IRELAND selectors have named four new faces in the team to contest the Under-25 Home International series at Ayr, Scotland, on Friday and Saturday, September 6-7.
In for their first taste of action at this level come Leinster’s Tom Smyth; Patrick McCafferty of Divis; Bangor player Thomas Cannavan and Ballymena’s David Shields, while Portadown’s Simon Lyttle is recalled to the side, with several locals includin
g Gary Kelly and Barry Kane retaining their place in the squad..
Alistair Davidson is drafted in as reserve, which will also be a new experience for the Cookstown player.
He is joined in that capacity by Tom Ramsey of Blackrock, who has earned a recall to the squad.
The Irish selectors had the job of replacing three influential skips who performed so well at Leamington Spa last season.
Lisnagarvey’s Phil Cromie, Richard Leonard of St James’s Gate and Bray’s James Murphy all miss out this time having reached the age limit.
Their skipping duties are taken up by Bangor pair Ryan Craig and Graham McKee along with Andrew Duncan, from Ballymena.
Ireland boss Roy McCune admits it’s a bonus to have three players of that quality available to fill the vacancies.
“Last season was one of the most impressive showings by the team and normally it would be a major problem replacing three back end players,” he said.
“But we are fortunate to be able to convert Ryan, Graham and Andrew into the role of skip – it’s a big plus factor.
“In fact, the selectors faced a difficult job of whittling the team down due to the fact there are so many good players coming through. Some may not have made it this time, but they will have opportunities in the future.“The beauty if it is, there is a lot more talent in the pipeline,” added McCune.
Ireland Under-25 international team
Rink one: Gareth Pierpoint (Londonderry Park), Tom Smyth (Leinster), Mark Wilson (Cookstown), Adam Barr (Dunbarton).
Rink two: David Torrington (Ballymena), Simon Colvin (Portrush), Gary Kelly (Ballymoney), Barry Kane (Dunluce).
Rink three: Paul Brennan (Falls), Mark Torrington (Ballymena), Patrick McCafferty (Divis), Patrick Burns (Divis).
Rink four: Simon Lyttle (Portadown), David Dilworth (Ulster Transport), Thomas Cannavan (Bangor), Graham McKee (Bangor).
Rink five: Conor Gilmour (Portrush), Thomas Vint (Banbridge), Alan Paul (Cookstown), Ryan Craig (Balmoral).
Rink six: James Gaston (Ballymena), Keith Padgett (Coleraine), David Shields (Ballymena), Andrew Duncan (Ballymena).
Reserves: Tom Ramsey (Blackrock), Alistair Davidson (Cookstown).
Players are requested to confirm their availability to IBA secretary Tom McGarel.
The full article contains 427 words and appears in Coleraine Times newspaper.
