Cricket Ireland have confirmed their full-time contracts for Ireland Women, the home playing schedule for 2022 and a three-year contract extension for Head Coach Ed Joyce.
It's all part of a major €1.5M investment in the women’s game – a 300% increase from 2019.
In total, 20 contracts have been offered - seven full-time, nine part-time/educational and four non-retainer contracts.
International (full-time) contracts were awarded to skipper Laura Delany, Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, and Mary Waldron.
Education (part-time) contracts went to Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, and Rebecca Stokell, while Rachel Delaney, Sarah Forbes, Hannah Little, and Kate McEvoy are on non-retainer deals.
“As a squad we are truly excited and thankful for this opportunity – it is something that many of us never would have dreamed of when we started out playing the sport we love," said captain Laura Delany.
"While thankful, though, we also acknowledge the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by the players to achieve the honour of representing our country at the highest levels.
“And, as fortunate as the players here today are for having this opportunity, we know that we are standing on the shoulders of the giants that came before us. For many years, legends of our Irish women’s cricket have fought hard to achieve successes on and off the field. To the generations of women who came before us, we say thank you. You have helped us get here today, and we hope we can do you proud.
“To the squad I say simply, enjoy it. Enjoy this opportunity – be thankful, but know that you’ve earned the right to stand where you are.
"This is Day One of what I hope is an incredible journey we will take together - it may get tough at times, it may be challenging, but it should be an experience like no other. To travel the world playing cricket for Ireland – there’s no better feeling.”
South Africa, Australia and Pakistan are confirmed as touring Ireland this year, while the Girls In Green hope to tour in October, as well as participate in a T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Head Coach Ed Joyce will be at the helm as Ireland look to take the next step forward as they play in the Women's Championships for the first time.
The three ODIs will be Ireland Women’s first fixtures as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Joyce took the role on an interim basis in 2019, and this extension will take him through to 2025.
FIXTURES
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st T20I (Pembroke) 6 June 2022:
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 2nd T20I (Pembroke) 8 June 2022:
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 3rd T20I (Pembroke) 11 June 2022:
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf) 14 June 2022:
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf) 17 June 2022:
- Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)
Women’s summer tri-series - all at Bready.
- 16 July 2022: Australia Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
- 17 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
- 19 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
- 21 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
- 23 July 2022: Pakistan Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
- 24 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)