David Kennedy Fact file Q&A

Interesting facts: Whilst at University in Scotland played for Dundee University, Scottish Universities and was about to be selected for Scotland A until the selectors discovered he was Irish! Subsequently played for Irish Universities while doing his post graduate

Q. How did you get started in the game: I was one of 4 boys and as soon as I was old enough to hold a bat it was put in my hand; we all played together, plus my cousins the White’s (current Ireland international Andrew White)

Q. Early idols globally and locally: Has to be Carl Hooper and Brian Lara. Locally never had an idol as such but always rated Neil Doak as a good cricketer, hard but fair. In terms of an all round package Taimur Khan at North Down, always produced when they were in trouble. I believe they will miss him greatly this year.

Q. Who had most influence on early career: Without doubt George Glass at Ballymena, did sterling work for years with the juniors. Also helped that Ballymena Academy had a strong cricket tradition then.

Q. What are your highlights: I had 5 great seasons at North Down winning the league 3 times and cup 4 times and was lucky enough to play well in the finals, but nothing compares to winning the league with my home club in 1998.

Q. Did you enjoy your spell at North Down: Absolutely and I had a great rapport with the supporters there, but it was a given that I would return to Ballymena. As a batsman it would be hard not to like playing at The Green, the one missing piece is that we never managed to win the All Ireland.

Q. Only one Ireland cap, any regrets there: Of course I would have liked to play more for Ireland but one of my fundamental principles was that I did not play on a Sunday. For me principles are just that, they define who you are, I stuck to my principles so I can’t have regrets. I don’t live life by regrets; I have enjoyed my cricket and continue to do so.

Q. Most difficult opponent: Regan West, possibly others had more control or were more economical, but he could really give it a rip. Dale Mullan is the bogeyman; he always seemed to get me out when we played Downpatrick

Q. Future ambitions: I think maybe I am a bit old for future ambitions! I can tell you that I still enjoy my cricket we have a great changing room with a lot of laughs. I want to see Ballymena develop a new bunch of young players, a lot of us are a bit long in the tooth. Sport is cyclical, Ireland have progressed and moved forward and I would like to see Ballymena do the same.