Twenty year old, Laura Cullen, an opening bowler and middle order bat from Clontarf CC is Cover Point's fourth pick in this series, featuring some of Ireland's best emerging women players.

Clare Shillington current Irish international and already capped 70 times, has this to say about Laura:

'Laura is one of Ireland's most promising up and coming bowlers. Having learnt her trade through Clontarf and guesting for Malahide in the 50 over league, she has pushed her way up through the ranks of underage and development squads. This winter saw her first inclusion in the senior squad. Just rewards for one of the hardest working cricketers in Ireland; male or female!

Laura attended the Global Cricket School in India this winter, where myself and 'A' Squad coach Nigel Pyne put the girls through their paces. Laura's commitment, drive and overall work ethic were hugely impressive, all attributes that are needed in abundance to play international cricket.

Opening the bowling for both Clontarf and Malahide with her accurate medium pace bowling, Laura has been a proven wicket taker season to season. I have no doubt that Laura is a future Irish opening bowler.'

 
Profile: Laura Cullen

Date of Birth: 16/10/89

Birthplace: Dublin

Club - Clontarf Cricket Club

Role: Opening bowler, middle- lower order bat

Bats - RHB

Bowls - Right Arm

Representative honours to date: Ireland U21 & Irish Development

Interview

CP: When did you start to play cricket?

LC: When I was about 7/8, Clontarf is a very welcoming place to take up cricket.

CP: What sparked your interest in the game?

LC: Being dragged to every game my brother played!

CP: Favourite cricketer and why?

LC: Female - Ellyse Perry, because she plays soccer and cricket for Australia and is clearly very talented.

      Male - Brett Lee, because he bowls with great speed, control and intensity.

CP: Biggest influence and why?

LC: My family and especially my brother for being so supportive, Clontarf Cricket Club for providing the base for developing my game and Nigel Pyne for mentoring me over the last number of years.

CP: Ambitions for 2010?

LC: Having recently begun training with the Irish senior squad I'd like to continue the development of all aspects of my game, perform well for my club and push for a place in their upcoming tournaments.

CP: Key goals for Ireland in 2010?

LC: Perform consistently throughout the summer, pushing ourselves at each opportunity and applying all the training we did during the winter in preparation for the Dubai Cricket Classic in the autumn.

CP: Ambitions beyond 2010 - for you and for Ireland?

LC: to continue challenging for honours with Clontarf, working hard on my game to become a regular part of the Irish senior team set up.
    And for the team, to qualify for the 2013 World Cup in India.

CP: Proudest achievement to date?

LC: Breaking onto the senior squad as it was recognition for years of training.

CP: Biggest disappointment to date?

LC: Losing to Northumberland last summer in the County Championships, meaning we didn't gain promotion to the fourth division.

CP: Area looking to improve in 2010?

LC: I hope to improve on all aspects of my game especially my fielding.

CP: What else are you passionate about?

LC: Music, fashion and my college course.

CP: What other interests have you?

LC: Television, shopping, going to the gym and spending time with my friends.

CP: What are the key next steps for Women's cricket in Ireland?

LC: Continued investment in all areas of women's cricket in Ireland, especially at underage level and developing the game further outside of Dublin.

                                        

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