MERRION
Captain: Max Sorensen
Overseas professional; Muhammad Manack
Players in: Kashap, JJ Cassidy.
Players out: Pete Francis, Sam Harbinson, Mike Lewis (ret).

Merrion came oh so close to two major prizes in 2024, losing in dramatic fashion in both the Irish Senior Cup final as well as the crucial Premiership decider. 

The Angelsea Side have had a reset in the close season that sees former Irish international Dom Joyce take over the Head Coach role from Nicky Kenny.

Their new overseas professional is South African Muhammad Manack, with the 22-year-old all-rounder having just broken into the Lions first-class team, scoring 64 and 49 against Western Province and the Warriors in November, having made his debut last December.

"We have a couple of players joining us from the YMCA side of a few years ago, JJ Cassidy and Kashap," said Joyce. "Pete Francis and Sam Harbinson aren't coming back though, while Mike Lewis has retired.

"In terms of young players to watch, probably Seb Dijkstra, who was away recently with the Ireland Under 19's in Zimbabwe, and who did really well with the bat and the  ball. Unfortunately, he is doing his Leaving Cert this year so his appearances could be a bit limited, but hopefully he'll have a good part to play after that finishes, and hopefully before.

"We are certainly hoping to be competing on all fronts for the major trophies as we usually do, as we have a fairly similar strength team to last year. John Anderson is going again, and we have Max Sorensen as captain. 

"It will be interesting to see how the 12-team Premier League goes with the split. It's important to start the season strongly and carrying points through."

There's no doubt that Merrion will once again be at the business end of the table, and a major challenger for silverware.