The West Indies return to face Ireland on Irish soil in September for the first time since a washed-out match in Clontarf on July 14th 2007. The sides will meet at Stormont, scene of a remarkable victory in 2004. Ireland hosted the West Indies of Chanderpaul, Gayle and the great Brian Charles Lara but despite a century from Dwayne Brave, Ireland chased down 292 to win by 4 wickets.

Since gaining One Day International status, the sides have met 6 times and each of the ICC World Cups of 2007, 2011 and 2015. However, no mention of Ireland and the West Indies passes without reference to a now legendary match at Sion Mills, County Tyrone in 1969.

Having spent the day fielding against England at Lord's, the West Indies team travelled by boat and arrived in Tyrone late at night. The next day in an innings that has become the stuff of folklore, legend and fireside yarn, Ireland bowled the West Indies out for just 25 runs.

It was agreed that the match would be a one day, two innings match but if it wasn't completed the winner would be decided on the basis of the first innings score.On the morning of the game the West Indies team arrived to find a green tinged wicket that had seen some overnight rain without any cover.

In front of an expectant crowd the West Indies went out to bat. Unfortunately for their openers, they were able to push their fingers into the wicket and instead of a display of stroke play, the fans were treated to a procession of falling wickets.
Unfortunately for their openers, they were able to push their fingers into the wicket and instead of a display of stroke play, the fans were treated to a procession of falling wickets.

Ireland bowled the tourists out for 25 and when they reached 125 for 8 themselves, they declared to give the tourists ninety minutes to bat again in front of the locals. It was a mighty victory for the Ireland Cricket team and one which wouldn't be repeated over a touring team for many years.

In 2007, just 17.4 overs were bowled after Ireland won the toss and elected to bat. The West Indies had Ireland 84/4 when the rains took over and the match was abandoned.

The last time Ireland faced the West Indies was in the 2015 World Cup when the sides met at Nelson. Ireland defeated the West Indies by 4 wickets that day as they chased down 304. Many of the Ireland players from that day are likely to be involved again come September, but the West Indies side that visits Stormont will be much changed.

The countdown is on to September 13th and the visit of the West Indies to Stormont in Belfast. Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll be looking at the colourful history that exists between the two nations. From that visit to Sion Mills in 1969, to Ireland's first experience of a World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007. We'll take a closer look at the career of players who made their ODI debut against the West Indies and we'll look at some of the characters like Gayle and Lara who've entertained us down the years in the West Indies side. We'll be marking the weeks with regular previews until the players take the field and 'Game On' is called.

Tickets for the match on September 13th at Stormont can be purchased here