BRIGADE
Captain: Andy Britton
Overseas professional: None
Players in: Mark Hanna
Players out: Marcello Piedt

It was by their high standards a relatively disappointing 2024 season for Brigade with a fourth placed league finish, although there was silverware as they lifted the Faughan Valley T20 Cup.

In Scott Macbeth they had the Ireland Club Player of the Year as he passed 1000 runs, which has earned him an Ireland Wolves place in their ongoing tri-series in Abu Dhabi. There was also a call-up for opening bowler Josh Wilson who has obviously impressed the selectors despite not having played for the senior Warriors yet.

The pair will face a race against time for their opening league clash with Donemana, with their game against Sri Lanka A taking place on Friday.

There was a bit of an on-off saga with their overseas professional Marcello Piedt, but it now seems that the South African won't be back at Beechgrove this season, with skipper Andy Britton indicating for now they are opting to go without the services of a pro.

Mark Hanna returns to his boyhood club from Newbuildings, and will give some depth to the batting.

It remains to be seen if Brigade produce a rabbit out of the hat in terms of a late signing, but with a settled, quality line-up, they will be once again there or thereabouts in terms of challenging for major honours.