JJ Garth is developing a welcome habit of producing his best when the stakes are highest.

Fresh from a century and Player of the Match award in the Leinster Cup final, the Pembroke opener repeated the feat on an even bigger stage, scoring 117 as his side defeated CSNI by 133 runs to win the Irish Senior Cup.

For Garth, it was a moment to savour after helping Pembroke lift the trophy for the second time.

“It feels amazing. I’m absolutely delighted,” he said. “It wasn’t just me, though — it was a real team effort, so I’m really, really happy.”

Garth’s innings formed the backbone of Pembroke’s imposing 306 for eight at Clontarf and underlined his growing reputation as a player for the big occasion.

Yet he was quick to shift attention away from his own contribution and towards the strength of a squad that has been tested repeatedly throughout the competition.

“We have so much quality and depth in the squad. I think we’ve used nearly 20 players throughout the competition, so it has very much been a case of the next man up, going out there and doing his thing.”

Despite Pembroke’s fine form, Garth admitted there had been some nerves before the final.

“I think Paul, Andy and myself were the only three who were involved when we won it in 2019, so there were always going to be some nerves,” he said.

“But there was confidence as well. We’ve been playing really good cricket and everyone was really looking forward to the occasion.”

His 117, coming after another century in the Leinster Cup decider, made the achievement even more satisfying.

“To score 117 and win Player of the Match in an Irish Senior Cup final is obviously very special, especially after doing well in the Leinster Cup final too.”

Pembroke’s season is far from finished.

With the All-Ireland T20 final next on the agenda, Garth believes there is still plenty more to chase.

“We’ve got the All-Ireland T20 final coming up next week now, so hopefully we can keep playing the way we have been and see where it takes us.

“It’s been a brilliant season so far, but there’s still more cricket to come and hopefully we can keep that momentum going.”