Malahide Cricket Club are delighted to announce that Fintan McAllister has agreed to take up the reins as Player Coach for the 2017 season.

McAllister, the popular opening bat and top wicketkeeper signed on the dotted line with club President Phil Roche last night.  The former Leinster Lightning centurion and Irish International has made Malahide his home over the last five years was an easy choice for the Executive Committee. Chair of Cricket, Gary Stewart said, “One of our key aims for 2017 is to create a positive environment for young players to flourish. We want to instil a high performance, no excuses culture of improvement and development. Finto’s natural enthusiasm, energy and committed mentality means he is the perfect choice to lead the club. He lives and breathes those values.”

McAllister will be tasked with organising a structured training regime for the senior squads, which kicks off next Saturday at the new Urban Cricket on the Long Mile road.  McAllister commented, “I’m delighted to be staying at Malahdie for another year. The club is ambitious and is putting in place the right structures to be a success on the field. We are a bit of a sleeping giant in Irish cricket to be honest. With world class, international facilities and a strong youth section it’s a club with massive potential. It’s great place to play and I can’t wait to get cracking this season.”

Club President Phil Roche, who sealed the deal in the club last night added, “Finto is a top lad, with a great attitude and I’m sure he’ll set a great example. Finto’s attitude to the game is exceptional and hopefully this will rub off on the younger players. Malahide has a bright future, the Executive is doing great work behind the scenes. With more international games this year, the development squad being added and a growing youth section the club is going places. The social scene in the club is great as well and it’s a real inviting club to be a part of.”

The club will be announcing some more player and coaching recruits over the next few weeks as the build up to the 2017 season gathers pace.

If anyone would like to join the club in 2017 please drop Gary an email garydtstewart7@gmail.com