MARY WALDRON has retired from international cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 13-year career that saw the 39-year-old wicketkeeper win a record 184 caps.

The former football international was hoping to bow out at the end of the three-match Certa ODI Challenge against Australia yesterday but an injury incurred during the second game brought forward her announcement.

Waldron, who has played club cricket for Pembroke and Malahide, claimed 148 victims and while not a prolific run scorer was known for her lower order contributions, including a top score of 55 not out against the West Indies.

In her absence at Clontarf, Ireland made a respectable 217 all out against the world champions but had no answer to openers Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland who each scored centuries to take Australia to victory in 35.5 overs, without losing a wicket.

Orla Prendergast top-scored with a classy career-best 71 for the Girl in Green, and was well supported by Gaby Lewis (35) and Laura Delany (36) but the tail again refused to wag and the final six wickets fell for 25 runs in 40 balls.

Australia won the series 2-0, with one game rained off.