Dean McCarter of Killyclooney CC announced himself in no uncertain terms to the Irish cricketing public, when he scored 274 in his club's game against Sion Mills on Saturday 20th June 2009.
It is the highest score ever recorded by a cricketer born on the island. (http://www.cover-point.com/post/George-Kenny-by-Ger-Siggins.aspx).
Though there have been two higher scores recorded in Irish cricket, both were scored by Englishmen.
The fact that the score was made by a schoolboy made it even more remarkable.
At first, Carter didn't achieve the recognition he deserved for this achievement. It was initially reported only as a record for the North-West. Thanks to Ger Siggins however it was subsequently established as the highest ever score in Irish cricket by an Irishman.
Dean McCarter is our first pick from the NWCU for Cover Point's 10:20 Vision series. He is, Cover Point believes, one to watch out for in 2010 and beyond.
Profile: Dean McCarter
Dean McCarter
Born: 29/12/1990, Londonderry
Club for 2010: Fox Lodge (having played with Senior 2 Club Killyclooney up to and including 2009)
Bats: LHB
Bowls: Right arm slow
Brother is Graeme, an opening medium quick bowler with Killyclooney CC who was in Ireland's U19 World Cup squad 2010. Two years younger than Dean, Graeme who will be 18 in October, has been named in the U19 squad to take part in winter training and this summer's fixtures.
20th June 2009: Killyclooney v Sion Mills
18 year old Foyle College schoolboy Dean smashed 13 sixes and 25 fours on his way to a magnificent 274 as his team made 438 for 5 - the third highest total in NW Senior cricket -against the unfortunate Mill men.
As far as North-West cricket goes, the innings surpassed the 260 made by Decker Curry in an Irish Cup game for Limavady at CYM, and also the 233 made 76 years ago by the legendary EDR Shearer for City of Derry against Kilaloo.
At the time, as reported on Cricketeurope, McCarter said, "I'm delighted to have broken the record. I certainly enjoyed myself on Saturday, and although I enjoyed a bit of luck, it was certainly my day. I wasn't aware of the significance of my score until there was a bit of chat after the game that I had overtaken Decker."
"It's very flattering to be mentioned with greats such as Decker Curry and EDR Shearer, although they scored their runs in Senior One, while mine was Senior Two. There's a big difference in standard between the two, but it's still a great feeling though."
Dean McCarter
Interview
CP: When did you start playing cricket?
DMC: I started playing cricket when i was 6 years old.
CP: What initiated your interest in the game?
DMC: My Dad played senior 1 cricket with Fox Lodge and I was brought up in a cricketing household. I played cricket at primary school and got hooked at an early age.
CP: Favourite cricketer:
DMC: My favourite cricketer would be Paul Collingwood because he is a very determined and hard working cricketer who never gives up on the field.
With the bat he pulls teams out of beaten situations and revives the team to pull out some stunning wins. He is a cricketer who I look up and try to link myself to as much as I can.
CP: Is there a rivalry with brother Graeme?
DMC: We are rivals against one and other but in a good cricketing sense.
Graeme is a bowler and I am a batsman which in turn can help our own cricketing skills.
CP: What are your thoughts now on the 274?
DMC: That day at Sion Mills was an amazing day. A day that will stay in my mind forever. It was one of those days that everything jus went for me. It never happened before and I think I'm safe to say that it won't happen again to me.
It's a great privilege for me to hold this Irish record as there has been many very talented cricketers who have been close to this such as the famous Decker Curry but to beat those scores is a dream come true.
CP: Going to Senior 1 cricket with Fox Lodge will be a challenge?
DMC: I'm expecting quite a step up to playing senior 1 but I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully it will improve me as a cricketer.
CP: Ambitions for 2010?
DMC: My ambitions for 2010 are to work hard with the bat and I'm aiming for 500 runs in senior 1.
CP: Ambitions beyond 2010?
DMC: Beyond 2010, I want to carry out my third level education after my year out at University of Ulster Jordanstown of sports technology, and to obviously strive to better things on the cricket field and become successful in senior 1.
CP: Highlight of career to date - has to be the 274?
DMC: Yeah the 274 which I scored last season was my proudest moment to date and I think it will stay that way for quite a long time.
Getting picked for Ireland teams in different age groups were also very proud moments. Lifting the (rugby) schools cup last season also was a very proud moment but breaking the batting record topped the list.
CP: Biggest disappointment to date:
DMC: My biggest disappointment was not reaching the world cup squad that travelled to New Zealand this year. It will only make me work harder this incoming season.
CP: Area of your game you're looking to improve this year?
DMC: An area that I find myself weak at is keeping my concentration the whole time at the crease. It causes me to lose my wicket through silly mistakes so concentration is what needs to be improved for me.
CP: Favourite shot?
DMC: Cover drive is my favourite shot and is most beneficial to me as it's an agressive run scoring shot.
CP: You have represented Ulster at badminton with Graeme?
DMC: We have both played at Ulster level and we pair up to be a double pair. Due to cricket commitments we don't have time to play badminton at such a competitive level but we still play in the local leagues.
CP: What else are you passionate about?
DMC: I am also passionate about keeping and looking after my car.
CP: What other sports do you play or interests do you have?
DMC: I play rugby for Strabane 1st team and play badminton. All of my interests revolve around sport. I would give most sports a blast.
CP: What could Irish cricket be doing to make the sport more popular?
DMC: I feel that there is a good structure to Irish cricket and if you have the talent you will be noticed in what ever region of the country you belong to.
I don't feel there needs to be any major changes needed as cricket is spreading through many primary schools which brings kids into the game at an early age.
Liam Rooney in collaboration with Dean MCarter
Copyright: Cover Point
