Ireland Women‘s cricketer legend wicketkeeper announces retirement from international cricket: In a heartfelt and poignant moment for cricket fans around the world, Ireland’s esteemed wicketkeeper has announced his retirement from international cricket. This decision marks the end of an illustrious career and leaves behind a legacy of exceptional contributions to the sport.
Mary Waldron, Ireland’s most capped female cricketer, has decided to end her international career. Waldron made her Ireland debut 13 years ago, in July 2010, and has represented them in 56 ODIs and 88 T20Is. The wicketkeeper took 148 dismissals in her entire career and was also a good batsman. Mary Waldron was set to retire after the third and final ODI against Australia but was forced to withdraw owing to injury.
Waldron spoke about her retirement: "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 the 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.”
Ireland women’s cricket team Captain Laura Delany, also paid tribute to Waldron, adding, "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.
"I’ll miss her dearly, but it’s at times like these that we should try to celebrate a legendary career and I’m sure Irish fans will let her know how highly-regarded she is – and rightly so.”
In the end, head coach Ed Joyce praised Waldron, “Mary was one of those players you always wanted in your squad – a born leader both on- and off-the field, no matter the situation she could always be relied upon to rally her teammates or be a support during challenging times.
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