Player Profiles: Ireland Under 19s

With the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2010 kicking off tonight (tomorrow New Zealand time), what better time than now to profile the Irish players involved. Many of these could be future stars for the country with the full team, and one of them, Paul Stirling, has already kitted out for full international honours at senior level.

Ben Ackland BJ Ackland was born on October 26th, 1989 in Nuneaton in England, but has gone on to represent Ireland from Under-13 level upwards. He has also played in the Somerset Second XI and is a batting all-rounder. He has an offbreak bowling style, and has played for Ireland in both the Under-17 and Under-19 European Championships. He hit 47 against the Netherlands in the U-19 Europeans, so hopefully his form can carry over to the World Cup.

Andrew Balbirnie Born on December 28th, 1990, Dubliner Balbirnie is the current captain of the Ireland Under-19s side. A right-handed batsman who can also be called into bowl if necessary, he scored 294 runs in the qualifiers including a century against Afghanistan. As well as bowling offspin, he also keeps wicket. A definite one to watch at the World Cup, and could be one of Ireland's best players.

Jordan Coghlan Jordan Coughlan is a very promising all-rounder, who has moved up the underage levels, playing at U-15 and U-17 level before moving up to the Under-19s. Born in Dublin on October 30th, 1992, he is a strong right-arm medium bowler, and bowled 2-14 against Guernsey in last year's Under-17 European Championships.

Adrian D'Arcy Coming from a strong cricketing family, Adrian D'Arcy is one of three brothers to represent Ireland at underage level. Born on December 10th, 1990 in Dublin, he plays for his local side Clontarf, and scored an unbeaten century against Malahide in 2008, an achievement which he ranks as his finest to date. Hopefully the left-handed batsman can outdo himself at the World Cup this month.

George Dockrell An excellent left-arm spinner, Dubliner George Dockrell could be one of Ireland's best bowlers at this year's World Cup. Born on the 22nd of July, 1992, he's one of the youngest members of the squad. However, with scores like his 6-19 against Hong Kong in qualification, there is no doubting his talent.

Shane Getkate Born in South Africa on October 2nd, 1991, SC Getkate comes from great stock. His grandfather Robert Getkate played for Natal Districts, he has played for Ireland at U-13 level upwards, as well as kitting out for the Malahide senior team. He's a right arm fast bowler, but can also score a few quick runs if called upon.

Graeme McCarter A native of Derry, Graeme McCarter was born on October 10th, 1992. He has represented the Gloucestershire 2nd XI as well as Ireland at various underage levels. The right-arm fast bowler's finest hour came last year when he took 3-26 against Denmark in the U-19 European Championships.

Graham McDonnell Born October 20th, 1990, Dubliner Graham McDonnell has followed in the footsteps of his brother Stuart by representing Ireland at underage level. He's a right-arm medium paced bowler, but is also a strong late batsman, hitting a 74 off 38 against Vanuatu in qualifiers.

Lee Nelson Ulsterman Lee Nelson comes from fantastic cricket stock. His father Alan, and uncle Noel both played at senior level for Ireland. Born December 5th, 1990 in Craigavon, Nelson is a veteran of the ICC U-19 World Cup, having represented Ireland at the same competition in 2008. He's a fantastic right-handed off-break bowler, and took 4-30 off Vanuatu in qualification.

Stuart Poynter SW Poynter will keep wicket for Ireland at the World Cup. Born October 18th, 1990 in London, he is the younger brother of Andrew, who has also represented Ireland at this level.

Eddie Richardson Louthman EJ Richardson was born on July 22nd, 1990, and is a cousin of full internationals John and Paul Mooney. A good all-rounder, he has represented Ireland from Under-13 level upwards.

James Shannon Middle-order batsman JNK Shannon was born in Belfast on February 12th, 1990. He's an excellent right-hander, and showed great composure in the 2007 Under-17 European Championships scoring 38 against Denmark, 86 against Scotland, and a whopping 114 against Netherlands. He also scored an unbeaten half-century against Hong Kong in World Cup 2010 qualifiers.

Paul Stirling Already a full Ireland international, PR Stirling is an essential part of the under-19 team. Born in Belfast on September 3rd, 1990 he has quickly moved up the ranks of Irish cricket. An amazing right-handed batting prospect, his highlight to date was a 30 off 26 balls in a senior ODI against England. He also scored 164 against Vanuatu and a 117 against Netherlands in qualifying.

Stuart Thompson SR Thompson was born in Derry on August 25th, 1991. He's the son of Ireland senior cricketer Neil Thompson, and is a great left-handed batsman. In qualifying, he hit a marvellous 67 in 103 balls against Uganda.

Craig Young All-rounder CA Young is another Derry-born cricketer in Ireland's Under-19 World Cup squad. Born April 4th, 1990, he's as proficient with the bat but it's with the ball that he really shines. He had an excellent European Championships last year at under-17 level, including a standout performance of 5-22 against Guernsey. One of the outstanding players in qualifying, he had an excellent 4-46 against Vanuatu. Definitely a key to Ireland's success.