Long congratulates Ireland cricket team on Intercontinental Cup triumph

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 30th Oct 2005

Alliance Sports Spokesperson Michael Long has congratulated the Ireland cricket team after its victory in the Intercontinental Cup. The win effectively means Ireland is deemed the best of the non-test-playing international teams at the two-innings game.

The Castlereagh Councillor said: "Following on from the team's qualification for the one-day World Cup earlier this year, this is a superb triumph at the longer version of the game. To defeat a strong Kenyan team, which reached the World Cup semi-final last time around, is a

remarkable achievement.

"Irish cricket is growing stronger and stronger. After recent wins over leading county side Surrey and test team Bangladesh, the team is now well placed to perform well at the 2007 World Cup and to build on its success in this competition at County level.

"I know some of the players faced a very difficult trip out to Namibia, but I trust the trip home will be rather happier!"

ENDS