RYAN Macbeth would like nothing better than being part of a Lisburn side that wins the Irish Senior Cup for the first time, and the opening bowler and his Wallace Park team-mates can make that dream a step closer as they travel to Balbriggan in the semi-final on Sunday.

Lisburn are the sole Northern Ireland side left in the last four, and Macbeth appreciates just what’s at stake after losing twice in the league in recent weeks as well as being knocked out of the Challenge Cup, meaning this could well be their last chance of silverware.

“It’s certainly a massive game for Lisburn,” said the 27-year-old.“It would mean so much to the club to go on and win the Bob Kerr for the first time. I wouldn’t rule us out of the league just yet but it will be a big uphill challenge to catch Instonians and Waringstown, but not impossible. If we can get our form back and firing I wouldn’t rule us out just yet 

“I don’t know what has gone wrong in recent weeks. In any sport you can have a bit of bad form, and luck has gone against us a bit too. But I’m more than confident we can turn it around in the next few weeks.

The Donegal man started his career at St Johnston, before becoming part of a very successful Brigade side that won all before them. Accepting a new challenge, he switched to Lisburn in 2024, and to date has captured 62 wickets at a shade over 20 in a move that has been beneficial for both parties, being part of the side that won the NCU and All-Ireland T20 Cups in 2024.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time in Lisburn, as it’s a brilliant club with great people around it. I’m not really worried about how many wickets I’ve taken because for me when I’m winning the team’s winning so that’s the big thing for me.”

While Macbeth doesn’t see that much difference in standard between the two northern regions, he admits he’s a big fan of the Premiership format in the NCU.

“The big difference for me is the league structure with the split after nine games. Personally, I really like the way it’s done as it’s a great way to keep every game competitive the whole way through the season.”

He’s been keeping an eye on the local North-West scene too and is backing Donemana to retain their title.

“The North-West season has been interesting. Coleraine has stood out but they carried some very good recruitment over the winter. I still fancy Donemana to win it, with Andy McBrine available most of the season, which is a massive bonus. They seem to have a good professional too in Anuj Jotin. I haven’t seen him play yet but I’ve heard he’s a quality player.

“Unfortunately for my old club Brigade it just hasn’t clicked this year, but I think they still have a massive chance in the T20 Cup, even to progress to the All-Ireland.”

Macbeth is part of the Warriors squad competing in the Interprovincial Series, and is relishing the challenge despite Leinster’s domination.

“⁠I love my time with the Warriors, but it’s just a pity I’ve been working down in Galway fitting fire sprinklers, so I haven’t been available as much as I’d have liked to. I hope I’ve a few years left with them too,” he laughed.

It’s fair to say that the tournament has fallen out of favour with the media and general public, but Macbeth reckons it still has a lot to offer.

“The interpros don’t grab much attention anymore, but I still think it’s an excellent tournament to be involved in. From a playing point of view, it’s a great opportunity to compete against the best players in the country and challenge yourself against them. Maybe bringing back the three-day Championship would attract a bit more interest and reignite the spark.”

It's the start of a huge few months for Macbeth who is getting married to childhood sweetheart Naomi Wasson later this year.

“It’s certainly a big year with me getting married in October. It’s hard to keep all the preparations and cricket together – I’ve been working off my feet…No, in truth, Naomi has been great as she does the bulk of the organising and is doing a top job to be fair.”

Whether Macbeth will be able to continue all his sporting activities after the nuptials remains to be seen. He has played badminton at Ulster level from the age of 13, is a keen golfer, plays hockey for Raphoe, and of course his cricketing career. You suspect something may have to give!

Meanwhile there is a full programme in the North-West with Brigade travelling to Ardmore, Donemana host Eglinton, Bready entertain Coleraine, while Strabane take on Newbuildings.

Carrickfergus are in action on Sunday as they attempt to reach the Irish National Cup final taking on County Kerry at Middle Road.