Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Ireland squad and backroom staff photographed at Lords

Ireland have chance to prosper against World champions

Former international Niall O'Brien feels the Ireland "will be quietly confident" when they face England at Lord's in what will be their Test match since they were awarded full ICC membership.

Cricket • 24 Jul 19

Niall O'Brien made 216 international appearances

O'Brien announces retirement from top class cricket

Niall O'Brien has announced that he is calling time on his international and first-class cricket career after 16 years at the top.

Cricket • 12 Oct 18

Niall O'Brien will coach the Kandahar Knights

Stirling and O'Brien set for Afghan adventure

Irish internationals Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien look ahead to new challenges on the eve of joining the Kandahar Knights, a franchise team established for the inaugural year of the Afghanistan Premier League T20 competition.

Cricket • 01 Oct 18

Niall O'Brien helped Ireland to a crucial victory

Ireland slay Scots to keep slim World Cup hopes alive

Ireland kept their faint hopes of qualification for next year's World Cup alive after a 25-run victory over Scotland in the Super Six stage of the qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Cricket • 18 Mar 18

Andy Balbirnie was among the Irish players who shone against the Dutch

Ireland make perfect start in World Cup qualifying bid

Ireland's men's cricket team got their World Cup qualifying tournament off to the best possible start when they beat The Netherlands in Zimbabwe by 93 runs.

Cricket • 04 Mar 18

Afghanistan skipper Ashgar Stanikzai's undefeated 110 gave his team a good start against Ireland

Ireland struggle as Afghanistan take commanding lead

It's advantage Afghanistan after a gruelling first day for Ireland in their ICup clash in the heat and humidity of Greater Noida as they lead 357 for six.

Cricket • 28 Mar 17

O'Brien believes Ireland would hold their own at test level

O'Brien in dreamland at prospect of test cricket

Ireland moved a giant step closer to playing test cricket following the very positive news coming out of the ICC in Dubai at the weekend, and for veteran wicketkeeper and batsman, Niall O'Brien, playing a test for his national side will fulfil a lifetime ambition.

Cricket • 07 Feb 17

Ed Joyce will look to continue his excellent form into the upcoming InterContinental clash with Afghanistan, which will be played in India

Ireland at full strength ahead of Afghanistan tie

Table toppers Ireland will be at full strength for their crucial ICC InterContinental Cup clash with second placed Afghanistan in Greater Noida at the end of March.

Cricket • 30 Jan 17

Niall O'Brien is on the look-out for a new club

Ireland's Niall O'Brien leaves Leicestershire

Ireland wicketkeeper-batsman Niall O'Brien has left Leicestershire after four years at the club.

Cricket • 19 Aug 16

Niall O'Brien reached 50 InterContinental Cup dismissals in Ireland's dismantling of Papua New Guniea

O'Brien leads Ireland to Papua New Guinea victory

Ireland's quest for Test status moved a step closer after they completed a 145-run win against a determined Papua New Guinea side on the final day of their ICC InterContinental Cup clash in Townsville.

Cricket • 03 Feb 16

Niall O'Brien will be hoping to cause a shock against India

O'Brien: India clash can showcase Irish cricket

Ireland batsman Niall O'Brien believes the World Cup clash with India will be an opportunity for the side to showcase their ability to a huge audience.

Cricket • 09 Mar 15

Cheeky chappy Niall O'Brien was a bit of a menace behind the stumps, especially when facing world class opponents

O'Brien: Troublesome teenager to World Cup star

Niall O'Brien, the sturdy batting backbone during Irish cricket's meteoric rise, owes much of his World Cup success to the timely arrival of a pet dog during his troublesome teenage years.

Cricket • 27 Feb 15

Alex Cusack and George Dockrell steered Ireland over the line

O'Brien delighted to 'get out of jail' against UAE

Niall O’Brien says Ireland got out of jail against the UAE as they made it two wins from two at the Cricket World Cup.

Cricket • 25 Feb 15

Niall O'Brien: 'I think the coach would be disappointed if he heard me just talking about getting through the group'

O'Brien wants Ireland to make mark at World Cup

For Ireland, gone are the days of simply trying to take a scalp at major tournaments – the Blarney Army are out to establish themselves on the big stage for the long term.

Cricket • 06 Feb 15

Day 3: Niall O'Brien

Ireland's Niall O'Brien gives his reaction after Day 3 of the InterContinental Cup Final against Afghanistan in Dubai

Sport AV • 12 Dec 13

Niall O'Brien