Cricket: Birrell takes over as Ireland coach
South African Adrian Birrell is to become Ireland’s full-time national coach and take over the responsibility for the development of Irish cricket.
The 41-year-old, who over the past two years has taken Eastern Province to the semi-finals and finals of South Africa’s main limited-overs competition, will take up his appointment next month in time for Ireland’s C&G Trophy third-round match against Nottinghamshire in Dublin in May.
Birrell played 45 first-class matches for Eastern Province as a leg-spinner and top-order batsman before turning to coaching.
He said from Port Elizabeth: ‘‘I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead within Irish cricket.
‘‘My objectives for the national side are to take it into division one of the world league of non-Test playing countries as well as laying the foundations for entry into the 2007 World Cup.’’
Birrell becomes Ireland’s third professional coach, following former England Test bowler Mike Hendrick and ex-New Zealand captain Ken Rutherford.
