Ireland EuroHockey Nations squad announced
After months of preparation, training camps and assessment coach Gene Muller revealed the eighteen he has selected to compete for
This tournament, which is being held in
This is a fact that Muller is all too aware of, “This tournament is the highlight of our international competition schedule and is the one we have been focusing on since the start of the year.”
“All of the teams playing at the Europeans will be entertaining ideas of qualifying for the 2008 Olympics. While this can be a motivation, it can also be a distraction from playing well. Our aim is simply to play as well as we can and not to be overawed or distracted by the stakes.” commented Muller.
Gene Muller’s squad displays a blend experience and youth. The team features a number of veteran players who featured in the 2005 Europeans, including Eimear Cregan, Linda Caulfield, Jenny McDonough, Ciara O’Brien, Cathy McKean and Jill Orbinson, who are expected to provide the leadership.
For seven of his younger players this will be their first exposure to a European Championship. Emma Stewart is also welcomed back into the squad after making a successful recovery form a fractured foot bone sustained during the Setanta Trophy.
The following players have been selected for the Irish Women’s National Team:
Eimear Cregan, Linda Caulfield, Emma Clarke, Roisin Flinn, Mary Goode, Emer Harte, Louisa Healy, Jenny McDonagh, Shirley McCay, Cathy McKean, Bridget McKeever, Ciara O’Brien, Julia O’Halloran, Jill Orbinson, Clare Parkhill, Alex Speers, Emma Stewar, Nikki Symmons.
Source: Irish Hockey Association
