"WE have had our moment of glory," remarked a prominent Irish Cricket Union official yesterday, indicating that Ireland's final Benson & Hedges Cup outing - against Essex, scheduled for Downpatrick today - is rather a matter of academic interest.

This is true enough, since to progress any further in the competition Ireland would have to win today, and Middlesex would need to demolish Somerset at Lords by, well ... a cricket score.

A Middlesex victory of massive proportions seems most unlikely. All the same, a good performance by Ireland's amateurs - aided and abetted for the last time, alas, by Hansie Cronje - would be welcome; it would give a further boost to the game in this country, and would capitalise on that historic win over Mike Gatting and company two weeks back.

Of course Ireland's chances will be slight, as they always will be against professional opposition. Still, hopes should be raised somewhat by the return of the ebullient Decker Curry and Neil Doak, neither of whom was available for the matches against Somerset and Glamorgan.

In fact, Doak was not involved in the defeat of Middlesex, a fact which no doubt he regrets. But his return will certainly strengthen Ireland's bowling attack, while the side will be further lifted by the presence of Curry.

Essex, no matter who they decide to leave out this morning, will field a pretty formidable side as the squad of 13 includes seven Test players.