Ireland cricketers get cash boost

Denis O'Brien's company sponsors the West Indies team

Ireland's World Cup cricketers have received a donation of more than £100,000 from a prominent businessman to help ease their financial burden.

The Irish team of amateur players are having an unexpectedly long stay in the Caribbean after reaching the Super 8s.

Telecoms multi-millionaire Denis O'Brien has given the money directly to the 15-strong Irish squad.

"It did not pass through the union," Irish Cricket Union chairman Murray Power told the Sunday Times.

"I am aware of a donation from Denis O'Brien to the players, not the union.

"It was a reward for the players reaching the Super 8."

O'Brien already has a financial interest in the sport as his Digicel mobile phone company sponsor the West Indies team.

The Irish team's official sponsor, the Bank of Ireland, paid the squad an extra bonus of around £35,000 prior to the Super 8 game against England.

The Irish Cricket Union is expected to earn around £750,000 from the competition.