Ireland name new captain, vice-captain for Women's team
Ireland have named a new captain for the women's team with Laura Delany's eight-year tenure coming to an end.
Ireland have named Gaby Lewis as the new permanent captain of the Women's team. She will replace Laura Delany, who led the team 125 times between 2016 and 2024.
Lewis, 23, has led the team in recent times, notably finding success in Delany's absence during the Sri Lanka and England series during the summer.
“Laura Delany is an icon of Irish cricket having led the national team with distinction for over eight years during a time of great change and challenge," Ciara O’Brien, Ireland Women’s team selector, said.
"She has been an exceptional leader guiding the team through significant milestones in the evolution of our sport. Her contributions as captain cannot be understated."
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The transition also sees Orla Prendergast step up as the vice-captain of the side. The all-rounder also stood in as captain when Lewis and Delany were both injured earlier this year.
“As part of this transition, Gaby Lewis will take on the role of captain with Orla Prendergast being appointed vice captain," Ciara said.
"Gaby, stepped into the captaincy this summer, and she impressed with her own style of leadership – we wish her well as we begin the planning for what will be a busy winter and enormously important 2025."
Lewis, who is among the top five capped players for Ireland Women, was happy to take on the challenge and also lauded the appointment of Prendergast as her deputy.
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"I am delighted to be asked to be Ireland Women’s captain on a permanent basis," Lewis said, while also acknowledging Delany's incredible tenure and hailing her as a "role model".
"I thoroughly enjoyed acting in the role during the summer and am genuinely excited about the young talent coming through the system. While we are a young squad, the results in recent years have shown that we can compete with the best.
“I am thrilled that Orla [Prendergast] has been named as vice captain. She has an outstanding cricket brain that matches her outstanding playing talent."