Ryan Eagleson may have attempted to hang up his boots more than once, but the former Ireland international remains ready to answer Carrickfergus’ call as they prepare to face Armagh in Sunday’s T20 Trophy final.

Now part of the Ireland coaching set-up, Eagleson continues to assist his home club whenever numbers or circumstances demand it. The veteran seamer recently underlined his enduring quality with a five-wicket haul and admits the shorter format remains considerably more attractive than a full afternoon in the field.

“I packed it up about two years ago when we finished in the Premier League,” said Eagleson. “I was approaching 50 and thought I was too old for that level.

“But I always said I would never see the club stuck. As long as the body allows me to bowl, I can still do okay and bat down the order.

“The 50 overs in the field starts to take its toll, so 20 overs on Sunday sounds about right. I’ll play when I’m needed, but if they have 11 and I’m not required, they can fire on.”

Carrick’s strength is the blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent within the squad.

Captain CJ van der Walt is supported by familiar figures such as Richard Hood, Anthony Martin, Iain Parkhill, Michael Gilmour and Eagleson himself, while overseas player Atish Varape provides stability with the bat and a useful leg-spin option.

“Michael is a big threat opening the batting because he is naturally aggressive,” Eagleson said. “Atish was with us last year and is really the anchor of the batting, while his leg-spin is more than useful.”

The next generation is represented by Iain Parkhill’s sons, Jay and Elliott. Jay, 17, has established himself in the middle order, while 15-year-old Elliott is an off-spinner and capable batter who has already opened the innings.

Elliott will miss the final after earning selection for Ireland Under-15s, a clash of commitments Eagleson regards as an encouraging sign rather than an inconvenience.

“We introduced both boys to the first team last year and they have shown great improvement,” he said. “It is brilliant to see them progressing again this season.

“Unfortunately, Elliott will miss Sunday because he has been selected for Ireland Under-15s, but that is a fantastic achievement for him.”

Developing players from within remains central to Carrickfergus’ long-term plans. The club has a strong social membership, takes considerable pride in its ground and works across approximately 12 local schools.

Eagleson accepts that persuading youngsters to commit to Saturday cricket has become more difficult, with rival sports and other attractions competing for their time.

“We are really trying to push one-to-one coaching for the youngsters and keep improving the ground,” he said.

“It is not about rebuilding the game, but restoring that club ethos of bringing through our own players. With our facilities, Carrick is an attractive option and a great place to play.”

Winning on Sunday would provide another significant boost. Eagleson remembers Carrick collecting four trophies in 2014 and their memorable high-scoring T20 final victory over Civil Service North more recently.

“Any time you get into a final, you want to bring the trophy home,” he said. “It lifts morale throughout the club and shows the second team, thirds, Under-15s and Under-13s that the first team is doing well.

“It would be good for the town too, especially with Carrick Rangers also making progress in football.”

Armagh, however, will present a formidable obstacle. The sides have already contested a thriller this season, when Carrick needed 12 from the final over with nine wickets down before Richard Hood struck two sixes to seal victory.

“They are a very experienced team with a good overseas player in Luan Liebenberg and an aggressive batting line-up,” Eagleson said.

“They know their game very well, so we are under no illusions about how difficult the final will be. T20 cricket can change very quickly because of one good or bad over. It is fast and furious, and I expect a very competitive final.”

Lisburn and Waringstown do battle in the T20 Cup after their game and Eagleson expects their final to be extremely difficult to call.

“Lisburn’s explosive top order, strengthened by the in-form Nikolai Smith, can take the game away quickly.

“However, Waringstown possess home advantage and considerable experience through James McCollum, Greg Thompson and Adam Dennison, while Tom Mayes and Graham Hume provide quality with the ball. It’s a coin toss.”

Away from club duty, Eagleson is also excited by Gary Wilson’s appointment as Ireland head coach.

“I have been with Wils in the senior set-up for the last four years and I like the fact that we have gone with a local coach,” he said.

“He knows Irish cricket extremely well, both as a former player and from being within the coaching group. He will bring enthusiasm and I think he will do a good job.”

Before returning fully to international duties, Eagleson has one immediate objective: helping Carrickfergus bring another trophy back to Middle Road.