Ireland’s Over-40s side is gearing up for a fresh international challenge, with John Anderson named captain for the upcoming Triple Crown tournament in England. For Irish cricket followers tracking veteran representative action alongside broader ETPL developments, this latest squad announcement is a timely reminder of the depth and enduring quality within the national game.
The three-day Triple Crown competition will take place at Bishop’s Stortford from July 28 to July 30, bringing together experienced cricketers in a competitive and respected setting. While much of the current cricket conversation in Ireland often revolves around the European T20 Premier League, domestic pathways, and international fixtures, this event highlights another important layer of the sport: former internationals and seasoned club performers still representing Ireland with pride.
Ireland Over-40s Squad Confirmed Ahead of Triple Crown
John Anderson, a long-serving Merrion figure and former senior Ireland captain, will lead a 15-man group that blends high-level experience with competitive hunger. His appointment adds leadership and familiarity to a squad packed with players who have performed at international or inter-provincial level.
The Ireland Over-40s squad includes:
- John Anderson (captain)
- Kenny Carroll
- Phil Eaglestone
- Stephen Ogilby
- Johny Robinson
- Alan Eastwood
- Rory McCann
- Ehtesham Ahmed
- Paul Ryan
- Conor Kelly
- Bilal Azhar
- Connor Mullen
- Ross Durity
- Andrew Cowden
- Yaqoob Ali
The support team has also been confirmed, with former Ireland international Alan Lewis serving as coach. Greg Molins has been named manager, John Heavey will act as assistant manager, and Peter Searson takes on scorer duties.
What Anderson Said About Leading Ireland Again
Anderson described the opportunity to captain Ireland once more as a major honour. He emphasized both the experience in the panel and the desire within the squad to perform strongly on the international stage. His comments also reflected the spirit of the Triple Crown, where fierce competition is matched by mutual respect among the participating teams.
That balance of ambition and camaraderie has long made veteran tournaments especially meaningful. For Ireland, it is not just about turning up with recognizable names; it is about competing seriously and giving another committed account of national representation.
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Why This Squad Looks Capable of Challenging for the Title
This group appears well equipped for tournament cricket. The panel features batting depth, experienced bowling options, and players who understand the demands of representative fixtures. That matters in a short event where composure, tactical awareness, and adaptability can decide outcomes quickly.
Among the notable names are Kenny Carroll, Phil Eaglestone, Johnny Robinson, Alan Eastwood, and Paul Ryan, all of whom bring substantial cricketing pedigree. Alongside them, players such as Rory McCann, Ehtesham Ahmed, Conor Kelly, Bilal Azhar, Connor Mullen, Ross Durity, Andrew Cowden and Yaqoob Ali give the side balance and variety.
From an Irish cricket perspective, the squad selection also reinforces the strength of the wider ecosystem. Even as fans search for ETPL news, ETPL teams, and ETPL 2026 updates, veteran cricket continues to offer stories of leadership, longevity and elite standards.
Triple Crown Adds Another Layer to Ireland’s Busy Cricket Calendar
The tournament may sit outside the mainstream spotlight compared with franchise competitions or senior internationals, but it remains significant. Events like the Triple Crown celebrate the game’s continuity, rewarding players who have stayed connected to high-level cricket well beyond the traditional peak years.
For supporters in Dublin and across the country, this story also resonates because of Anderson’s standing in club cricket. His leadership gives the side a strong focal point, and Ireland will travel with realistic expectations of mounting a serious challenge.
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What This Means for Irish Cricket Fans
For fans following Irish cricket at every level, the Triple Crown is more than a nostalgic event. It is another chance to watch experienced players represent Ireland, compete for honours, and underline the country’s strong cricket culture. While this story is separate from ETPL cricket, it will still interest readers searching for Ireland cricket news, veteran squad updates, and the latest developments around the national game.
The big takeaway is simple: Ireland’s Over-40s are heading to Bishop’s Stortford with leadership, depth and genuine ambition. With John Anderson at the helm, this campaign deserves attention from anyone keeping up with Irish cricket and the wider ETPL conversation in 2026.
