It was a brilliant display of hitting by the young Railway Union all-rounder as he took on and briefly conquered the cream of the West Indies pace attack.

Eighteen of the runs came in the space of five balls as he flicked Daren Powell for successive leg side fours. The second of these was smartly fielded, if limply returned, by RTE commentator John Kenny.

O'Brien then picked up Ravi Rampaul's first ball and deposited it in the crowd at mid wicket before straight driving the next ball for four.

Having despatched Fidel Edwards for four, he was bowled by the pacy West Indian.

It was a spirited recovery by Ireland, who had a stuttering start. Trent Johnston won the toss and batted, but play started 95 minutes late due to damp run-ups at the Killester end, but ended after just eight balls due to a heavy shower.

Two and a half hours elapsed while the playing area was dried by electric blowers.

The visitors were decidedly reluctant to take a chance on the conditions, arguing that the full ODI status of the game meant they had no obligation to put on a show for the 2,500 fans.

When play got under way Powell removed Will Porterfield and Andre Botha in the space of three balls, while Niall O'Brien followed soon after for seven.

O'Brien Junior joined Morgan in a stand of 37. The Middlesex player's progress thereafter was halted by rain.

It was disappointing for the crowd who were warming to their task and cheered raucously when Morgan straight drove Dwayne Smith for six.

Morgan was on 37 and Ireland 84 for four when the teams were driven from the field once again in the 18th of their 33 overs.