Sophie MacMahon has announced her retirement from representative cricket.

The 28 year-old made 45 appearances for Ireland Women after making her debut in 2017 against England.

A hard-hitting batter and medium-pace bowler, the Leinster all-rounder registered her highest score of 42 for Ireland against South Africa in Dublin in 2022. She also claimed 25 wickets at 27.96 across formats with a best of 2-13 against Thailand.

MacMahon was one of seven players who received the first full-time playing contracts for Ireland in 2019, and won her last cap against Zimbabwe earlier this year, taking 2-21.

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

Sophie was one of the most consistent performers at interpro level, being the leading wicket taker in the competition with 82 wickets, while also being one of nine players to score 1000 runs or more since the Super Series was launched in 2015.

These stats perhaps warranted an extended run at senior level, but for various reasons this didn't materialize, and after just four appearances in the last two years and exclusion from the latest squad, she has called it a day.

"It is a tough decision to decide to retire but I feel like the time is right for me," said Sophie MacMahon. "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."

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis paid tribute to MacMahon saying:

“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.”