He had a somewhat similar experience in the 2008 tournament, when he played only against England, had figures of 0-33 but made 16 before being bowled by the Man of the Match, a tall dark haired fast bowler called Steven Finn!

His bowling for North Down over the years has usually been both economical and productive though he has never run through a side, a somewhat hard target to achieve in limited overs cricket. As a 16 year old in 2004 he had some useful figures in the Ulster Cup which greatly helped his side towards the Final. In the first round against Bready, he had a return of 6-2-11-2, preparing the way for 9 wickets victory. He was again a force in the Quarter Final against Glendermott, a much tighter match which saw the Comber side victorious by 20 runs. Gavin's figures of 3-41 were thus most important in securing the win.

He has twice taken 4 wickets in an innings, two of which were achieved in rain restricted matches. In 2006 against Carrickfergus, in a match switched to The Green as the Co Antrim side's ground was unplayable, he had figures of 2-0-12-4 as Carrick finished their 10 overs on 75-8. The hosts made light of the task winning by 9 wickets. Against CIYMS at The Green in 2009, a season in which he took 31 wickets at 19.54, he had 4-10 again in a match reduced to 20 overs a side. He came on as second change and mopped up the lower middle order. His best bowling figures in a full match came in 2007 when his overall figures were 29 wickets at 16.83, including 4-20 from 10 overs against Woodvale, removing the middle order.

His best innings for North Down came against Lisburn in 2007 when, batting at 10, he made a rumbustious 44*, adding 79 for the 9th wicket with Peter Connell (34) and setting up a 64 runs victory.

His two Irish caps had come in the 2008 European Championships held in the LCU area. Against Norway at The Hills, opening the attack with Thinus Fourie he had 0-12 in five overs, accurate enough to maintain the pressure on the batting side who struggled from the outset, having elected to bat. They were dismissed for 119, a total Ireland passed for the loss of 2 wickets. The following day Denmark were defeated by 5 wickets at Rathmines, Gavin's figures were almost identical. Batting first the Danes posted 179-9, with Gavin opening the bowling with club-mate Peter Connell, having 0-11 in 5 overs.

Gavin Michael McKenna has not played for Ireland since that July day at Observatory Lane. It is possible that his latest career move will make it unlikely that he has further opportunity to do so. Cricket followers at The Green and elsewhere will wish him well wherever the future takes him.

Edward Liddle, June 2013