On 22nd August '09, at Sydney Parade 16-year-old Barry McCarthy fatally dented Merrion's Leinster Section A title bid with a starring MoM performance for Pembroke.
Merrion started the day as League leaders and though Merrion will not have been satisfied with a total of 191 all out (McCarthy 3-34), they would have felt they were in a very strong position having reduced Pembroke to 10-3 with Brooks (pro) and Balbirnie gone.
However Graham McDonnell (69) led a fightback supported by Ryan Hopkins (20), Theo Lawson (25) and Allan Eastwood (20).
Still, with Pembroke having 8 wickets down going into the closing overs, Merrion were warm favourites.
However Andy Leonard (24*) and McCarthy (20*)absorbed the pressure and steered Pembroke home with only 2 balls to spare. It was the highlight of Pembroke's disappointing League campaign.
Leinster Development Officer, Brian O'Rourke says this about his Pembroke colleague:
Barry has progressed well through the Leinster junior ranks in recent years. From memory, he did not gain selection to the Leinster U'13's side but two years later had established himself as a key member of the Ireland U'15's side who had travelled to the West Indies to take part in the Clico tournament.
Barry's trip to Muir College in Uitenhague, South Africa also proved beneficial to his cricket (other students who have spent time there include George Dockrell, Andy Balbirnie, Jordan Coughlan & Conor Sheil) and the following year he had established himself as a regular member of the Pembroke 1st X1.
A strict training regime coupled with the regular intake of nutrient-dense foods (brought about from his stay in South Africa) has resulted in high fitness levels. He will play a vital role in Pembroke's plans to return to division one cricket next season."
Barry McCarthy
Barry McCarthy is Cover Point's next pick in its 10:20 Vision Series.
In Leinster Senior cricket in 2009 it was with the ball that McCarthy shone. In 54.3 overs he took 15 wickets at an average of 16.53 with a best of 3-17.
His Club captain at Pembroke, Emmett Whaley, has this to say about him:
"A talented all-rounder who began the 2009 on the fringes of the Pembroke 1st team, however some after excellent performances on the clubs second team he forced his way into the first team.
His improvement throughout the season was such that he finished 2009 as the 1st teams opening bowler taking 15 wickets at an average of 16.5 in a tough Section A league.
He also made good batting contributions in the middle order and is a very athletic fielder. Barry won the clubs player of the season in 2009 and is a member of the Irish under 17 squad."
Profile
NAME: Barry McCarthy
DATE OF BIRTH: 13/09/1992
CLUB: Pembroke Cricket Club
ROLE: All rounder
BAT: Right hand bat
BOWLS: Right arm medium
Interview
WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING CRICKET:
BMC: I started playing cricket at about 4 years of age. My dad was big into his cricket so that's how I got into the game.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE GAME:
BMC: I remember when i was about 4 years of age my dad brought me to see the West Indies playing a competitive match at Clontarf. It was a great day out where i got to meet a few of the superstars.
FAVOURITE CRICKETER AND WHY:
My favourite cricketer would have to be AB De Villiers, I enjoy watching him play and he has a great attitude towards the game.
BIGGEST INFLUENCE AND WHY:
BMC: My biggest influence to date has to be Brian O'Rourke. He has encouraged me all the way up the levels. I enjoyed playing a season with him last season and he is always a good person to talk to when things are not going right. I don't know if I would be playing at the level I am now without him.
AMBITIONS FOR 2010:
BMC: I hope to help bring the club back up to the top division but it will not be easy. There are strong sides in division 2 and it will be tough to come out on top. I hope to take many wickets and cement my position in the top 5 with the bat. I also hope to represent Ireland under 17s at the European championships.
AMBITIONS FOR BEYOND 2010:
BMC: I hope to someday be a part of the full national side but that won't be easy. There is a lot of competition but I think I would be in with a chance because i am a hard worker and have a good attitide towards the game.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR:
BMC: It was a great achievement to be a late call up to the under 15s trip to the West Indies in 2008.The best part was getting man of the match in the final match.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT TO DATE:
I was disappointed when we came runners up in the under 15s European championships in 2008. We had played so well throughout the tournament but had a top order collapse in the final against Scotland. Hopefully (if selected) we will beat them in the European champs this summer.
WHAT ELSE ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I enjoy playing rugby and just keeping fit.
WHAT OTHER INTERESTS HAVE YOU/WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY?
I enjoy playing a bit of golf in my spare time.
WHAT COULD IRISH CRICKET (IF ANYTHING) THAT IT IS NOT DOING ALREADY TO MAKE THE SPORT MORE POPULAR:
The sport is well known in this country now. I don't think half the country knew we had a cricket team until our success in the 2007 world cup. Our success has sparked an interest with the youngsters but I think it could be more encouraged in schools.
