2012 saw North County do a 'Harry Houdini' and escaped the spectre of relegation thanks to a last day victory over a Hills side still celebrating their first ever Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup win the week before.

There's no doubt off the field difficulties contributed to on-field problems and the Balrothery side are far removed from the all conquering outfit which lifted five Irish Cups in the glory years between 2001 and 2008.

They weren't helped by injuries and unavailability, with John Mooney, Shane Getkate and Adam Coughlan missing large chunks of the campaign.

There were some sucess stories for the club though as Eddie Richardson and Ian Bertram both performed admirably with the ball. Indeed Bertram topped the bowling averages in the LCU, while Richardson was in the top ten in terms of wickets taken and averages.

The batting wasn't any where near as productive with Conor Armstrong at 17 their sole representative in the top 20 aggregates. Indeed not one century was made at senior level with 15 half centuries.

Armstrong totalled 407 runs at 27.13, while Ciaran Garry made 348 at 26.77. Also worthy of mentions are John Mooney (256 at 36.57), Tomas Sheil (264 at 24.00) and Adam Coughlan (250 at 20.83).

As previously mentioned Bertram excelled taking 26 wickets at a miserly 10.61, while Richardson earned further recognition with Ireland A after claiming 27 scalps at 16.92.

North County will be hoping that 2013 brings better fortunes for the club. They have an abundance of young talent who will benefit from having been thrown in at the deep end.

There's no doubt they have team spirit in abundance and coupled with talent is an excellent recipe for any side.

Batting
Conor Armstrong 407 @ 27.13
Ciaran Garry 348 @ 26.77
Tomas Sheil 264 @ 24.00
John Mooney 256 @ 36.57
Adam Coughlan 250 @ 20.83

Bowling
Eddie Richardson 27 @ 16.92
Ian Bertram 26 @ 10.61