The 32-year-old, born in New Zealand, moved to Ireland in 2022 after securing an Irish passport and initially came to experience domestic cricket. Her performances quickly put her on the international radar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kelly made an immediate impression, scoring 60 and taking 3-35 in a Player of the Match display. Within weeks, she earned her Ireland debut against South Africa on June 3, 2022, at Pembroke Cricket Club. She returned figures of 2-25 as Ireland stunned the then-World Cup runners-up by 10 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What began without any expectation of international cricket soon developed into a prominent role in Ireland\u2019s side. Kelly featured in 110 of Ireland Women\u2019s 117 matches since her debut, establishing herself as one of the team\u2019s most dependable performers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A medium-pace swing bowler known for her control and consistency, Kelly leaves as Ireland\u2019s third-highest wicket-taker, behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany. Her career-best figures of 5-12 came against the Netherlands in a T20I in 2023, a year in which she was named Irish Cricket International Women\u2019s Player of the Year and also received the ICC International Women\u2019s Player of the Month award for August.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on her decision to step away, Kelly said, \u201cIt\u2019s been an absolute privilege to represent Ireland over the past four-and-a-half years and I\u2019ve been fortunate enough to make so many amazing memories both on and off the field. However, the time feels right to hang up the boots and head back to New Zealand to be around my family and friends.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI want to say a massive thank you to Cricket Ireland, the coaches I\u2019ve worked alongside and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 my teammates. You welcomed me in with open arms and allowed me to be me. This has been a very special changing room to be a part of, and I know that this group is capable of achieving so much. I will be actively following and supporting the team from the other side of the boundary boards.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis paid tribute to Kelly\u2019s contribution and the impact she made after arriving as an overseas player for Malahide Cricket Club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cArlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years. She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don\u2019t think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe know how difficult it has been for her being so far away from her family for such a long time. Although we\u2019re going to miss her hugely, we\u2019re really happy for her to be heading home and being closer to the people she loves.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cArlene has become such a special part of our team over the last four years. She came over to Ireland as an overseas player for Malahide CC and I don\u2019t think any of us could have imagined then just how important she would become to our group. She has given so much to us, both on and off the field, and has been someone we could always rely on.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland Women head coach Lloyd Tennant also highlighted Kelly\u2019s reliability and influence within the team, saying, \u201cArlene will be a big loss to Irish cricket. She\u2019s been so reliable and handles pressure situations extremely well. But the biggest loss will be her presence in our environment. She\u2019s helped shape a new era of high performance, always looking for ways to improve and make the most of her ability. I wish her every success for the future.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n