May you live in interesting times. For Graham Hume that has certainly been the case in 2026.

Losing his Cricket Ireland contract brought the curtain down on an international career that included Test cricket at Lord's, but the South African-born all-rounder has wasted little time dwelling on what might have been.

Instead, the 35-year-old has embraced a new challenge, both on and off the field.

Now working full-time within cricket coaching, Hume is helping to develop the next generation while simultaneously producing some of the best form of his club career for Waringstown, who sit top of the Premiership and have reached the semi-finals of both the Challenge Cup and T20 Cup.

Already this season he has claimed a six-wicket haul and scored a century, underlining the quality that made him an international performer.

"I'm full-time with the North West now," explained Hume. "I'm quite involved with the Smash It and It's Wicket programmes, going into schools and helping set everything up. I also work with Boyd Rankin and the Warriors pathway teams, and I've really enjoyed that so far."

Having already completed his Level Two coaching qualification, Hume is keen to continue his development away from the playing arena.

"I've done my Level Two and I'm looking to do my Level Three as soon as I can."

His departure from the Ireland squad was not entirely by choice, but Hume accepts it was probably the right time.

"It was a bit of both," he admitted. "It was probably a little bit more forced, but I think it was the right decision in the end. The bowling unit probably did need freshening up. Guys like Liam McCarthy and Tom Mayes have been around the squad for a while and it's probably time for them to get a chance."

Looking back, Hume wonders whether international recognition may simply have come too late.

After taking 317 first-class wickets in South Africa at an outstanding average, his Ireland career yielded 34 international appearances, including three Test matches.

"Potentially I did miss out on playing when I was at my best," he reflected. "But I still felt I knew what I was doing when I got to play for Ireland. Maybe my body wasn't quite as good as when I was younger, but the knowledge you gain from playing so much cricket probably balances that out."

The obvious highlight?

"Playing Test cricket was always a dream. Then to do it at Lord's made it very special."

When Hume first arrived in Ireland with Coleraine in 2017, representing Ireland was never part of the plan, although he did play against Ireland U19's at the 2010 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

"If someone had told me back then I'd end up playing alongside Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling and the rest of those guys, I'd have laughed. It definitely wasn't my plan. It just sort of happened."

Ireland has become home in more ways than one. Hume met his wife Jenna during his first spell at Coleraine, the couple married in 2023 and now have a 13-month-old son, James.

"Your priorities definitely change when you have a child," he smiled.

Away from cricket he still follows rugby closely, unsurprising given that his father-in-law is former Ulster player and coach Terry McMaster, although his admission that he supports Manchester United prompted plenty of laughter.

His cricketing focus, however, is firmly fixed on Waringstown.

Having spent much of the last four seasons away on Ireland duty, the club are finally benefiting from having Hume available every week.

"It's been a good start," he said. "Obviously we were disappointed to go out of the Irish Cup because Pembroke were outstanding on the day, but apart from that the season has gone pretty much to plan."

The arrival of talented overseas professional Steve Stolk has added further quality.

"For a guy who's only 20, Steve is mature beyond his years. He's fitted in really well and he's a very talented cricketer."

With the league leaders chasing multiple trophies, the coming weeks could define Waringstown's season.

"We're well set up in the league," Hume said. "It would be great to add a few cups as well and do something special this year. Hopefully we can go deep in all the competitions and see if we can win two or three trophies."

One chapter may have closed on Hume's career, but judging by his performances and enthusiasm, the next one is proving every bit as rewarding.