LEINSTER LIGHTNING SQUAD FOR DAY ONE IN CORK (TUESDAY 17.6.2025)

It has been a headache for Andre Botha (Leinster Lightning Head Coach) in his efforts to assemble a team for the first IP20 Festival being hosted by Cork County CC at The Mardyke next week.

The challenge is especially acute for game one on Tuesday 17th when the Sherwin O’Riordan sponsored Leinster Lightning take on the Northern Knights in the second game that day scheduled for 3.45pm. With this game coming immediately after the International T20 series against West Indies, none of the Ireland/contracted players are available for this game. 

In addition, the injury to Josh Little (who was named in the core squad pre-season) further extends his run of absence from the squad. With John McNally (Clontarf) now playing for the Reds, just three of the Leinster Lightning T20 team which concluded the campaign last season are actually available for selection in this game.

The challenge for Botha is compounded by the extent to which Leinster players (who participated in the CL Under 23 competition and/or the Leinster Bolts last season) have been allocated to other competing squads including McNally, Suliman Safi (North County), Philippe Le Roux (Railway Union), Olly Riley (Pembroke) and Byron McDonough(Pembroke).

In the absence of Lorcan Tucker, the team for Tuesday will be captained by Chris De Freitas of Balbriggan and includes four players who represented the Leinster Bolts against the Emerging Knights last month. In addition, Dan Murray (Pembroke) gets his first opportunity at this level having performed well for his club so far this season, mainly in the Second XI Premier League. There is also a welcome return for Clontarf’s Reuben Wilson who has only had limited opportunities for his club so far this season (injury challenges and state examinations).

SHERWIN O’RIORDAN LEINSTER LIGHTNING

TUESDAY 17^TH JUNE, 3.45PM

THE MARDYKE, CORK

Chris De Freitas (Balbriggan), Captain
Seamus Lynch (Clontarf)
Younas Ahmadzai (Leinster)
Macdara Cosgrave (Pembroke)
Dan Murray (Pembroke)
Dylan Lues (Balbriggan)
Matt Hollard (Balbriggan)
Abidullah Taniwal (Rush)
Jordan Hollard (Balbriggan)
Melvin Deveraj (Merrion)
Reuben Wilson (Clontarf)
Mark Tonge (Leinster)