Cricket Ireland have handed out their first-ever full-time professional contracts for Ireland Women as part of a €1.5million investment in the women's game, ahead of a summer that will see three of the world’s best teams touring Ireland.

A total of 20 players have been offered contracts, with seven full-time, nine part-time/educational and four non-retainer contracts.

Head coach Ed Joyce has penned a three-year contract extension as Australia, South Africa and Pakistan are all set to play in Ireland this summer

Laura Delany, Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson and Mary Waldron have landed the full-time deals.

Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell will be on part-time arrangements with educational benefits, with Rachel Delaney, Sarah Forbes, Hannah Little and Kate McEvoy on non-retainer contracts.

Non-retainer contracts offer players loss of earnings and match fees, 12-month medical and healthcare insurance, sports science support, specialist coaching and more.

Joyce took over the role of head coach on an interim basis in July 2019, before being appointed full-time later that year.

Ireland captain Laura Delany said: "As a squad we are truly excited and thankful for this opportunity – it is something that many of us never would have dreamed of when we started out playing the sport we love.

"While thankful, though, we also acknowledge the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by the players to achieve the honour of representing our country at the highest levels.

"And, as fortunate as the players here today are for having this opportunity, we know that we are standing on the shoulders of the giants that came before us.

"For many years, legends of our Irish women's cricket have fought hard to achieve successes on and off the field. To the generations of women who came before us, we say thank you. You have helped us get here today, and we hope we can do you proud.

"This is day one of what I hope is an incredible journey we will take together - it may get tough at times, it may be challenging, but it should be an experience like no other. To travel the world playing cricket for Ireland – there’s no better feeling."

Ireland games:

South Africa series

  • 3 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st T20I (Pembroke)
  • 6 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 2nd T20I (Pembroke)
  • 8 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 3rd T20I (Pembroke)
  • 11 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)
  • 14 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)
  • 17 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)

The three ODIs will be Ireland Women’s first fixtures as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Women’s summer tri-series

  • 16 July 2022: Australia Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
  • 17 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
  • 19 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
  • 21 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
  • 23 July 2022: Pakistan Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
  • 24 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)