Dual-international to step down as head coach of Ireland's women's team
The former England and Ireland batter will finish his coaching tenure following the completion of his current contract.
Ireland have confirmed dual-international Ed Joyce will bring his six-year coaching reign of their women's team to an end following the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.
Joyce made his name as a top-order batter for England and Ireland and in recent years has forged a successful path as a coach of the Irish women's team.
The 46-year-old has been in charge of Ireland's women's team since the middle of 2019 and has since led the side to many famous victories and a place at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023.
Joyce's last task will be to try and get Ireland to qualify for this year's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year, with the side attempting to be one of two teams to earn their place at the event via the qualifier tournament that is set to be held in the coming months.
It will be Joyce's final matches in charge of Ireland, with the highly-accomplished coach to step down following the event and the end of his current contract.
WATCH: Ed Joyce scores a century against Zimbabwe at the 2015 World Cup
Ed Joyce, 112 vs Zimbabwe
Joyce said he has enjoyed his time coaching Ireland's women's team and believes the side have made great progress since he took the reins back in 2019.
“It has been a privilege to lead Cricket Ireland’s women’s performance programme and to work with this group of dedicated cricketers and support 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," Joyce said.
“When I came on board we had just announced first-ever part-time contracts for women cricketers in Ireland. 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.
“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.
“Looking back to mid-2019, I'm immensely proud of the players, coaches, and support structures we've built. They've undergone a remarkable evolution, rising to every challenge. Victories against England (twice in a week!), Pakistan (in Pakistan), and Bangladesh (in Bangladesh), alongside dominant performances against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and competitive showings against Australia and South Africa, are testaments to their hard work and some of my fondest memories.
“I'm grateful to Cricket Ireland for their trust in me, and deeply thankful to my coaching and support team for sharing this journey. My sincere thanks also go to the players, their families, and the provincial and club coaches who have been integral to our success. A team is far more than just the 11 on the field; you've all been part of the wider team, making these past six years so enjoyable.
“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.”