So far in this series, from Leinster we have featured Tomas Murphy from The Hills, Ryan Hopkins from Pembroke and Dhruv Kapoor from Railway Union.
The fourth Cover Point selection of young players from Leinster is North County's Conor Sheil.
Profile
Full Name - Conor Sheil
Date of Birth -19/04/90
Club - North County
Bats - RHB
Bowls - Right arm medium fast
In 2009 Sheil played in 15 matches in Leinster for North County, playing predominantly as a bowler. In 84.2 overs he captured 16 wickets at an average of just over 25 with a best of 4-10.
According to Ireland Under 19 Coach Matt Dwyer, Sheil was close to being selected for the final World Cup squad.
So what's next for Sheil? Well according to Dwyer, Sheil needs to work on his all-round game:
'Conor should be aiming to work on his all-round game and not just rely on his bowling. He should see himself as a bowler who can contribute coming in at the top of the lower order. And of course he should continue to work on his fielding.'
'If he continues to improve he is an Ireland prospect of course but the competition is tough. With the inter-provincials this year and with Ireland A having more fixtures that is the route he needs to be aiming for. First get himself on the Fingal or Leinster selection and go from there' says Dwyer.
For North County colleague and Club Member, Joseph Russell, Sheil is one of the group of young players who North County will be looking to this year.
'We'll be looking to the likes of Conor, Eddie Richardson and Jonathan Andrews to step up to the plate this season. If Conor continues to work on his game and improve there is no reason why he can't be playing for Ireland in the future' says Russell.
The North County youngster who will be 20 in April is, Cover Point believes, one to watch out for in 2010 and beyond.
Interview
CP: When did you start to play cricket?
CS: Started to play when I was 9.
CP: What sparked your interest in the game?
CS: Just being outside playing on our green having fun with friends.
CP: Favourite cricketer and why?
CS: Ben Hilfenhaus because the way he can control and swing the ball away at a high pace and occasionally gets one to come back in which is unbelievable.
CP: Biggest influence and why?
CS: A lot of people but most recently a man named Ken Lilly from WA. He sorted out my bowling action and I have not suffered with injury since.
Bret Mulder our club coach gave me a good chance to bowl with our 1st team and helped me a lot.
Brían O'Rourke helped a huge amount in the younger days with organizing trips and coaching sessions.
CP: Ambitions for 2010?
CS: Get some silverware with North County and show how good we are.
Would love to play in an All-Ireland final. Improve on my 23 wickets in senior 1 and get 30+.
CP: Ambitions beyond 2010?
CS: After the season is finished get out to Perth and work really hard on my game, enjoy my cricket and see what happens from there.
CP: Proudest achievement to date?
CS: Getting my first international wicket with the 17's in Scotland and then getting another with the very next ball.
CP: Biggest disappointment to date?
CS: Losing to Pembroke in the quarters of the All Ireland in 2009. I faced the last ball needing 2 runs.
Then not making the U19 World Cup Squad was a big disappointment.
CP: Area looking to improve in 2010?
CS: My whole game really. I have been working hard in the gym for the winter so that should be a huge help.
Hopefully to pick up some pace with my bowling.
CP: What else are you passionate about?
CS: Love listening to music. Really like my food and golf.
CP: What other sports do you play?
CS: Golf is my biggest interest outside of cricket try to at least get out three times a week.
CP: What could Irish cricket be doing (if anything) that it is not doing already to make the sport more popular?
CS: I know it's hard for them to do it but you really need to get the Irish games televised and that would boost its popularity massively, people could then see how well the Irish team are doing.
Liam Rooney in conversation with Conor Sheil
Copyright: Cover Point
