Cricket: Ireland Women WCQ squad announced

04 Oct 2007

Ireland have named a squad of 14 for their World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan next month. They will play hosts Pakistan on November 19, Scotland the following day, and finish the group stages with Zimbabawe on the 22nd.


The top two in each group then play each other in semi finals on November 23rd, with the final two days later.The top two in the competition will qualify for the 2009 World Cup which is being held in Australia.


This year has been a busy one for the senior women's squad, with a full domestic programme, participation in a men's league, summer tour to Sussex, and the European Championships in the Netherlands.


Under the direction of national coach Miriam Grealey, the squad is in very good shape, and with some pleasing individual performances over the summer, intensive winter training has begun in advance of the WCQ next month.


In addition to facing male bowlers at indoor nets, senior mens' coaches have also made themselves available to assist. Conditioning and nutrition will also be factors, and specialists have been invited to give the squad a good orientation.


As one of the Associate countries on the world stage, Ireland has acquitted itself well, having played in the first World Cup in Australia in 1988.The game has developed well and Ireland were ranked 6th following the 2000 competition in New Zealand. The 2005 World Cup in South Africa saw a dip in form versus West Indies, and rain destroyed the chance for a top six finish by beating Sri Lanka.


Irish coach Miriam Grealey says she is focusing on specific areas in the build up. "We will be working on playing spin, footwork, and batting with more aggression and confidence, but also on areas for individual development. We are working hard on our consistency, which is the key to winning. Our fielding has really improved over the last couple of years, having watched and learned from the likes of Australia and New Zealand, and this is one area where I feel we are on a par with any of the top nations."


"We recognise that the conditions will be tougher in Pakistan, so physical fitness, conditioning, and circuit training are all part of our overall preparation. Trent Johnston, Adrian Birrell and Matt Dwyer are attending the sessions for one on one coaching. Thinus Fourie, our bowling coach, is working hard, and his efforts have really paid dividends this season."


"Our biggest competition will be Pakistan - we must beat them to come top of our group. Though the Irish women have never lost to Pakistan, the home team will no doubt hope to redeem the pride of their country after their male counterparts lost to our boys on St Patrick's Day."


The squad in full is as follows:

  • Anne Linehan (Downpatrick)
  • Caitriona Beggs (Malahide)
  • Cecelia Joyce (Merrion)
  • Ciara Metcalfe (Pembroke)
  • Clare Shillington (Malahide)
  • Eimear Richardson (Leinster)
  • Elaine Nolan (YMCA)
  • Heather Whelan (YMCA) - Captain
  • Isobel Joyce (Merrion)
  • Jean Carroll (Clontarf)
  • Jill Whelan (Merrion)
  • Jillian Smythe (Merrion)
  • Marianne Herbert (Malahide)
  • Nicki Coffey (YMCA) 

Non Travelling Reserve

Melissa Scott-Hayward (North Kildare)

Management Team

  • Miriam Grealey, Coach (YMCA)
  • Thinus Fourie, Ast Coach (Merrion)
  • Sandra Dawson, Manager (YMCA)
  • Nicola Berney, Physiotherapist

For more info: www.irishcricket.org or on 01-6251170

Irish Cricket Union