BROLLY MAKES INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

There was some good news for local officials at the weekend as George Brolly made his international debut, taking the field in the Women's tri-series involving Ireland, West Indies and Pakistan.

The Ardmore man has been one of the top umpires in the region, and has been rewarded for his consistent displays. 

"It was a very special moment for me to umpire my first women’s international match last Friday in Clontarf," said Brolly. 

"West Indies played Pakistan in a T20 match as part of the ongoing tri-series, which also includes Ireland. Two days later, I received my second cap when Ireland came through a thrilling game against Pakistan. It made the occasion even more memorable, especially with all of these matches serving as build-up to the T20 World Cup in England this June."

Brolly, who works as an architect admitted to a few butterflies in the tummy at Castle Avenue, but thanks to the support of his colleagues, came through with flying colours.
 
"I was definitely nervous, but I was also incredibly thankful for the support around me. The Playing Control Team were brilliant, and I was especially grateful to match referee Graham McCrea and my umpiring colleagues Jonny Kennedy and Gareth Morrison. 

"This series was also James Taylor’s first in his role as operations manager, and he did an outstanding job, with great support from Uel Graham. Everyone involved, including David Spy, made me feel genuinely welcome and part of the team from the very start."

His father George senior, was also a well-known umpire, and he paid tribute also to Davy (DW) Caldwell, for his help as he embarked on his cricketing journey.

 
"I really hope this is the beginning of a meaningful international journey, and I am excited to see where it might lead. 

"It has been a long road since I first took the umpiring course with Davy Caldwell in 2009. For much of the first ten years, I umpired only part-time before eventually making the decision to focus on umpiring rather than playing. That was not an easy choice, but honest conversations with Roly Black helped me take that step. 

"Since then, I have been fortunate to receive so much support from Cricket Ireland, especially Phil Thompson and Chris Griffin, as well as from my mentors, Alan Neill and now Mark Hawthorne whose knowledge and experience has proved invaluable."

There are quite a few personnel from the region involved as officials in the international arena, with the aforementioned McCrea one of the referee panel, while Roly Black has been the region's main man in the umpiring ranks in recent years.

The local scorers have also been prominent, with Mary McElwee, Dermot Ward and Emma Macbeth - who scored Ireland's Test match at Stormont last week - all heavily involved.

Congratulations to all.