Coaching award for Carrick's Eagleson

Ryan Eagleson, who plays for Carrickfergus, was one of 15 recipients of a coaching certificate, presented by Mike Atherton, during the recent test match between England and Pakistan at the Oval.

Accepting the award, Eagleson commented: "It's been nice to come over and see a test match; it has been a fantastic day. I would like to thank Cricket Ireland staff and Sky Sports for their support and I look forward to Cricket Ireland going from strength to strength."

A total of 100 coaches will receive recognition of their work through on-pitch presentations from cricketing greats as part of the Sky Sports ECB Coach Education Programme.

While continuing to play a key role in the Carrick team, Eagleson has coached the Northern Cricket Union's under 11 and under 17 teams, Ireland under 17s and under 19s and New Zealand under 19s.

He also serves as talent identification officer for Ireland North, provides one-to-one coaching for emerging players and has been praised for his work to raise the profile of cricket among boys and girls of various age groups.

Over 23,000 coaches, from school to international level, have completed the Coach Education Programme since Sky's sponsorship began in 2006.

Further information about the programme can be found at www.ecb.co.uk/development/coach-education.