Top Republican cricketer Mary Waldron has decided to end her international career.
Waldron made her debut for the Ireland national team in July 2010, 13 years before her, and as the Irish national team she has made 56 appearances in her ODIs and 88 in her T20Is. The wicketkeeper was dismissed 148 times during his career and was also an accomplished batsman.
The 39-year-old was due to retire after her final ODI in her third with Australia, but was sidelined by injury.
Waldron said of her retirement: I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff and coaches of Cricket Ireland for giving me this opportunity to represent my country, and Pembroke and Malahide for shaping my journey and supporting me throughout.
“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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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.
“Ill miss her dearly, but its 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.”
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 sorely missed by her coaches, but perhaps even more so by her friends, colleagues, coaches, teammates, and sometimes all three at once.” I know it doesn’t mean she’s retiring as a player. Mary lost our sport, but she’s already making her way to the refereeing ranks and I wish her well in this new primary focus.
