Ed Joyce Returns as Ireland’s New High Performance Batting Coach

Ed Joyce is back with Cricket Ireland, this time as the High Performance Batting Coach focusing on the men’s senior squad and the male talent pathway. The announcement came on 28 September 2026, and Joyce is set to start immediately.

Joyce has a rich history with Irish cricket. He played 151 matches for Ireland, scoring over 5,500 runs, including 10 centuries. He also represented England in 19 matches during his career. After retiring from playing in 2018, Joyce took up coaching roles within Ireland’s cricket system, including serving as head coach for the Ireland Women’s team from 2019 until early 2025.

Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, described Joyce as an “absolute asset” to Irish cricket. West highlighted Joyce’s technical skill as a player and his effectiveness as a coach, noting that his return is well timed ahead of a busy off-season.

Joyce himself acknowledged the changes in modern cricket but stressed the importance of fundamental skills and a positive mindset. He praised the hard work done behind the scenes to prepare Ireland’s men for international competition and expressed his aim to help the batting group achieve more consistency.

This role builds on Joyce’s long association with Cricket Ireland’s performance system. Earlier in 2026, he joined Cricket Ireland’s High Performance Committee, which oversees development pathways for young players. The committee’s work includes restructuring youth programs and better linking them to the national teams.

While details about the exact length or terms of Joyce’s new coaching contract were not released, his appointment signals a clear focus on nurturing Ireland’s batting talent as they aim to improve on the international stage.