Ed Joyce will step down as Ireland Women’s head coach after the World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan this April. Joyce, who has led the team for nearly six years, chose not to extend his contract, regardless of Ireland’s qualification for the 50-over World Cup.
Appointed permanently in September 2019 after serving as interim coach, Joyce oversaw significant progress. Under his guidance, Ireland achieved T20I series wins in Pakistan and Bangladesh and secured a 2-1 ODI victory against Sri Lanka. They also defeated England in an ODI for the first time since 2001 and later drew a T20I series 1-1.
Joyce’s tenure faced challenges, notably a 20-month break due to Covid-19, which disrupted the team’s development and cost them a chance to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. While Ireland made the 2023 T20 World Cup, they missed out on last year’s edition after a narrow qualifier loss to Scotland.
Reflecting on his time, Joyce called it a privilege to work with the players and support staff. He highlighted the team’s growth, from six part-time contracts to 23 contracted players, including several full-time professionals. Joyce believes the team will benefit from new perspectives and fresh ideas moving forward.
Cricket Ireland’s high-performance director, Graeme West, acknowledged Joyce’s transformative impact on the team, praising his role in helping players believe they belong on the world stage. While disappointed by Joyce’s decision, West assured that preparations are in place to ensure a smooth transition for the next coach. Joyce will lead the team one final time in Pakistan, leaving behind a strong foundation for future success.
