Lisburn have labelled Shane Dadswell as “one of the most respected and prolific cricketers in the NCU” after confirming the statement signing of the all-rounder from Instonians.

According to CricketEurope, Dadswell scored more runs than any other NCU player last season, finishing with 1,171 across all competitions.

Dadswell struck nine fifties and two centuries in his 23 innings for Inst, who reached the Gallagher Challenge Cup final, and averaged almost 56 at a strike-rate of 161.74.

One of the most destructive batters in local cricket, no player hit more sixes than Dadswell (102) last season while only CSNI’s Ashwin Hebbar (207*) recorded a higher individual score than his 183 against Cork County in the Irish Senior Cup.

placeholder image — Lisburn Cricket Club have confirmed the statement signing of Shane Dadswell. (Photo by Lisburn CC)

Dadswell also collected 32 wickets as Instonians finished third in the Premier League, 12 points adrift of champions Waringstown.

In September 2025, Instonians announced Dadswell had signed a three-year contract with the club and would “oversee the development and performance of cricket across all level”.

Dadswell also took on captaincy duties for the Shaw’s Bridge club after Nikolai Smith’s departure to Lisburn during last season.

The 28-year-old’s arrival at Wallace Park represents another statement of intent from Lisburn with Dadswell joining the likes of Ireland stars Ross Adair, younger brother Mark Adair and Ben Calitz.

In Ross Adair, Calitz and Dadswell, Lisburn now have three of last season’s top five batters in their side in terms of strike-rate.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Lisburn Cricket Club and excited to get started on this new chapter,” said Dadswell. “It's a fantastic club with a great history, and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, getting involved and contributing both on and off the field.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get going. Here's to a successful season ahead!"

After a stint as Instonians’ overseas professional, Dadswell returned to Northern Ireland on a permanent basis to chase his dream of playing for Ireland.

The South African would become eligible to represent Ireland in April 2028 and could be an exciting addition to an Irish squad looking to compete against the world’s best.

"100% I want to play for Ireland,” said Dadswell in an interview with the News Letter in May. “I'm lucky that I love it here but a big part of it is trying to work as hard as I can so I can represent the country.

"It would be a very proud moment for me, my wife, my family, but I'm not counting chickens in any sense - I still have a long way to go.

"I need to keep my head down and we will get there if we get there, if that happens it would be a privilege to represent a country like this.

"I'm trying to be the best cricketer I can be so I can win games of cricket for Ireland if that comes around...I don't want to just represent Ireland, but be good enough to help them win games.

"I would qualify in April 2028, so for now the focus is on Instonians, the Knights and just enjoying what the country has to offer."