Birrell, 41, takes over from former New Zealand captain Kenny Rutherford who stepped down last September after a frustrating 20 months.

Birrell played first-class cricket for Eastern Province between 1985 and 1998, making 45 appearances as a right-hand bat and spinner.

He continued on Province's coaching staff and has been heavily involved in the development of cricket in the townships.

Birrell, based in Port Elizabeth, said that he was looking forward to tackling a major job.

''I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead within Irish cricket,'' he said.

''My objectives for the national side are to take it into Division One of the World League of non-Test playing countries.

''I also want to lay the foundations for entry into the 2007 World Cup.''

John Caldwell, chairman of the Irish Cricket Union said that he welcomes Birrell's appointment.

''Adi Birrell has a thorough knowledge of the game combined with impressive coaching qualifications,'' he said.

''But he also has a manner which is guaranteed to give players confidence.''

''I very much regret that out board is losing Adi,'' he said.

''When he started as coach in Eastern Province, he took over a very disparate bunch who needed to be moulded into a close-knit team.

''He did that superbly with his humble and genuine, yet firm approach.''

Birrell has been to the forefront of resurrecting cricket in the townships and has been one of the driving forces behind the country's excellent development plan.

Birrell is the third professional coach to the Ireland team following on from Rutherford, and former England quickie Mike Hendrick.

He will take up his post in time for Ireland's Cheltenham and Gloucester Cup third round tie against Nottinghamshire in Dublin on 1 April.