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Ed Joyce will step down from his role as Ireland women’s cricket head coach after his contract comes to an end in April.
Joyce retired as a player in 2018 and was a coach with Ireland’s men’s team before taking charge of the women’s side in 2019 after a spell as interim head coach.
The 46-year-old said it has been a “privilege” to spend six years in charge of the team and praised the “dedication” of his players and staff.
“The last six years have been an incredible journey – not just for me personally, but for the players, coaches and, indeed, the entire performance programme,” he added.
“Just as in my professional playing career, I recognise the natural cycle of coaching.
“There comes a time when a system benefits from fresh perspectives and new voices, allowing players to explore and develop their skills in diverse ways.”
Joyce’s final time in charge of the team will be April’s ICC Women’s World Cup qualifier in Pakistan.
Across all formats, Ireland have 51 wins, 44 losses and two no-results from Joyce’s 97 matches in charge.
“When I came on board we had just announced first-ever part-time contracts for women cricketers in Ireland,” added Joyce.
“Those six part-time contracts have grown over subsequent years to now 23 players under some form of contract – a number of these being full-time. This process of professionalisation alone has been rewarding yet challenging.
“Throw the Covid pandemic into the mix, the constant need to juggle the availability of players who are still studying – all while meeting the demands of international cricket – the role has been all-encompassing.
“This is not, I hope, the end of my journey with Irish cricket. You never can anticipate the future and what opportunities this great sport of cricket will offer in the years to come.”
Graham West, director of high performance, said Cricket Ireland had tried to convince Joyce to continue in the role.
“While it’s a sad day to see such a respected figure step down, Ed’s impact on the senior women’s programme will be felt for years to come,” said West.
“He has been instrumental in transforming the senior women’s set-up during his tenure, instilling in the players a sense that they belong at the sport’s top table.
“We’re immensely grateful for Ed’s contributions in this latest incarnation of his wonderful service to Irish cricket – and we hope to see him back in some capacity in the future.”
