Ireland W

The Ireland Women’s Cricket Team, known commonly as Ireland W, embarked on its cricketing journey in 1983. As cricketing landscapes unfurled in the late 20th century, Ireland W asserted itself as a spirited contender on the international stage, showcasing the talent and tenacity of Irish women cricketers.

One of the team's early major achievements came soon after its formation, with Ireland W participating in the 1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup. It was here that they marked their backroom-dedicated passion with on-field prowess. Over the years, they have traversed both the ebbs and flows of international cricket, with their competitive spirit being a hallmark despite not having hefty trophy cabinets.

Many players have etched their names in the annals of Irish cricket history. Clare Shillington, with a career spanning two decades, was both a formidable batter and a resolute presence in the team, while Cecilia Joyce and her twin sister, Isobel Joyce, have been synonymous with Ireland's cricket journey, delivering consistently in pivotal moments. Isobel, not just a key all-rounder but also a former captain, steered the team through some of its most challenging fixtures.

Notable matches sprinkle Ireland W’s cricketing timeline. Their participation in multi-team tournaments has thrown up exciting rivalries, particularly against teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh. These encounters are often imbued with palpable tension and competitiveness, further fuelling the desire to climb higher in the rankings.

When it comes to playing style, the team leans heavily on a mix of solid batting foundations and strategic bowling. They prioritise mental fortitude, often displaying grit over flamboyance, which is reflective of a broader Irish sporting culture that values substance and determination. The team has a unique knack for unearthing talented young players who often punch above their weight.

The team’s home matches are primarily held at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin, a venue that, while modest in capacity, is rich in heritage. Fans, though fewer in number compared to some cricketing nations, are markedly passionate, often adding a layer of warmth with traditional Irish fervour and pride. Their chants and wholehearted chants underscore a community spirit, providing the team with a formidable home advantage.

Overall, while the Ireland Women’s Cricket Team may not always bask in the global limelight, they stand proudly as torchbearers of women's cricket in Ireland, characterised by their indomitable spirit and deep-rooted love for the game.

Ireland Womens tour of India, 3rd ODI, One Day International Women - January 15, 2025

India W

435/5 (50)

Ireland W

131/10 (31.4)

India W won by 304 runs

Player of the Match

Pratika Rawal

Ireland Womens tour of India, 2nd ODI, One Day International Women - January 12, 2025

India W

370/5 (50)

Ireland W

254/7 (50)

India W won by 116 runs

Player of the Match

Jemimah Rodrigues

Ireland Womens tour of India, 1st ODI, One Day International Women - January 10, 2025

India W

241/4 (34.3)

Ireland W

238/7 (50)

India W won by 6 wickets (with 93 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Pratika Rawal

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 3rd T20I, Twenty20 International Women - December 9, 2024

Bangladesh W

123/7 (20)

Ireland W

124/6 (19.5)

Ireland W won by 4 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)

Player of the Match

Laura Delany

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 2nd T20I, Twenty20 International Women - December 7, 2024

Bangladesh W

87/10 (17.1)

Ireland W

134/5 (20)

Ireland W won by 47 runs

Player of the Match

Orla Prendergast

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 1st T20I, Twenty20 International Women - December 5, 2024

Bangladesh W

157/7 (20)

Ireland W

169/5 (20)

Ireland Women won by 12 runs

Player of the Match

Leah Paul

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 3rd ODI, One Day International Women - December 2, 2024

Bangladesh W

186/3 (37.3)

Ireland W

185/10 (50)

Bangladesh W won by 7 wickets (with 75 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Sharmin Akhter

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 2nd ODI, One Day International Women - November 30, 2024

Bangladesh W

197/5 (43.5)

Ireland W

193/6 (50)

Bangladesh W won by 5 wickets (with 37 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Nigar Sultana

Ireland women tour of Bangladesh, 1st ODI, One Day International Women - November 27, 2024

Bangladesh W

252/4 (50)

Ireland W

98/10 (28.5)

Bangladesh W won by 154 runs

England Women tour of Ireland, 2nd T20I, Twenty20 International Women - September 15, 2024

Ireland W

170/5 (19.5)

England W

169/8 (20)

Ireland W won by 5 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)

Player of the Match

Orla Prendergast

Clare Shillington
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 44

Cecelia Joyce
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 41

Gaby Lewis
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 24

Laura Delany
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 32

Isobel Joyce
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 41

Eimear Richardson
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 38

Kim Garth
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 28

Shauna Kavanagh
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 33

Mary Waldron
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 40

Lucy O'Reilly
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 25

Ciara Metcalfe
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 45

Celeste Raack
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 30

Lara Maritz
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 24

Amy Hunter
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 19

Orla Prendergast
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 22

Louise Little
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 21

Leah Paul
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 25

Arlene Kelly
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 31

Cara Murray
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 24

Jane Maguire
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 22

Georgina Dempsey
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 20