MIKE HENDRICK, who leaves for Bermuda tomorrow with Ireland's Under-19 squad, has had his contract as national coach extended by a further two years, the Irish Cricket Union announced yesterday.

When he took over the post almost three years ago, Hendrick became the first person to fill the newly-created job.the renewal was hardly unexpected.

Under Hendrick's guidance, Ireland has achieved an unprecedented run of success, culminating with the Benson & Hedges Cup defeat of Middlesex last April - the country's first-ever win over an English county side in first- class competition.

Before that breakthrough, in the course of last summer, Ireland won both the European Cup and the Triple Crown, and the defence of that latter title and trophy will start with the match against Scotland on July 22nd.

Last April, Ireland also reached the semi-final stages of the ICC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur, missing out on qualifying for the 1999 World Cup by just one match.

"I have enjoyed the past three years when so much was achieved, although I know full well that there is a lot more to be done", said Hendrick yesterday.

"But I am convinced that Irish cricket is on the way up, and I'm delighted to be able to play a part in its on-going development," he added.

The extension of his contract was agreed following a meeting with ICU officials earlier this week.