MCC has awarded Honorary Life Membership to hundreds of the finest cricketers and men and women associated with the game.
The list reads like a who's who of the game. The name of Miss M.E. Grealey (2017) is the sole Ireland representative. This honour was announced in tandem with the Women’s World Cup Final hosted by Lord’s, the home of cricket.
Miriam was first introduced to the game in 1983 in St Andrew’s College and migrated from there to the YMCA club to play for Claremont Ladies. She was first capped for Ireland vs Australia in 1987. Matches vs Australia marked many milestones for her - her 50th cap and her last International match in 2005. Records come and go and cannot be compared to current players who enjoy a much busier International programme. However, at the time of her retirement Miriam was the most capped Irish woman player having gained 80 international caps, she held the record for most International runs and most field catches. She had Captained Ireland a record 34 times from 1995. She held the Irish record for 4th, 5th and 8th wicket partnerships.
She continued to play for Club (Claremont (Later YM Ladies), Rush and Pembroke (where she still plays). She has a record 50 South Leinster Caps, she was Winner of the Leinster All Rounder Cup a record 7 times and Winner of the Leinster Batting Cup a record 6 times. She was the first woman to score 1000 runs in a Leinster Season. The list goes on and on.
She is also an accomplished Coach having coached at Inter-Provincial, Ireland Development, Ireland Under 21 and Ireland Senior Team. She continues today as a club coach.
She has also given time as a Selector for many years.
The MCC voted to admit female Members in 1998, and the first ten – including Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint were brought into the fold on 16 March 1999. It is fitting that a pioneer and legend of Irish women’s cricket should now be so honoured.