ZCZC
BSP-17
CRICKET-IRL-O-BRIEN
Ireland’s O’Brien retires from international cricket
DUBLIN, Oct 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Niall
O’Brien announced on Friday that he is retiring from international and first-
class cricket after a 16-year career.
The 36-year-old, who made his international debut against Denmark in
2002, played 216 times for Ireland and appeared in his nation’s first-ever
Test, against Pakistan, in May this year.
O’Brien opted for the number 72 shirt to mark his match-winning score in
Ireland’s famous win against Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup.
His county career included spells with Kent, Northamptonshire and
Leicestershire.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from
international and professional cricket,” said O’Brien, who has played much of
his career alongside his younger brother Kevin.
“I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to have represented my
country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back
with nothing but smiles and laughter.”
Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth said O’Brien had
been symbolic of the rise of Irish cricket.
“He has the distinction of being central to one of those truly iconic
Irish sporting moments — the World Cup win over Pakistan in 2007,” he said.
“While he had many more achievements throughout his career subsequent to
this, it is the part he played in that win that etched him into the Irish
sporting psyche and something he should be justifiably proud of.”
BSS/AFP/RY/1846 hrs