Dublin: Kyle McCallan, Ireland's former captain and the island's most capped player, has announced his retirement from international cricket after deciding against extending his career until the next World Cup.

McCallan, 34, made 226 appearances for his country, captaining the side a record 54 times as well as scoring 3616 runs at an average of 23.33 and taking 256 wickets with his off spin.

"I've got to think of my time after cricket, and I've now reached the stage where my career in teaching and my family have to take priority," he said.

"I could have gone on for a while yet, but with the World Cup just 15 months away, that wouldn't have been fair on Phil Simmons and the rest of the squad."

Ireland, who are coached by former West Indies opener Simmons, secured their berth at the 2011 World Cup earlier this year by winning the ICC's qualifying tournament in South Africa. The Ireland team comprises players from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.