The Irish Women's Cricket Squad held a press conference today in advance of their departure to the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier Tournament that will be staged in Bangladesh which kicks off next week.

The official squad send off was attended by the squad and management team along with assembled guests and the media. Speaking at the event Warren Deutrom, CEO Cricket Ireland said: 'It is a wonderful chance for this group of players to emulate the achievements of the Men's squad and to reinforce the position of Ireland as a World cricket power at every level of the game.'

Speaking on behalf of the main team sponsor, RSA Insurance, Pat Nally, Marketing Director RSA Ireland commented: 'We are proud to be supporting the Women's Squad and know that they will do us proud in the tough conditions they will face in Bangladesh.'

Ireland is joined in Group B by West Indies, Pakistan, Japan and hosts Bangladesh. Following the pool stages the 10 competing teams will compete in play-off games to determine the 4 countries that will qualify for the 2013 Women's World Cup to be staged in India.

Ireland captain Isobel Joyce spoke about the team's preparations: 'We have worked extremely hard in preparation for this event and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead with confidence.'

The squad will be coached by former Irish international Jeremy Bray and his assistant coach, current Irish international Trent Johnston.

The playing schedule is as follows: 

  • November 14: Ireland v West Indies
  • November 15: Ireland v Pakistan 
  • November 17: Ireland v Japan
  • November 18: Ireland v Bangladesh

November 22-25: Play-off matches

  • The squad is as follows:
  • Isobel Joyce (Captain)
  • Laura Cullen
  • Laura Delany
  • Kim Garth
  • Cecelia Joyce
  • Shauna Kavanagh
  • Amy Kenealy
  • Louise McCarthy
  • Eimear Richardson
  • Melissa Scott-Hayward
  • Clare Shillington
  • Elena Tice
  • Mary Waldron
  • Jill Whelan

 

  • Coach: Jeremy Bray
  • Assistant Coach: Trent Johnston
  • Team Manager: Sandra Dawson

Ireland is ranked 9th in the World in Women's Cricket and have full test status. There are over 5,000 female cricketers in Ireland. Ireland has played in 5 previous Women's World Cup events (1988, 1993, 1997, 2000 and 2005).