Irish Examiner view: Kevin O'Brien has truly earned the epithet 'legend' 

All-rounder Kevin O'Brien, Ireland's most-capped sportsperson, has helped put Irish cricket on the world map

Kevin O'Brien celebrating with Niall O'Brien after Ireland defeated England in the ICC World Cup in Bengaluru, India in 2011. Along the way, Kevin racked up the fastest World Cup century ever. Picture: Tom Shaw/Getty 

The phrase ‘great Irish cricketer’ might appear to be an oxymoron given the minority nature of the sport here, but the news of the retirement of all-rounder Kevin O’Brien after a 16-year career will bring forth obvious and correct opinions about his greatness.

Cricket in this country has not had many highs down the years, but those few the sport has enjoyed all featured the Dubliner in a starring role.