O'Brien's brother 'so proud' after record hundred
Ger O'Brien, the brother of Ireland hero Kevin O'Brien, has described his pride at watching him help his country to a shock three-wicket win over England today.
The batsman smashed a stunning 113, including the quickest hundred in World Cup history in just 50 balls, as unfancied Ireland chased down 328 to beat Andrew Strauss' men.
Kevin is one of five O'Brien brothers to play cricket, with Niall keeping wicket today, and Ger, who is the president of Kevin's club in Ireland - the Railway Union Cricket Club - was not surprised to see him take England's attack apart.
"Over the last six or eight months his batting has really flourished and he was destined to have a big knock," he told Press Association Sport.
"I am so proud. I followed some of it on the web and then I got out to see the climax of the game. When he got to 80 I knew he had a chance and he did nearly all of it in boundaries, which was amazing.
"It was amazing to see the English bowlers go around. He took them apart, even Graeme Swann, who is the number one spin bowler in the world.
"It is such a great day for Irish cricket. Some bookmakers had Ireland at 400-1 at one stage. I wish I'd not kept my money in pocket."
Kevin O'Brien had a spell with Nottinghamshire in 2009 on a one-day contract and his exploits are sure to attract other counties to him ahead of the 2011 season.
Some bookmakers have also started offering odds on the 26-year-old, who is contracted to Cricket Ireland, to play for England in the next Ashes series.
Ger, though, does not think that will happen, but expects him to be back in the county game this summer.
"He's a whacking player, he doesn't do four or five-day games," he said.
"His contract with Notts was a one-day and Twenty20 one. He did play some county seconds and he is only 26, 27 on Friday and is at the right age for a batsman so I'm sure there will be some interest.
"He's just a normal guy who still lives at home. He's got a contract with Cricket Ireland and has a degree in marketing and advertising."
As well as Kevin, Ger and Niall, there are two other cricketing brothers in the family, Connor and Paul, with sister Ciara making over 200 appearances for the country's hockey team.
"We're a sporting family," Ger O'Brien added.
"My father Brendan O'Brien also made over 50 appearances for Ireland as a cricketer so this is a very proud day for us."
