5 reasons why Ireland should have received Test status earlier

#4 Popularity in Ireland

The ‘Blarney Army’ support their nation come rain or shine

If you happened to see Dara O'Briain's satirical commentary of England vs Ireland, you would notice a few things. Firstly, just how little the average Irishman knows about the sport and secondly, how they are willing to pack a stadium to find out.

This is a country where cricket has grown from the start of the decade by over 400%. In a country where cricket is just taking root as a mainstream sport, it cannot be more important to give it all the help it needs. And the ICC has helped.

Following a win in the 2007 World Cup, funding, sponsorship and popularity went through the roof, and so did Ireland’s playing quality. However, with the dwindling success of cricket, the last one or two years have actually seen partial decreases in popularity, a sign that Test status and full membership needed to come a few years ago.

The club game in Ireland needs help, and full membership will do that.