Ireland Women cricketer Mary Waldron announces her retirement from international cricket. Notably, Mary Waldron was the most-capped women’s cricketer for Ireland’s cricket team.
Mary Waldron Retires from International Cricket
The 39-year-old planned to retire after the third and final ODI against Australia but an injury ruled her out of the contest. Apart from cricket, Mary Waldron also featured in Football and Hockey on various occasions. Apart from featuring as a player, Waldron has also stood as an umpire in cricket matches.
Speaking on her retirement, 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 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.”
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Ireland Skipper’s View on Mary Waldron’s Retirement
Laura Delany, the Ireland skipper 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.”
Ed Joyce on Mary Waldron’s Retirement
Finally, head coach Ed Joyce was all full of praise for Waldron, adding, “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.
“She will be missed greatly, by the coaches, but probably more so by her teammates who she was friend, colleague or mentor to – and sometimes all three at once. I know her playing retirement is not Mary’s loss to our sport, as she is already making her way through the umpiring ranks and I wish her well in that new primary focus.”
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Mary Waldron’s Football Career
- Waldron was nominated for the FAI Under-18 Women Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002 while playing for St James’s Gate.
- She was awarded a sports scholarship to University College Dublin in 2003.
- In the 2004 FAI Women’s Cup final at Lansdowne Road, Waldron played in UCD’s 4–1 win over Dundalk City.
- In July 2004 Waldron made her UEFA Women’s Cup debut for UCD; in a 5–0 defeat to Montpellier HSC.
- Waldron hit an injury–time winner from the penalty spot, as St Francis beat Peamount United 2–1 in the final of the 2008 FAI Women’s Cup at Richmond Park.
- She also played in 2009 as St Francis beat St Catherine’s 1–0 to retain the Cup.
- In the 2011 final Waldron headed the opening goal in St Catherine’s 3–1 win over Wilton United at Turners Cross.
Mary Waldron’s Umpiring Career
- In October 2016, she became the first woman in 38 years to stand as an umpire in a men’s Grade cricket match in South Australia.
- In August 2018, she became the first Irish woman to umpire in a men’s List A fixture.
- In May 2019, the International Cricket Council named her as one of the eight women on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires.
- On 15 June 2019, she stood in her first Twenty20 International (T20I) match, between Italy and Norway, in the Regional Finals of the 2018–19 ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier tournament.
- In September–October 2019, she stood in the Australian women’s domestic league, the Women’s Big Bash League.
