‘Smiles and laughter’ as Niall O’Brien calls it a day
IRELAND wicketkeeperbatsman Niall O’Brien has announced his retirement following a 16-year playing career. O’Brien first represented Ireland in 2002 and played 216 times for the national side, including the inaugural Test against Pakistan earlier this summer. The 36-year-old also featured in 103 one-day internationals and 30 Twenty20s, and is Ireland’s most successful gloveman with 241 dismissals to his name and their fourth highest run-scorer with 6,097 at 31.59. ‘It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from international and professional cricket,’ said O’Brien. ‘I have been blessed to have been lucky enough to have represented my country for 16 years with plenty more ups than downs and for this I look back with nothing but smiles and laughter. ‘From playing relatively small fixtures at the start of my career to competing and winning World Cup matches to being there to play in our first Test match meant I have achieved more than I could have ever dreamt and for this I look back with nothing but fondness.’ O’Brien’s career highlight was arguably at the 2007 World Cup as his 72 lifted Ireland to a famous victory over Pakistan, which helped the minnows reach the Super 8 stage. He also featured in the 2011 and 2015 editions and was a regular in all formats, alongside his younger brother Kevin, for more than a decade. Ireland captain William Porterfield said: ‘Niall would have been involved when we only had a couple of games a year, and I’m sure he will sit back and reflect with great pride when he sees where he has helped get Ireland to.’