Clontarf all-rounder John McNally has been selected by Cricket Ireland to be the latest participant in their ongoing Cricket Programme with Australian club side Randwick Petersham.

The Under-19 international played in the U19 World Cup this year, and also featured at Interprovincial level for both Leinster Lightning and Munster Reds.

The links between Ireland the Sydney-based 'Randy Petes' emerged when the club was used as a base by Ireland to help their 2015 World Cup preparations.

McNally joins a long list of Irish cricketers who have featured for Randwick Petersham, including Peter Chase, Graeme McCarter, Barry McCarthy, Andrew Balbirnie, the three Tector brothers, Stephen Doheny, Scott Macbeth and last year's beneficiary Jake Egan.

"John McNally is a thoroughly deserving beneficiary of this opportunity," said Pete Johnston. "John was an integral part of the Ireland Under-19s who finished a best 8th at the U-19s World Cup in January. He highlighted his ability with an outstanding 50 against Pakistan Under-19s in a game that Ireland narrowly lost, while with the ball he was economical and took 5 wickets in the tournament. Currently he is Clontarf's leading run scorer and has had an excellent start to his Leinster Lightning career with strong performances especially in T20. 

"Throughout his cricketing endeavours, John has also been diligent around his education and completed a very successful Leaving Certificate. He will now defer his University commitments for a year to make the most this window of opportunity which he feels will benefit his independence, life skills and cricket immensely. The ICP will give John a professional environment and programme to help him thrive in his development and with Randwick Petersham for whom we are very grateful to for this continued joint-partnership". 

John Stewart, Randwick Petersham CEO, added: “The partnership between Randwick Petersham and Cricket Ireland is a unique agreement that sets us apart from other Premier Cricket Clubs in Sydney and Australia. Fortunately, all the Irish cricketers who have played and trained with Randy Petes have fitted in superbly within our culture. Their professionalism is unrivalled and they have certainly made many friends at the Club with their willingness to immerse themselves in the club on and off the field.
 
“We always follow each player with interest after they leave us, and its always a proud moment for the Randy Petes to see our representative players doing well.”