Ed Joyce Resigns as Head Coach of Ireland Women's Cricket Team

Synopsis
Ed Joyce, the head coach of Ireland Women’s cricket team, announces his decision to resign at the end of his contract, concluding a transformative six-year tenure. He aims to lead the team to the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier before stepping down.
Key Takeaways
- Ed Joyce resigns as head coach of Ireland Women’s team.
- He will conclude his tenure after the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.
- Joyce has overseen significant progress in Irish women's cricket.
- He hopes to continue his journey with Irish cricket in the future.
- Joyce's impact on the program will last for years.
Dublin, Feb 13 (NationPress) Ed Joyce, head coach of Ireland Women’s cricket team, has made the decision to step down from his position at the conclusion of his current contract, as announced by the cricket board. The former batter for both England and Ireland will wrap up his coaching stint following the forthcoming ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.
“It has been an honor to guide Cricket Ireland’s women's performance program and collaborate with this committed group of cricketers and support personnel. The past six years have been an extraordinary journey – not just for me but for the players, coaches, and the entire performance program,” stated Joyce.
“I hope this isn’t the conclusion of my journey with Irish cricket. The future is unpredictable, and I look forward to what opportunities this magnificent sport may present in the years ahead,” Joyce expressed.
The 46-year-old was appointed as the permanent head coach for the women’s team in September 2019 after serving a three-month term as interim coach due to the exit of Aaron Hamilton. He has guided the team through one of the most significant transformations in Irish women’s cricket over the past six years, aiming to qualify for a 50-over World Cup, a milestone that has been out of reach for Ireland Women since 2005.
Under Joyce's leadership, Ireland Women have played a total of 97 matches (51 wins, 44 losses, and two no-results), featuring impressive performances against some of the top teams globally.
Joyce's concluding challenge will be to secure qualification for this year’s ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India, with the team aiming to be one of two to secure a spot through the upcoming qualifier tournament.
These matches will mark Joyce's final moments in charge of Ireland, as the accomplished coach will depart after the event and the completion of his contract.
“Ed’s influence on the senior women’s program will resonate for years. He has been pivotal in revolutionizing the senior women’s structure during his tenure, fostering a belief among players that they belong at the top echelons of the sport,” remarked Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland.
Joyce, who made a name for himself as a top-order batter for both England and Ireland, retired from playing in 2018, having represented Ireland 151 times.