Mary is ‘very proud of what I have achieved’

JUST over 13 years since she made her international debut, Ireland’s most capped women’s cricket player Mary Waldron announced her retirement from playing cricket ending an international career that included 184 appearances and 148 dismissals.

From Bohernabreena, the 39- year-old was late to cricket, first having forged a football career that led to senior international representation for Ireland.

It wasn’t until her mid-20s that she committed to cricket and quickly began to establish herself as Ireland Women’s number one wicketkeeper.

Waldron, who played 56 one-day internationals and 88 T20 internationals, was renowned for her quick hands and agile footwork.

She captained the senior side 10 times and was a central part of Ireland Women’s senior leadership team, as influential off as on the field.

While her intention was to retire after the third ODI of the current series against Australia, an unfortunate injury sustained during the second ODI led to Waldron announcing her retirement earlier than planned.

Speaking about her decision to retire, Waldron said: “It’s obviously a very emotional time but I’m very proud of what I have achieved.

“I want to say a huge thank you to staff and coaches at Cricket Ireland for the opportunity to represent my country, and to Pembroke and Malahide for shaping my journey and supporting me all the way.

To my family and Roxane, thank you for your support – and giving me a roof over my head whenever I needed it.

More specifically, to Mum and Dad the best supporters in the world – thank you for everything.

“Finally, to my teammates, I will miss you so much, but can’t wait to follow your journey over the years ahead.”

Laura Delany, Ireland Women’s captain from Knocklyon said: “It’s a sad day when a teammate retires – but even more so when that teammate is Mary Waldron.

We made our international debuts on the same day and I have loved every minute of playing alongside her.

“As a senior player within the international squad, Mary has been an invaluable support and sounding-board to me while I’ve been in the captaincy.

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