2013 was a great year for Irish cricket, clinching a treble of major trophies as they and Afghanistan juggled for supremacy across the formats.

Ireland had won the World Cup qualifying league ahead of the Afghans, with a tie against The Netherlands and back-to-back wins at home versus Scotland.

A memorable three weeks in UAE followed with a series of powerful displays seeing the side win the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, again beating Afghanistan with the best short form performance I've witnessed.

John Mooney celebrates after dismissing Mangal

The batting was that good that the Afghan fans actually applauded Paul Stirling and Trent Johnston - unheard of from one of the most partisan and fanatical supporter sets around.

So, onto the ICC Academy ground and the InterContinental Cup final.

Ireland batted first and didn't get a great start, dismissed for a well below par 187, thanks mainly to John Anderson's 55.

It seemed as if Afghanistan would take a healthy lead but John Mooney had other ideas as he took a five-wicket haul to ensure Ireland had a slender five-run advantage.

Ireland were much more in control second time around with Ed Joyce and Niall O'Brien making 50's, while Kevin O'Brien and Trent Johnston added late runs, showcasing their strength in depth.

Chasing 347, Afghanistan were in trouble with Mooney again the destroyer-in-chief as they slumped to 85 for 5, and the game was in real danger of finishing in three days.

However, Rahmat Shah and Nabi dug in and frustrated the Irish attack in a stubborn sixth wicket stand that threatened the Irish treble.

Trent Johnston gives thanks for a wicket

However, once the breakthrough was achieved, Ireland quickly ran through the lower order with Mooney claiming another five wicket haul, to finish with ten wickets in the match and the Man of the Match award.

This game was the final match in Irish colours for former skipper Trent Johnston and the players formed a guard of honour for him.