Wicket-keeper, batsman of Ireland’s current cricket crop, Niall O’Brien will take to the fields of Australia and New Zealand for his third World Cup this month.
As usual, O’Brien and his band of merry (Irish) men will be among the underdogs when they face off against heavyweights South Africa, India and Pakistan but the chance to mix it with the big boys is a challenge that captain and compatriots will relish.
Hailing from the coastal village of Sandymount in Co. Dublin, O’Brien has a fine cricket pedigree. The 33-year-old’s father Brendan is a former Ireland national team captain, while younger brother Kevin is a fellow powerful presence among the Greens’ current batting line.
From an early age, Niall had the look of a kid with stardust in his arms when lining up for Railway Union and he transformed that potential into considerable success at county level, playing five seasons with Northamptonshire before moving to Leicestershire in 2013. In 2014 he scored 971 first-class runs, his highest contribution in the county season.
O’Brien’s most prominent outing was perhaps his first World Cup against Pakistan eight years ago, when his scintillating 72 in the West Indies set up a famous victory for Ireland that helped eliminate their more illustrious opponents.
His talent couldn’t have been more conspicuous and he comes into this World Cup on the back of half centuries in four of his last nine appearances for his country – including a career-best 80 not out against Scotland in Dubai.
Ireland’s leader will also be taking centre stage for Sport360 over the coming weeks, giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the life of a player at the Cricket World Cup.
Here, we get to know our new columnist a little better.
What was your earliest cricket memory? I was playing for the Under-11s at Railway Union when I was just five years old. The team wasn’t great at the time and I was allowed to play despite my young age.
What is the proudest moment of your sporting career? I received man of the match awards in World Cup tournaments. Also, winning my first cap for Ireland was a top moment.
Who do you consider as your biggest inspiration and why? Steve Waugh inspires me. He was my idol growing up and his toughness and grit helped me become the type of player I am today.
Who is the funniest person in the Irish dressing room? I reckon the funniest person in the Ireland sheds would be Andy Balbirnie …he is hilarious and excellent at impersonations.
Best player you’ve played with? I have been lucky to play with some top-class players and two that stand out would be Saurav Ganguly and Andrew Symonds. Symonds was just unreal in everything he did, whether it was bat or ball in the field.
Best player you’ve played against? Best I have played against would be Sir Vivian Richards; it was only in a celebration game but he’s so good and then Brian Lara, whom I have played many times was ridiculously good.
What’s your best achievement as a player? I think to have been playing for Ireland for 13 years is a serious effort in itself and one I'm very proud of but the best achievement to date would be representing the team in seven World Cup events.
Favourite music? Indie/ Rock n Roll.
Favourite food? Mexican.
Do you have a pre-match routine/ritual? I never eat duck and I always look to the sky while walking out to bat.
Where’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Best place I have toured is Australia, absolutely love the country.
What’s your pet hate? Lateness
Best cricket ground you’ve played on? Lords would probably be the best ground but my favourite ground is Sabina Park (Jamaica).
Sports you like outside cricket? I am a huge sports fan generally but I love Everton football club and Leinster rugby.
If you were a young athlete who was talented at both cricket and rugby, and were forced to focus on one sport, why would you choose cricket? I would focus on cricket over rugby because I would not like to get hurt like the rugby boys, but I would choose football over cricket any day of the week.
Which team do you think will be a surprise package at the CWC? I think England will do well at this World Cup. They have a talented side that nobody seems to be giving a chance to and I think Eoin Morgan will lead them well.
One player to keep an eye out for? Paul Stirling (Ireland)
