After an impactful two and a half year term, Ciara O’Brien has stepped down from her role as National Women’s Selector. 

O’Brien was appointed Chair of the National Women’s Selectors in 2023. With a strong sporting background as a former international hockey player and youth cricket representative, she has become a leading advocate for increasing girls’ participation in sport and supporting their continued involvement across all age groups.

During her tenure, she has played a key role in the team’s significant progress on the international stage, most notably guiding them to an unbeaten run at the ICC European Qualifiers in the Netherlands, securing a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Nepal, and achieving a historic series victory against Pakistan.

She told Cricket Ireland

“I have very much enjoyed being involved in the women’s game at the highest level – having the opportunity to help oversee the progression of an exciting young group of talented cricketers and I’m looking forward to watching the squad continue to develop and perform on the world stage.”

O’Brien was full of praise for the team she worked with so closely, further adding:

“The squad are excellent ambassadors for our sport, and role models to so many aspiring and motivated female players throughout the country, I have seen that from my own daughters, Chloe and Jessica, and the many supporters who have collected autographs, had photographs taken and managed a couple of minutes to chat with their heroes. These gestures will have a lasting impact on children’s lives and I am incredibly grateful to the players and the support staff for recognising the importance of this legacy.”

Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland was full of praise for O’Brien, commending her commitment to the squad and acknowledging her role in the development of the women's team.

Ireland’s team will play their next major tournament in the Global Qualifier in Nepal, where they will stake their claim to join the best of the best in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.