Ireland Women all-rounder Arlene Kelly has announced her retirement from international cricket after the ongoing third ODI against England Women in Worcester on September 6, 2026. The 32-year-old made her international debut in June 2022 and went on to make 110 appearances for Ireland across formats. She became one of the side’s most consistent performers during a career that lasted four-and-a-half years.
Kelly was known for her accurate medium-pace swing bowling and dependable performances in important matches. She finished with 135 wickets for Ireland, making her the third-highest wicket-taker behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany. Her best international bowling figures came against the Netherlands in a 2023 T20I, when she took 5/12. That year, she was named Cricket Ireland’s Women’s International Player of the Year and won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August 2023.
The all-rounder also made useful contributions with the bat and was trusted with leadership duties. She scored 601 runs across white-ball cricket and captained Ireland in 2025 when Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast were unavailable. Kelly’s experience gave Ireland a reliable option in different situations, while her bowling remained her biggest strength. Her final appearance now brings her Ireland career to a close.
Kelly’s ODI record includes 38 matches and 33 innings with the bat. She scored 422 runs at an average of 15.07 and a strike rate of 66.56, with a highest score of 35. She hit 34 fours and one six and took 10 catches. With the ball, she bowled 1,693 deliveries, conceded 1,381 runs and took 44 wickets at an average of 31.38 and an economy rate of 4.89. Her best ODI figures were 4/35, and she recorded two four-wicket hauls.
In T20Is, Kelly played 71 matches and batted in 30 innings, scoring 179 runs at an average of 7.16 and a strike rate of 92.74. Her highest score was 35, while she hit 15 fours and one six and took 32 catches. Her bowling numbers were much stronger, with 91 wickets from 1,361 deliveries after conceding 1,408 runs. She finished with a bowling average of 15.47 and an economy rate of 6.20. Her best figures were 5/12, while she recorded three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.
Explaining her decision, Kelly said representing Ireland had been an “absolute privilege” and thanked the people who supported her throughout the journey. She also said she now wanted to return to New Zealand and spend more time with family and friends. “It’s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I’ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field. However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends.”
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis paid tribute to Kelly’s contribution to the team and the trust she built over the years. “Arlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years,” Lewis said. “She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.” Kelly’s value was not limited to her statistics, with her experience and calm approach making her an important member of the group.
Ireland Women head coach Lloyd Tennant also praised Kelly’s reliability and influence around the squad. “Arlene will be a big loss to Irish cricket,” Tennant said. “She’s been so reliable and handles pressure situations extremely well. Her presence in our environment will also be a huge loss. She’s helped shape a new era of high performance, always looking for ways to improve and make the most of her ability.” Kelly leaves international cricket with 110 appearances, 135 wickets and 601 white-ball runs, ending a career that made her a key part of Ireland Women’s journey.
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