According to a press release by Cricket Ireland, Gary Wilson announced his retirement from professional cricket on Friday after 16-years of international career and an illustrious first-class career that included English county and Irish inter-provincial cricket. Wilson will now take charge as the new full-time Head Coach and Pathway Manager for North West Warriors.
Wilson made his international debut against the MCC in June 2005. The 35 year old finished his career as the third highest capped Irish in international history having represented the senior side 292 times.
He is also the second highest wicket-keeper in terms of dismissals behind the stumps with 160 catches and 33 stumpings for Ireland. Besides, Wilson was also an impressive outfielder, having 60 catches in his name.
A very successful middle-order batter, Wilson scored 5,959 runs for Ireland, registering one century and 30 fifties. His best score of 113 came against Netherlands in 2010.
He was a member of Irish teams at two Cricket World Cup (2011, 2015) and five T20 World Cup (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016) tournaments.
In 2018, Wilson was entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the Ireland Men’s T20 squad, and also oversaw the team’s qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 (which was subsequently rescheduled to 2021).
Wilson on Thursday was offered the role of North West Warriors Head Coach and Pathway Manager. This is the first time this role has been offered as a full-time appointment.
Wilson said: “To step away from international cricket after 16 years is something I will miss dearly – I will miss the guys probably more than anything, but pulling on the shirt and playing for Ireland was the only thing I ever dreamed of growing up.”
Speaking of his new role as the North West Warriors Head Coach and Pathway Manager, he said: “I think it’s a great time to be taking on the North West Head Coach role, and hopefully I can bring that international and county cricket experience to the role. I think that the performance pathway side of the role is exciting as well – it’s about bringing on the next generation and making sure they are ready for North West cricket. At the end of the day we want to see more North West players playing for Ireland and in the Inter-Pro competition.”