Ed Joyce named head coach of Ireland women's team

Joyce had been the interim head coach of the side since June, following the departure of Aaron Hamilton. He was at the helm during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Scotland this month, but, Ireland, finishing third, missed out on a spot in the main event in Australia.

Now, with the role made full-time, he is expected to focus on next year's ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier in Sri Lanka. His challenge will be to guide the team through a period of transition, with several experienced hands having retired, and promising players handed professional contracts for the first time.

Joyce played 78 matches for Ireland, scoring 2,602 runs across formats. He also turned out for England in 19 matches, including in Test cricket and the World Cup. He announced his retirement in May 2018, and has since been involved in coaching roles with the Irish teams.

"It's a great time to have been offered this opportunity, and I had no hesitation in accepting the role full-time," he said in a statement. "The part-time contracts introduced this year, the rise in profile of women's cricket and women's sport in general, and the investment in facilities and support structures around the senior team all point to a commitment from Cricket Ireland to grow the game and lift our standards to compete on the world stage.

"While we were all obviously disappointed to have missed out on qualification for the T20 World Cup, what impressed me about the squad was the players' commitment to learn and the talent that began to emerge as the games came along," he added.

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            05 Sep 19
                    05:15

ICC T20WC Qualifier: BAN v IRE - Match highlights

"I was particularly happy with the fight the team showed in difficult positions against both Thailand and Bangladesh. Our fielding and bowling in both was outstanding and that character, being shown by a very young team is going to be very important going forward."

Cricket Ireland's performance director Richard Holdsworth had "no hesitation in offering him the opportunity".

"The calmness he brings, and the sense of togetherness within the team, was evident to all who saw the side in action in Scotland. With the home season coming to an end, and the qualifier completed, Ed will now have the opportunity to further develop the skillset and mindset of the wider squad, and start to focus on 50-over cricket ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Sri Lanka next July."