Rising star Marko has the World in his hands!

PARKHALL Integrated College is proud to announce that one of its rising stars, Marko Bates, has been selected to represent Ireland U19 at the Cricket World Cup.

The local lad will take part in a warm up camp in South Africa before moving on to the real competition in Namibia and Zimbabwe – and he’s still only 16 years old!

Marko’s achievement marks another incredible milestone for the school, which continues to produce exceptional sporting talent.

Already a gifted footballer and athlete, Marko has shown remarkable ability on the cricket field, particularly excelling as a wicketkeeper, but extremely talented across all three formats of the game.

His success is a testament to his dedication, natural talent, and the unwavering support of his parents, Peter and Slavica Bates.

Over the past two years, Marko’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of outstanding.

In 2024 he was named the Islandbawn Stores/Parkhall Integrated College Sports Personality of the Year.

In that same year he was selected for the Ireland U15 squad, and the side went on to win the Barnard Castle Tournament and the Scotland Celtic Cup.

There was also the small matter of taking part in the NCU U15 tour to Bromsgrove - as captain, no less!

And his meteoric rise has continued this year.

Marko continued as captain of the NCU U15s, leading them to victory in the Celtic Cup and claiming the Player of the Year crown.

Additionally, he played with the NCU U17 and U19 teams. He was also selected for the NCU Emerging Knights team, the Ireland U19 squad and the 1st XI at Muckamore Cricket Club.

The talented teenager now becomes the third Parkhall pupil to make the Ireland U19 World Cup squad, following in the footsteps of Muckamore Cricket Club legends Neil Gill who toured Sri Lanka and Jason Van Der Merwe who toured Australia.

Mr Glenn Martin, Head of Cricket at Parkhall Integrated College, paid tribute to his latest protege.

“We are incredibly proud of Marko’s achievements,” he said.

“His commitment, skill, and passion for the game have been evident from the start, and this selection is a well-deserved reward for his hard work.

“Everyone at Parkhall will be cheering him on as he takes this exciting step in his cricketing journey.”

This was echoed by Neil Owen, Principal of Parkhall Integrated College.

Fantastic ambassador

“Marko is a fantastic ambassador for our school, both on and off the field,” he said.

“His success reflects not only his own determination but also the strong sporting culture we nurture here at Parkhall.

“We wish him every success in Namibia and Zimbabwe and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this exceptional young man.”

Speaking this week, Marko said he was determined not to let them down.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the Ireland U19 squad for the World Cup,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, coaches, and everyone at both Muckamore and Parkhall.

“I’m really looking forward to representing my country and giving it my all in Namibia and Zimbabwe.”

Undoubtedly there will be no shortage of supporters cheering him on back in Antrim when the tournament gets underway in January!