Cricket: Birrell takes over as Ireland coach

South African Adrian Birrell is to become Ireland’s full-time national coach and take over the responsibility for the development of Irish cricket.

The 41-year-old, who over the past two years has taken Eastern Province to the semi-finals and finals of South Africa’s main limited-overs competition, will take up his appointment next month in time for Ireland’s C&G Trophy third-round match against Nottinghamshire in Dublin in May.