International Women's Day may have gone with little fanfare in Ireland, but the game here is set for a major boost with a significant investment commitment from the governing body.

Cricket Ireland are expected to confirm at a press conference in Trinity on Thursday an expansion from the current seven part-time contracts offered, with the hope being for a number close to double figures on full-time deals, on a much improved remuneration package.

Laura Delany batting

Seven Irish Women were on paid contracts in 2021; skipper Laura Delany, Gaby Lewis, Leah Paul, Shauna Kavanagh, Celeste Raack, Mary Waldron and Orla Prendergast.

In a recent interview with the Irish Times, Head Coach Ed Joyce spoke of his wish for central contracts for the team, ahead of their inaugural appearance in the ICC Women's Championship.

“It’s no secret that with more games and a big fixture list in front of us we need more access to our players," Joyce told the paper.

"The only real way of doing that is trying to ensure we have a core group maybe with contracts. That is all down to Cricket Ireland and the Irish Cricketers Association to thrash out and then for the players to agree.

Ed Joyce

“All of it comes down to funding and if the players are happy with whatever is offered to them. I am really hopeful that something will come of that in the next few months.”

That deal indeed looks to have agreed and ratified by the Cricket Ireland Board at their meeting last month.

Ireland recently announced a squad of 20 for the 2022 season and it will be confirmed on Thursday which have been granted and agreed deals.

Exciting times indeed for the game here.

Gaby Lewis batting

Women’s Performance Squad 2022

Laura Delany (captain) (Leinster), Eimear Richardson (Northern Districts), Gaby Lewis (YMCA), Celeste Raack (Merrion), Orla Prendergast (Pembroke), Leah Paul (Merrion), Mary Waldron (Pembroke), Shauna Kavanagh (Pembroke), Sophie MacMahon (Leinster), Rebecca Stokell (Leinster), Louise Little (Pembroke), Hannah Little (Pembroke), Cara Murray (Waringstown), Georgina Dempsey (Phoenix), Rachel Delaney (Merrion), Jane Maguire (The Hills), Amy Hunter (Malahide/Instonians), Ava Canning (Leinster), Kate McEvoy (YMCA), Sarah Forbes (YMCA).