Sky Sports Channel Logo

Cricket News

News

  • News
  • Teams
  • Blog
  • Competitions
  • Fixtures/Results
  • Tables
  • Video
  • Pundits
  • Women's
  • On Sky
  • Scores
  • Sky Bet

Graham Ford steps down as Ireland head coach after 102 internationals in charge

Ireland, who head for a tour of America next month before a white-ball series against the West Indies in January, will announce their interim coaching plans in the coming weeks

Last Updated: 17/11/21 7:50pm

Graham Ford, pictured at Stormont, earlier this year
Graham Ford, pictured at Stormont, earlier this year

Graham Ford has stepped down as Ireland head coach after taking charge of the country in 102 internationals.

Ford, who was appointed to the role in 2017, will immediately relinquish his coaching duties before departing from Cricket Ireland next month.

The 61-year-old oversaw Ireland's introduction to the Test arena and their recent run to the T20 World Cup.

However, Ireland failed to progress to the Super 12 stage of the competition following a surprise eight-wicket defeat to Namibia.

"The last four years have been very special for me," he said. "I have enjoyed many happy days with a cricket squad made up of very special people. When compared with the other ICC Full Member nations, Cricket Ireland has faced many handicaps and challenges.

Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this Privacy Options

"Despite this, on several occasions the team has competed impressively with some of the top teams in world cricket and it has been a privilege for me to experience first-hand the character and togetherness of the Irish players.

"However, over a period of time these challenges and handicaps have taken their toll on me. After much consideration and discussion with my family, I realise that this is the right time for me to step away from Cricket Ireland.

"I'd like to end by thanking all the players and the support staff for their impressive attitudes and loyal support during the four years and I look forward to watching them achieve big things in the future."

Captain Andrew Balbirnie said: "Graham has been one of the best coaches I have ever worked with, and I feel very fortunate that I got to spend four years working with him, not just for the playing development side of my game, but for his incredible support during my captaincy to date.

Also See:

  • Ireland homepage
  • Ireland fixtures
  • Cricket news
  • Cricket videos

"We have had our challenges over the last number of years as a squad, but his consistent positivity has been infectious and his determination to improve the skills of everyone in the squad has brought some of our young cricketers on leaps and bounds.

"I think more important than anything is that Fordy is a brilliant person and one that will be greatly missed in and around the squad, and on behalf of the group of players we wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Trending

  • 1
    Spanish GP: Red Bulls in front after Leclerc retires from lead LIVE!
  • 2
    Premier League Final Day team news LIVE!
  • 3
    Transfer Centre LIVE! Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham chasing Broja?
  • 4
    Mbappe confirms stay at PSG | LaLiga to file complaint over 'scandalous' deal
  • 5
    PL Predictions: A Man City wobble? Surely not?
  • 6
    PL Final Day: Three games live on Sky Sports plus ALL the goals as they go in
  • 7
    Papers: Pogba set for Juve return | Lingard closes on West Ham switch
  • 8
    Premier League Final Day: What's still to play for?
  • 9
    PGA Championship: Pereira leads on final day LIVE!
  • 10
    Trent: Man City have helped Liverpool become mentality monsters
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • NFL
    • Tennis
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NBA
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • MMA
    • More Sports
  • Scores
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Kick It Out
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Sky Zero
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Work @ Sky Sports
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Group
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Work @ Sky Sports
    • NOW TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Privacy Options
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

Sky Sports Channel Logo ©2022 Sky UK