The Cricket Writers of Ireland held their inaugural Awards Dinner last night at the Civil Service Complex at Stormont in Belfast.

North County all rounder Andre Botha was named Ireland’s International Player of the Year, after enjoying a fantastic year with both the bat and ball. The 33 year old scored 756 runs at an average of 36, and also took 37 wickets at 17.97.

Botha, who won his 100th cap in the Intercontinental Cup Final victory over Namibia, was named in the ICC Associates Team of the year, and scored centuries against Kenya and The Netherlands this season.

Speaking after receiving his award from LCU President Arthur Vincent, Botha said, “I’m honoured to be the first recipient of this award. It means a lot to me, and it’s a privilege to be recognised by the Irish media. They have given the squad unparalled coverage this past few years, and I know just how much the players appreciate it.”

Also honoured at last night’s dinner was Cliftonville’s Paul Stirling who picked up the Young Player of the Year. The 17-year old played 18 times for Ireland during the year, scoring memorable half centuries against Northants and Italy. The champagne moment of the season was undoubtedly his six hit off England spinner Monty Panesar.

The association also recognised Irish domestic cricket, and chose Donemana’s Junior McBrine as the Club Player of the Year. The veteran was instrumental as his side won the league and reached the final of the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup. This year he scored 761 runs at 41.7 per innings and took 53 wickets at an average of just 14.

CWI chairman Robin Walsh last night also announced Ireland Under-19 international Eddie Richardson as the first recipient of the CWI/CricketEurope bursary. It will help pay for the North County quick bowler to attend a nine-day cricket clinic in India next month. A letter from Richardson was read out in which he thanked CricketEurope and CWI for their generous support and he expressed his gratitude for being offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

CricketEurope Managing Director John Elder said, “As an organisation that benefits greatly from the contributions of Irish cricket journalists, CricketEurope is delighted to be associated with the Cricket Writers of Ireland. When they decided to award an annual bursary to a developing young cricketer, we were only too pleased to be able to provide the funding as it gives an invaluable opportunity of playing and being coached overseas to an emerging player who might not otherwise be able to avail of that opportunity.”

More than 50 members and guests attended the dinner including award sponsors, Roy Torrens, the Ireland team manager, Ulster Bank, and the Russell Court Hotel in Dublin. The event was also supported by Sport Northern Ireland and Harrison Photography.