THERE was no dream double for Ireland over New Zealand at the Women’s World T20 last night in Guyana. In the last game of their tournament Laura Delany’s were hurried to an eight-wicket defeat after just 7.3 overs.

In an emotional farewell to long-serving Clare Shillington and Ciara Metcalfe it was Ireland’s future that came to the fore, with Gaby Lewis impressing with 39 off 36 balls. But from 69-3 Ireland lost six wickets in 22 balls for just nine runs.

A target of 80 was no trouble to the Black Ferns, with Sophie Devine hitting a 21 ball fifty to send Ireland home with four defeats but an inarguable case for more support to nurture the young talent that will now carry their hopes.

Shillington and Metcalfe had signalled their departure months ago, but in the huddle after the game sisters Isobel Joyce and Cecelia Joyce told their team-mates this was also their final appearance.

The four retirements will take time to replace, but Ireland have no fixtures confirmed until late next summer.