John Mooney will always be remembered as the man who hit the winning runs in Ireland’s famous World Cup victory over England in 2011 but 2024 could be the year that, with his help, Strabane enjoy their most successful year.

The team may not be the dominant force that won Senior League and Cup double in 1966 or the pre-war side that won two league titles and three Senior Cups in five successive years but, with Mooney in a playing role after his appointment this year as Director of Coaching, the Reds Caps remain on course to win four trophies.

They leapfrogged St Johnston in the Championship table, beating them last Saturday, and are in the Final of the National Cup, Sam Jeffrey Shield and Sperrin Springs (T20) Cup.

The North County National Cup match was very much a home game for Mooney, whose family bleeds North County cricket.

“I saw it coming a long time ago,” says Mooney, “but was just hoping it would be the Final.”

“My middle daughter relished the opportunity to go over to North County on Sunday in her Strabane jersey, my household are all Strabane but let’s just say the rest of the Mooney clan were very much in the North County camp. So no split loyalties, I was just there to throw a massive spanner in the works.”

Now 42-years-old, Mooney, who won 182 caps for Ireland (2001-15) did not play any cricket last year and had no intention of playing this season, until a chance conversation in March.

“I gave away all my cricket gear to my nephew (John Devane, North County’s opening batter) and he was wearing some of the gear I gave him on Sunday when I played against him.

“It was unfortunate circumstances that me joining Strabane came about. I was up in March for Mrs (Mary) Gillespie’s funeral and things progressed from there.

The first couple of weekends were washouts, which actually turned  out to be a good thing, It gave me a chance to get my message across, a good chance to talk to them individually and find out if they were actually serious. I didn’t know what to expect, they didn’t know what to expect.

“We lost a couple of games at the start of the season but have gone on a bit of a winning streak since then and it has been really positive.

“I said to Peter and Mark (Gillespie) that my days as a top player are over but my role is mentoring the new captain, Kevin Gallagher, and putting the youngsters on the right road, teaching them match situations, about run chases, simple basic stuff which as a coach Strabane probably haven’t had in recent years.

“While I can teach them a little with the bat and with the ball, it’s up to themselves. They are young and energetic and it’s a credit to themselves because they really do want to do it, there is so much enthusiasm. All I have to do is help them on their way and they are responding.”

While Mooney has starred with the ball – he has already taken 35 wickets - he has restricted his appearances with the bat, for good reason.

“We have a simple game plan. We have a strong bowling side, our batting wouldn’t be as strong but I feel it’s important that the lads are doing the work with the bat and in the future they are going to need these experiences,” says the hero of Bangalore. “So if I batted in the top order it would take away one of the places from someone who hopefully will bat in the top order for the next 10 years.”

Overeas professional Nazir Nawaz, who has scored 608 runs at an average of 60, Aaron Gillespie (“with real belief he should be knocking on the North West and Ireland’s door”) and Rhys Logue (“solid technique who just needs a few more not outs”) have all impressed Mooney with the bat.

“The Gallagher brothers (Kevin and Ryan) “are a bundle of energy, everything you want as team-mates” and we have a promising young bowler, TJ (Boyd) who is really starting to grow into his role and knows what he wants to do when called on. You see their love for Strabane every time they go out there.”