Ireland women's cricket team go professional as part of expansion

Cricket Ireland have handed out their first-ever full-time professional contracts for Ireland Women as part of a €1.5million investment in the women's game, ahead of a summer that will see three of the world’s best teams touring Ireland.

A total of 20 players have been offered contracts, withseven full-time, nine part-time/educational and four non-retainer contracts.

Head coach Ed Joyce has penned a three-year contract extension as Australia, South Africa and Pakistan are all set to play in Ireland this summer

Laura Delany, Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson and Mary Waldron have landed the full-time deals.

Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell will be on part-time arrangements with educational benefits, with Rachel Delaney, Sarah Forbes, Hannah Little and Kate McEvoy on non-retainer contracts.

Non-retainer contracts offer players loss of earnings and match fees, 12-month medical and healthcare insurance, sports science support, specialist coaching and more.

Joyce took over the role of head coach on an interim basis in July 2019, before being appointed full-time later that year.

Ireland captain Laura Delany said: "As a squad we are truly excited and thankful for this opportunity – it is something that many of us never would have dreamed of when we started out playing the sport we love.

"While thankful, though, we also acknowledge the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by the players to achieve the honour of representing our country at the highest levels.

"And, as fortunate as the players here today are for having this opportunity, we know that we are standing on the shoulders of the