No fewer than eight new signings will give our 1st XI squad a very new look for the 2009 season. As well as new professional, the former Zimbabwe Test player Gavin Ewing who we already profiled, the squad has been strengthened considerably with the addition of seven other new faces, all of whom are now profiled in the Player Profiles section.
Leading the way are the Stirling brothers who have joined the club from Cliftonville. 18 year old Paul Stirling is a current Irish international batsman who will be a great addition to the top order when Ireland and Middlesex committments allow. His older brother Richard Stirling is a very talented wicketkeeper/batsman who has represented Ireland in the Under 19 World Cup. Two players have joined us from league champions North Down to get a better opportunity to show what they can do. Andrew Haire is a young left arm spinner who is also a handy lower order batsman and is another player who has represented Ireland at Under 19 level, while experienced middle order batsman Michael Turkington returns to Carrick where he started out as a schoolboy.
From further afield we welcome Ross Gelderbloem, a South African who has been working in the Province since early in 2009. Allrounder Ross is an opening bowler and a top order batsman who played for the same club as the van Rensburg brothers who were so successful in 2007. His fellow countryman Rory Thompson had an impressive first season with Larne in 2008, and his all round ability will add some depth to the squad. Last but not least is 19 year old batsman Matt Mangan from Sydney, who is an Irish qualified Australian grade cricketer who had a very successful season in England in 2008.
The Club welcomes them all, and looks forward with anticipation to a successful season with what looks to be a very strong squad of players.
Meanwhile it's goodbye to long serving opening batsman and wicketkeeper Barry Cooper who has joined CIYMS, and to Ryan Ervine who joins his brother Craig at Lisburn. Last year's pro Colin Birch will not be returning while Johan le Roux has also returned to South Africa. The club thanks them all for their contributions.