Ed Joyce: Ireland women’s cricket head coach to step down in April
Ed Joyce will resign as head coach of Ireland women’s cricket after the end of April.
Joyce retired in 2018 and coached the Ireland’s Men’s Team before taking charge of the women’s side in 2019 after being interim head coach.
The 46-year-old said it was a “privilege” to spend six years in charge of the team and praise his players and employees for their “dedication”.
He added: “The last six years have been an incredible journey – not only for me personally, but for the players, the coaches and the performance plan as a whole.”
“Just like in my career, I also recognize the natural cycle of coaching.
“For a time, the system benefited from fresh perspectives and new sounds, allowing players to explore and develop their skills in a variety of ways.”
Joyce will be responsible for the team’s final time in April when the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifiers will be held in Pakistan.
In all formats, Ireland has won 51 wins, 44 losses and two countless in Joyce’s 97 games.
Joyce added: “When I joined the boat, we just announced our first part-time contract for the Irish female cricketer.”
“These six part-time contracts have grown to the present in the following years, in some form of contract – many of which are full-time. This specialization process alone is rewarding but challenging.
“Incorporating a common pandemic into it, the constant need to juggle the availability of players still learning (while meeting the needs of international cricket), the role is all-inclusive.
“I hope this is not the end of my journey with Irish cricket. You can never anticipate the future and what opportunities this great cricket offers in the years to come.”
Performance Director Graham West said Irish cricket had tried to convince Joyce to continue the position.
“While it’s a sad day to see such respected numbers drop gradually, Ed’s impact on the senior women’s program will be felt in the coming years,” West said.
“He played a role in remodeling high-end women’s decorations during his tenure, instilling the top tables they belong to the sport into the players.
“We are very grateful to Ed for his contribution to his latest avatar of his excellent service to Irish cricket – we hope to see him in some capacity in the future.”
