Abbi Harrison is celebrating her first call-up to the full Ireland squad for the ICC Emerging Nations Trophy in the UAE.
The 20-year-old will head to the UAE this weekend ahead of the tournament on November 12 alongside her Waringstown team-mate Cara Murray.
Abbi’s Ireland selection continues a proud family tradition, following in the footsteps of her great-uncles Garfield, Jim, Roy and Deryck Harrison, along with Eddie Bushe and his son Jonathan, who have all represented Ireland.
Here, Abbi talks to waringstowncc.com about everything from hearing the news of her selection, how she is looking forward to the tournament and growing up with cricket in the family.
How did you find out that you had been selected in the squad for the UAE and describe your emotions when you heard?
I was actually at a squad training session when I got a phone call from Lauren Rowles (chief selector). I wasn’t expecting to be in, so I was a bit shocked but also super excited.
This feels like the ultimate reward for all the hard work you’ve put in over the years, and the runs you’ve scored. Does it make all the hard work worthwhile?
Absolutely, I’ve felt like I’ve been close a couple of times but have just missed out. That has just made me more determined to keep improving, keep working and scoring as many runs as I can, to try and force my way into the squad.
Cara Murray is also in the squad. How important will that be in terms of helping you settle into the squad for the tournament?
It’s brilliant that she’s there too. I’ve known and played with Caz since I first ever pulled on the Waringstown shirt. She has always been so supportive and always been someone that I’ve looked up to. So I think it’ll be comforting to have a familiar face there to help me settle in.
I guess you have played with or against most of the squad heading to the UAE, how much are you looking forward to playing alongside the best players in Ireland?
I can’t wait to be honest. It’ll be a different level of intensity, can’t wait to get stuck in. One of the great things about the CI setup is that we do get to spend a lot of time together. So while I’m new to the full squad, I’ve been in and around all the girls for a few years and at least feel comfortable being part of the group. It won’t feel like walking into a totally strange environment.
You’re in a group with Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Scotland and the UAE, how tough are you expecting those opponents to be?
Obviously I know Sri Lanka will be very strong and Scotland are a really tough, experienced side. I’ll be honest, PNG and UAE will be something of an unknown quantity, for me anyway. But definitely we won’t be taking anything lightly. Especially in the conditions. Our summer seems like so long ago, the sun and the heat in Dubai will potentially present its own challenge so it’ll be important to have high intensity in every game!
The Harrison family has a proud tradition of producing Ireland international cricketers. Is that something you have been conscious of?
As you know, I’ve been around the Lawn since I was a baby. I grew up about the place, following dad when he was playing and falling in love with the sport at a young age. When anyone around cricket in Ireland hears your name, there’s a little raised eyebrow and “Waringstown?” is posed as a question. So I guess, yes, I’ve always been conscious of it but in a good way. It nearly makes you more determined to do well!
You’ve mentioned your late grandfather Barry as one of, if not, the biggest influence on your career. He would be immensely proud of what you’ve achieved. Could you talk me through the influence that he had over you?
Goodness, that’s not easy to answer without getting emotional. Granda was always a huge supporter of mine. Whatever it was that I wanted to do. Always encouraging and always a supportive shoulder when things didn’t go well. Unfortunately he’s no longer with us, but I know he’d be super proud. My shirt number will be 49, in dedication to him. He was born in 1949.
Will your mum or dad be able to travel out to support you during the tournament?
My Dad and Nana are going to come out for the first phase. Mum can’t make it out this time unfortunately, with her work and also my brother Ryan is still in school. No doubt she’ll be glued to the stream when she can get a moment however.