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Ireland coach Graham Ford steps down after poor World Cup outing

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Ireland head coach Graham Ford has decided to tender his resignation from the position after spending four years in the role. It is being seen as one o the outcomes of a very poor World Cup campaign for the men in green. 

Cricket Ireland announced on Wednesday, November 17 that Ford’s three-year contract which was extended by a year will end hereafter. 

Ford on his part also released a statement in which he said, "The last four years have been very special for me. I have enjoyed many happy days with a cricket squad made up of very special people. I have also enjoyed watching club cricket and experiencing the passion and club loyalty of many fine cricketing people.”

"When compared with the other ICC Full Member nations, Cricket Ireland has faced many handicaps and challenges. 

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,” added the well-travelled coach who has in past coached international sides like Sri Lanka and South Afric and successful clubs like Kent in County arena and Dolphins in South Africa back home. 

Reasoning that his decision came after much consideration the 61-year-old, who was appointed as head coach in 2017 thanked all those involved in building the Irish team which got its permanent member status under his tutelage. 

"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,” he said.

Ireland had one of its World Cups this year as it was unable to qualify for the Super 12 and would now have to undergo a qualifying tournament to make it to the first round of the 2022 T20 World Cup.  

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