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DUBLIN – Ireland Women’s Sophie MacMahon has today announced her retirement from representative cricket.

MacMahon, 28, made 45 appearances for Ireland Women after making her debut in 2017 against England Women in a one-day match in Abu Dhabi.

Known as a hard-hitting batter and medium-pace bowler who consistently delivered a nagging length, the Leinster CC all-rounder registered her highest score of 42 for Ireland in a One-Day International against a full-strength South African bowling attack in Dublin in 2022. She also claimed 21 wickets across formats with a best of 2-13 against Thailand in the Netherlands.

MacMahon was one of seven players who received the first-ever full-time playing contracts for Ireland Women in 2019, and last played for Ireland against Zimbabwe in July 2025, taking 2-21.

She will also step away from domestic representative cricket in the Evoke Super Series, but continue playing club cricket for Leinster Cricket Club.

Sophie MacMahon said:

“It is a tough decision to decide to retire but I feel like the time is right for me. I have given so much of my life to cricket and representing my country in the sport I love will be something I’ll always treasure. My dream as a child was to be a professional cricketer and I never believed that dream would come true, so I feel very fortunate.

“I’m extremely thankful to all the staff and coaches at Cricket Ireland for their support over the years, especially the support staff I worked with in the women’s programme. I would also like to thank my family for their support and encouragement throughout my cricket journey.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had while playing for Ireland, in particular the places I’ve got to visit and the people I’ve met. The best part about my journey has been my teammates along the way and I will miss being part of such an incredible squad – but I know I’ve made friends for life.”

Gaby Lewis, captain of Ireland Women, said:

“Sophie has been a crucial part of our squad for the last eight years. She’s been with this group through a major transitional period and has played a big role in shaping the team we are today.

“We’ll miss not only her cricketing ability, but also her personality and the care she’s always shown for the people around her. I know I can speak on behalf of the whole team when I say she’ll be greatly missed, and we wish her all the very best in her next chapter.”

Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said:

“Sophie has been one of the most dedicated and professional players within the senior playing group, and a very popular teammate who was always willing to support others whenever called upon. She was a tough competitor on the field – one of those players who made you feel you were always in the game whether she had bat or ball in hand.

“On behalf of Cricket Ireland, I congratulate Sophie on her international career and wish her well with her next steps.”