Ireland women’s national team; Ireland cricket team; Ireland Twenty20

Ireland announces 2024–2025 central contracts

In addition to the 14 players offered last season, Cricket Ireland has added Ross Adair, Matt Foster, Fionn Hand, PJ Moor, and Ben White to the roster of 21 men’s players with central contracts for 2024–2025. The 37-year-old spinner Simi Singh is not listed under contract; he last participated in an international match in October 2022.

In the meantime, Cricket Ireland has extended 12 full-time contract offers to its female players for the first time. Una Raymond-Hoey has been granted a retainer contract, while Christina Coulter Reilly, Abbi Harrison, Kia McCartney, and Alice Tector have been awarded casual contracts.

Retainer contracts have been given to Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, and Liam McCarthy in the men’s division.

In addition to match fees, a retainer for the summer, loss of earnings for the remaining months of the year, sports science support (physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, psychology, performance analysis, nutrition, and lifestyle management), specialised coaching support, and full access to the Sport Ireland Institute for ROI-based players are all benefits of casual contracts. Conversely, Retainer Contracts involve players for a predetermined number of days or series, with benefits akin to those of casual contracts.

Six female athletes have also been awarded Educational Contracts: Aimee Maguire, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Joanna Loughran, and Ava Canning. These are made to accommodate players who attend classes full-time or pursue post-secondary education. In order to avoid having to find employment throughout their school years and to allow them to focus on their cricket, players on these contracts receive a large living stipend. During the summer break, each of these players will be available full-time.

Women’s National Selector Ciara O’Brien commented on the most recent contract list, saying, “I am thrilled that we were able to increase the number of full-time contracts offered to a record 12 this year. Women’s cricket continues to progress.”Our current set of players is young but incredibly skilled; despite having an average age of slightly over 21, they have gained a great deal of experience in the last few years.”We are also happy to welcome Una Raymond-Hoey back to the Irish lineup this year on a retainer basis. With fifteen caps for Ireland, Una has lived in Australia for the past five years, where she has played cricket, advanced through the ranks to represent Victoria, and participated in the Women’s Big Bash as a member of the Melbourne Stars team.”

Men’s National Selector Andrew White continued, saying, “Choosing core contracts becomes more difficult as our skill pool expands. The amount of cricket we have to play, both at home and away, is increasing. As a result, we must find and develop the talent necessary to compete at the highest level. One of the most important decisions our organisation can make is which players should be given central contracts.

Our players are our most valuable asset, and we work hard to make sure the head coach and captain have access to the greatest players available by regularly examining, debating, and assessing their performances and progress.”We are happy to hear that Heinrich Malan’s contract has been extended, and I’m looking forward to working with him to continue guiding the team’s course and developing a succession plan in the years to come.