ANOTHER LANDMARK FOR FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL

With 124 International caps to his credit Peter Gillespie is well used to reaching landmarks however on Sunday past the former Strabane skipper passed another one as he celebrated his 40th birthday.

Unfortunately his beloved Liverpool were unable to give him the biggest present of all despite beating Newcastle in the final match of the season however the decks are now cleared for him to concentrate on propelling the Red Caps back into league contention after a disappointing summer in 2013.

Peter retired from International cricket in 2007 with 2774 runs at a very healthy average of almost 28 including 19 fifties and one hundred.

That century still stands to this day as the fastest every by an Irish player in their 150 year history- taking just 47 balls against MCC at Bangor on 20 June 2005- that despite one Kevin O’Brien coming close in 2011.

Gillespie also had a hand in steering his club to back-to-back league titles in 2009/10 and of course was involved in their All-Ireland triumph in 1998.

He doesn’t bowl much these days preferring to focus on his number 4 slot in the batting order where he remains one of the best “finishers” in the domestic game.

Despite turning 40 however the Strabane man has no thoughts whatever of retirement and don’t be surprised if there’s another winner’s medal or two handed over before that day comes.