely up for it."
