Funding boost for Irish cricket

The International Cricket Council has awarded Ireland additional funding worth $1.5m (£0.9m).

Ireland is one of five nations to benefit from a new scheme to develop more competitive teams at international level.

Chief executive of Cricket Ireland Warren Deutrom said: "We are extremely grateful to the ICC for instituting such a forward-thinking programme of support.

"We're delighted to be the first member to get to this stage. We have no doubt the support will help us to be even more competitive on the world stage."

The funds will be used to establish an elite domestic competition, an academy setup and increase the number of matches against full ICC member teams.

Netherlands, Scotland, West Indies and Zimbabwe are also part of the programme.