Botha takes Ireland writers' award

Andre Botha accepts the Ireland international player of the year award © John Boomer, CricketEurope

All-rounder Andre Botha was named Ireland’s international player of the year at the Cricket Writers of Ireland inaugural awards dinner, held at the Civil Service Complex at Stormont in Belfast.

The 33-year-old enjoyed a fantastic year with both the bat and ball, scoring 756 runs at an average of 36 and taking 37 wickets at under 18.

Botha, who won his 100th cap in the ICC Intercontinental Cup final victory over Namibia, was named in the ICC Associates Team of the year and scored centuries against Kenya and the Netherlands this season.

Botha said: “I’m honoured to be the first recipient of this award. It means a lot to me, and it’s a privilege to be recognised by the Irish media.

“They have given the squad unparalleled coverage this past few years, and I know just how much the players appreciate it.”

Also honoured at last night’s dinner was Paul Stirling, who picked up young player of the year.

The 17-year-old played 18 times for Ireland this year, scoring memorable half centuries against Northamptonshire and Italy. The champagne moment of the season was undoubtedly his six hit off England spinner Monty Panesar.

Ireland Under-19 international Eddie Richardson was the first recipient of the CWI/CricketEurope bursary. It will help pay for the quick bowler to attend a nine-day cricket clinic in India next month.

A letter from Richardson was read out in which he thanked CricketEurope and CWI for their generous support and he expressed his gratitude for being offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

CricketEurope managing director John Elder said: “As an organisation that benefits greatly from the contributions of Irish cricket journalists, CricketEurope is delighted to be associated with the Cricket Writers of Ireland.

“When they decided to award an annual bursary to a developing young cricketer, we were only too pleased to be able to provide the funding as it gives an invaluable opportunity of playing and being coached overseas to an emerging player who might not otherwise be able to avail of that opportunity.”