IRELAND FINALLY got the upper hand over Afghanistan at the third time of asking at the P Sara Oval in the Sri Lankan capital.

IRELAND'S UNBEATEN Intercontinental Cup record dried up in the intense heat here yesterday as the incredible rise of Afghanistan in the world game continued apace in an emphatic, seven-wicket win.

IRELAND'S CHANCES of picking up a much-needed 20 points from their Intercontinental Cup clash came unstuck here yesterday as Afghanistan's batsmen proved as hard to break down as the dramatic rocky outcrops that pop up all over this corner of Sri Lanka.

Simmons still confident despite failing to pile on runs.

One-day event must suit Irish ambitions.

A lok back at the Irish Senior Cup semi finals.

Mooney believes home advantage key for North County.

Simmons drops challenge on Connell.

Birrell's blueprint brings focus for Leinster clubs.

With progress continuing on the pitch, the news off it that Cricket Ireland had employed the services of Mark Garaway as their first cricket operations director is another considerable boon to the game here.

Ireland reclaim 10th spot in world rankings.

Simmons hopeful of full squad as Ireland look to clinch series.

Ireland skipper William Porterfield backed up his coach's assertion that Kenya could be in for a backlash.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has backed skipper William Porterfield to take out his recent frustrations against Kenya.

Some stubborn resistance from Kenya's middle order helped them earn a draw at Eglinton

Ireland will look to the weather gods and their spin attack at Eglinton today as they set out on their task of gaining full points from their opening Intercontinental Cup clash against Kenya.

A FIRST senior international century from teenage batting sensation Paul Stirling helps Ireland take control.

After the adrenaline-fused buzz of their recent World Twenty20 campaign wears off, Ireland must recalibrate their cricketing skills to the longer form of the game.

Concept album the perfect backing track to Ashes.

Andy Britton gets his chance to impress at Eglinton.

Andrew Balbirnie has been named as captain of a strong Ireland squad for the European Under-19 Championships in Jersey.

John Mooney on fire for North County.

Heads high as Ireland bow out.

Sri Lankan class tells, but only just.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has called on his bowlers to come to the party ahead of the final two Super Eights games at the World Twenty/20.

Little sympathy from New Zealand

India pay Ireland ultimate compliment by rolling out big guns.

It was a strange tale of two press conferences, two injured players and a high degree of farce here yesterday as Ireland prepared for tonight's showdown with India.

Another red letter day in the Irish sporting calender.

Ireland prepare for crunch clash with Bangladesh.

Ireland get the party started with win over Dutch.

Leinster round up, and Ireland squad news.

Ireland continue to play with smile on their face.

Ireland's preparations ramp up in intensity as they take on West Indies.

A look at Ireland's chances in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup.

Eoin Morgan enjoyed an eventful, seven-ball debut as an England player.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons is a notoriously bad spectator when it comes to watching his side in battle.

A brilliant innings of 94 off just 75 balls from Kevin O'Brien wasn't enough for Ireland against Hampshire.

Ireland denied at the death by Nottinghamshire in Clontarf.

A review of the weekend's action in the Irish Cup as Ireland's game is abandoned.

The set dancers from the Nottingham Irish Centre put on a fine show at Trent Bridge.

Jeremy Bray is in line to make his first Ireland appearance in two years this weekend.

The applause at Stormont that greeted the Ireland skipper's third half-century in four FPT matches was rich.

Irish cricket received a boost yesterday with the confirmation that Adrian Birrell will take on a consultancy role.

Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom calls on the ICC to supply Ireland with a defined pathway for future growth.

Trent Johnston and Alex Cusack are the big winners as Cricket Ireland announce international contracts.

Phil Simmons's rebuilding phase has been full of positives.

Dedication, loyalty and commitment are words often bandied about in sport, yet more and more those terms seem to run hollow.

Admission to the Olympics would provide a big boost for cricket in Ireland.

ICC must revisit rules on interrupted play.

Blarney Army will need all their guile to find World Cup tickets.

The fantastic entertainment value of Twenty20 cricket was displayed to stunning effect in the finals of the English competition.

Ireland have a strong team available for the hectic programme that lies ahead.

It has taken a fair share of stick, but for Ireland, the Intercontinental Cup is an ongoing love affair that looks set to continue growing.

If you are to be caught between a rock and a hard place, the Granite City of Aberdeen is not a bad place to start.