DUBLIN – Former Ireland captain Laura Delany is celebrating a remarkable comeback as she returns to full fitness just in time for the upcoming tour to Bangladesh later this month, a pivotal moment for the squad.
Delany, who faced a serious ankle injury during the T20 International series against Sri Lanka last August, was sidelined for the remainder of the home summer fixtures, which included crucial matches against both Sri Lanka and England.
Reflecting on her rehabilitation journey from that challenging ankle injury at the High Performance Centre located in Abbotstown, Delany expressed optimism:
“Things are going really well. I am hoping to be back bowling off a full run-up soon and that I am given the go ahead to get back into full training and hopefully playing very soon.”
Head coach Ed Joyce underscored the significant role Delany plays within the squad:
“We will have to be mindful that Laura is returning from a serious injury and therefore hasn’t had game time for several months. With an important tour to India on the horizon in January, alongside World Cup qualifiers in March ‘25, we need to give her the best chance to be fit and available to play in these critical events. Consequently, we will be closely monitoring her training loads over the next few months to ensure this.”
Delany, who recently concluded her tenure as captain, was merely 23 years old when she stepped into the leadership role for Ireland. She adeptly guided the senior squad through a transformative period, marked not just by changes within women’s cricket in Ireland but also in the global landscape. Holding the title of Ireland’s longest-serving captain, she has overseen not only the evolution of the game but also a near-total turnover in the players within the dressing room. Remarkably, from the squad that played in her first match as captain against South Africa in 2016, only Delany and her successor Gaby Lewis remain.
Reflecting on her time as captain, she recalled:
“The first thing that stands out was beating South Africa at home in my first series as captain. We’ve beaten Sri Lanka, secured away series wins against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, and having the opportunity to lead Ireland in two T20 World Cups in the West Indies and South Africa was really special.”
Delany’s leadership era will also be remembered for overcoming notable challenges, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic:
“I feel like covid feels like such a distant memory now. Looking back, I don’t perceive it as an incredibly tough time as a leader. Navigating that situation was unique, and personally, I relied heavily on Anne-Marie Kennedy, our sports psychologist during that time.
“I have vivid memories of fitness sessions, video analysis, and psychology discussions over Zoom. However, the most challenging phase was returning to match play, as we had to undergo numerous covid tests before flights or camp arrivals, hoping for negative results throughout. Our downtime was significantly altered, and the restrictions made things feel quite claustrophobic at times, but we endeavored to make the best out of the situation.”
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Delany’s time as captain was steering the senior squad from an entirely amateur standing to one that is almost completely professional. The transition from a team of primarily amateurs—of which only six held part-time contracts—to a cohesive unit of 12 full-time players, accompanied by various education and retainer agreements, presented considerable challenges:
“I think it’s astonishing to reflect on the progress the team has made since I took on the captaincy. Back then, many players were balancing full-time jobs, schooling, or university commitments while meeting as early as 6 or 7 am for gym sessions. Subsequently, we would reconvene in the evening for skills training in North County. Our routine revolved around this commitment as we prepared for any series or tournament.
“Every participant was there out of passion, striving to excel for Ireland. I believe the dedication of those early players has paved the way for the current structure and enhanced support. It’s remarkable to witness every squad member now having a contract, whether full-time, part-time, or summer retainers. There remains work to be done to achieve parity with the men’s team, but I’m confident that the efforts from the ICA (Irish Cricketers Association) will yield results in due time.”
Being the captain of Ireland requires a robust support network comprising family, friends, coaches, and staff. Delany expressed immense gratitude to the many individuals who have contributed to her journey:
“I have genuinely enjoyed leading the team; it feels like the conclusion of one chapter. I want to acknowledge those at Cricket Ireland who entrusted me with the captaincy over the past eight years, as well as my coaches and the support staff who have partnered with me during my tenure. I also want to express my gratitude to my teammates, both past and present, for their unwavering commitment and support.”
“I’ve been fortunate to captain a group of industrious, dedicated individuals, and I deeply appreciate the respect and backing I received. A heartfelt thanks to the senior members of the team who were present when I first took on the captaincy, for their guidance and mentorship. Additionally, much appreciation goes to my club Leinster, my family, and friends, who have steadfastly supported me throughout my journey. I’m incredibly thankful for the backing I’ve received over the years.”
More on the Bangladesh tour here.
**Interview with Laura Delany: A Comeback Story**
**Interviewer:** Laura, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start with the exciting news about your return to fitness. How are you feeling as you prepare for the tour to Bangladesh?
**Laura Delany:** Thanks for having me! I’m feeling really optimistic. My rehabilitation has been going well, and I’m hoping to be back bowling off a full run-up soon. I’ve been itching to get back into full training, and with the Bangladesh tour on the horizon, I’m really looking forward to rejoining the team.
**Interviewer:** You faced quite a serious ankle injury last year. Can you talk a bit about the recovery process and what it was like for you?
**Laura Delany:** Absolutely. It was challenging, especially being sidelined during crucial matches. I spent a lot of time at the High Performance Centre in Abbotstown, working hard on my rehab. There were tough days, but I kept focused on my goals. Having support from the coaching staff and my teammates really helped me stay motivated.
**Interviewer:** Head coach Ed Joyce mentioned the need to be mindful of your return and managing your workload to ensure you’re fit for major upcoming events. How do you feel about that approach?
**Laura Delany:** I completely agree with Ed. It’s essential to manage my training loads carefully, especially with the stakes being high in the upcoming tour to India and the World Cup qualifiers. The coaching staff has been very supportive, and I’m thankful they’re prioritizing my long-term fitness.
**Interviewer:** Looking back on your time as captain, what stands out to you as some of the highlights and challenges you faced?
**Laura Delany:** Oh, there are so many memories! Leading the team to victory against South Africa in my first series was a real standout moment. We’ve had some wonderful victories against teams like Sri Lanka and secured away series wins too. Navigating the Covid-19 pandemic was a real challenge, but it also brought us closer together as a team. The unique situation forced us to adapt and stay connected, and I learned a lot about leadership during that time.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the transition of the team from amateur to almost professional. How do you feel this evolution has impacted women’s cricket in Ireland?
**Laura Delany:** The progress we’ve made is astonishing. When I first became captain, most players were balancing full-time jobs or education while training. Now, we have a much more professional setup with 12 full-time players. This shift has elevated the game and allowed us to compete at higher levels. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for the future.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like an exciting time for you and the team. Any final thoughts as you gear up for the upcoming tour?
**Laura Delany:** Just that I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received throughout my journey, from teammates to coaches and fans. I’m excited to put the hard work into action and contribute to the team’s success in Bangladesh. Thanks for having me!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Laura, and best of luck on your journey back to competitive cricket! We can’t wait to see you back on the field.
