Large Connacht contingent in squad for U-16 Europeans

Connacht have been rewarded for winning their first ever underage interprovincials with five players involved Ireland’s girls side for this week’s Under-16 Youth Championships in the Hague. Leinster will have three players involved with All-Ireland Club Championship winners Chloe Watkins and Gillian Pinder – both involved in St Andrews’ U-16 double winning side. Alex’s Leah Lenihan is also included.

Ireland start against Lithuania today before facing Czech Republic and Spain.

Girl's squad (school/club): Sammy Jo Greer (Coleraine HS/ Ballymoney), Hilary Griffin (St Leos Carlow), Natalie Barr (Lurgan College/Lurgan), Naomi Carroll (St. Patrick’s Comprehensive/Catholic Institute), Hannah Clarke (Belfast Royal Academy/Pegasus), Katie Codyre (Jesuits Galway/Greenfields), Sinead McGirr, Dora Gorman (Taylors Galway/Greenfields), Leah Lenihan (Alexandra College/Old Alex), Edwina McGrath (Ursuline Convent, Thurles), Lucy McKee (Banbridge Academy/Armagh), Tara Melvin (Jesuits Galway/Galway), Anna Mae Morton (Royal School Armagh/Armagh), Gillian Pinder (St Andrews College/Hermes), Vanessa Surgeoner (Ballyclare High/Randalstown), Freddie Timmins (Salerno Galway/Galway), Lynsey Trainor (Salerno Galway/Knocknacarra), Chloe Watkins (St Andrews College/Hermes)

Head Coach: Una McCarthy
Manager: Siobhan Smyth
Assistant Coach: Michelle Rainey
Assistant Coach: Jonny McBride
GK Coach: Sammy Downes
Physio: Beibhinn McCann
Video: Denise McCarthy

Match Schedule:
Pool A: Spain - Ireland – Czech Republic - Lithuania
Pool B: Belgium - England - Netherlands - Italy

Tuesday July 8 (2pm) Ireland v Lithuania
Wednesday July 9 (12pm) Ireland v Czech Republic
Thursday July 10 (2pm) Spain v Ireland
Saturday July 12 Playoff stages
Sunday July 13 Final stages