Paul Mooney announces retirement

Paul Mooney, the Ireland allrounder who played 84 times for his country including four one-dayers, has announced his retirement.

"I have been fortunate to have represented Ireland for ten years now," he said in a statement, "and during that period I have had some of the best times and experiences of my life."

Mooney - older brother of John, the Ireland bowler - played a single match in the World Cup against South Africa, a match Ireland lost. But Ireland showed immense promise, in spite of the burdening tag of minnows, and Mooney is confident that Irish cricket's future is bright.

"It's a special squad of players that we have at the minute," he said, "and I believe greater things can be achieved. [The World Cup] has been an amazing experience, and hopefully has changed the face of cricket in Ireland forever."