'Absolute legends' – Irish heroes retire after WT20 exit
Cricketers past and present joined in sending off the four greats of Irish women's cricket after they announced their retirement following the loss to New Zealand.
The wonderful @meljones_33 with our four retirees:@CiaraJMetcalfe @izzyjoyce @CeceliaJoyce44 @ShillersC
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) November 17, 2018
Thanks to each of you for your dedication and commitment to Irish cricket. You’re a role model to many.#BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/OpkArziO4i
BREAKING: @izzyjoyce and @CeceliaJoyce44 have announced they are retiring from international cricket alongside @CiaraJMetcalfe and @ShillersC.
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 17, 2018
Thanks for the memories, and best of luck for your post-playing careers! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UwOZRtODB2
Ed, Isobel and Cecelia's brother who himself recently called it a day after an illustrious career in the game, also chimed in.
Iz, Ceil, Shillers and Ciara - thanks. Legends of @IrishWomensCric
— Ed Joyce (@edjoyce24) November 18, 2018
The emotional outpouring wasn't restricted to the Irish public, with cricketers from other countries tweeting out their messages.
Four Irish ☘️ players now officially retired from International cricket. Claire Shillington, Ciara Metcalfe, Isobel Joyce and Cecelia Joyce. Credit to all four players for taking Ireland cricket forward & certainly the game is better because of your role. All the best! #WT20
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) November 17, 2018
Hard to think there will be an @IrishWomensCric team without a Joyce. Congrats on wonderful careers @izzyjoyce @CeceliaJoyce44. I hope @Irelandcricket give you the send off you all deserve ☘️
— Charlotte Edwards (@C_Edwards23) November 17, 2018
I can’t think of 4 players who’ve contributed more to @IrishWomensCric than @ShillersC @CiaraJMetcalfe @izzyjoyce @CeceliaJoyce44 💚💚 I’m sure your playing days are only half the story. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you next. #stayinthegame #leadersofthefuture
— Holly Colvin (@hollycolvin10) November 17, 2018
Sad to see these four retire from international cricket. Got a bit emosh watching it on TV. Dedicated so much of their lives to our sport, good luck on whatever comes next! https://t.co/JmhmCew5rZ
— Elyse Villani (@ElyseVillani) November 18, 2018
Well done also to fellow identical twin cricketers @izzyjoyce and @CeceliaJoyce44 on your contributions to global cricket. You have done your country proud! @IrishWomensCric https://t.co/XFseY9Mklw
— Alex Blackwell (@AlexBlackwell2) November 18, 2018
Huge respect for each and everyone of you. Your passion and commitment to Ireland and women's cricket has been extraordinary. Excellent role models who kept the Irish flag high in every game they participated. Thanks for inspiring all of us. All the best for your future ☘ https://t.co/EdeFYH54XV
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) November 18, 2018
This touching gesture by the New Zealand team didn't go unnoticed either.
#Respect
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) November 17, 2018
Guard of honour from @WHITE_FERNS for retiring members of @IrishWomensCric #WT20 #NZvIRE pic.twitter.com/FxfWFmjuPx