Dublin, Dec 29: Ireland Senior Women’s National Team Head Coach Sean Dancer has announced the Women’s squad which will contest the Olympic Qualifiers next month.
The tournament which will take place between January 13th and 21st will be in Valencia, Spain and is the final opportunity for nations to reach the Summer Olympic Hockey Tournament in Paris. Eight nations from all over the world have reached this qualification tournament in Valencia.
Ireland (World Ranked #13) are drawn in Pool A alongside Belgium (#4) whom they play on January 13 at 5.30pm, Ukraine (#28) whom they play on January 15 at 12 noon and Korea (#12) whom they will play on January 16 at 6:15 p.m.
In Pool B hosts Spain (World Ranked #8) are in with Great Britain* (*England are World Ranked #7), Canada (#16), and Malaysia (#18).
There are only 3 qualification places available from this tournament so it is essential Ireland finish second at least in the pool and preferably win their semi-final to ensure a spot in Paris next summer. A place could still be secured by the losing semi-finalists were they to win the 3rd place play-off.
Commenting on his selection Ireland Senior Women’s Head Coach Sean Dancer said:
“As a whole group we have used September to December to prepare differently. Trying to use development opportunities to make specific gains for individuals. This has not only provided a change of stimulus, but also helped challenge the group in different ways.”
“We have seen an increase in competition for places, which is credit to the group’s progress and individuals’ determination to succeed.”
“We are excited to have Beth Harper and Chloe Watkins back with us, after extended time away for injury and work. They join seven other players that where part of the team that qualified for the Olympics in 2019. They add valuable experience that we will need.”
“We have done all the hard work, and we are now ready to go and compete.”
“We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and especially Sport Ireland, for providing us with everything needed to compete at the elite level of International sport.”
Also commenting was Hockey Ireland High Performance Director Lisa Jacob who said:
“There has been steady and consistent preparation over several years for this tournament, significantly supported by Sport Ireland. As a result, the 18 selected players will represent the squad that is now demonstrating high competition for places. Olympic Qualification is an exciting opportunity, and the team are very well prepared to perform when it matters most.”
The Hockey Ireland Senior Men will complete in January’s Olympic Qualifiers, also in Spain. The squad has previously been released and their first game starts January 14 at 7.45pm against Ukraine.
Squad Selection:
Qualifier Valencia Spain January 2024
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18 Player Selection |
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| PLAYER | Shirt # | Region | Position | CAPS |
| MURPHY, Elizabeth | #2 | Leinster | Goal Keeper | 26 |
| McFERRAN, Ayeisha | #1 | Ulster | Goal Keeper | 126 |
| NEILL, Elena | #12 | Leinster | Defender | 142 |
| UPTON, Róisín (VC) | #6 | Munster | Defender | 109 |
| McAULEY, Sarah | #3 | Leinster | Defender | 29 |
| CURRAN, Ellen | #14 | Leinster | Defender | 47 |
| HARPER, Bethany | #31 | Ulster | Defender | 22 |
| McLOUGHLIN, Hannah | #10 | Leinster | Defender | 46 |
| McKEE, Katie | #21 | Ulster | Midfielder | 14 |
| HAWKSHAW, Sarah | #8 | Leinster | Midfielder | 66 |
| WATKINS, Chloe | #20 | Leinster | Midfielder | 237 |
| BEGGS, Charlotte | #16 | Ulster | Midfielder | 19 |
| CAREY, Michelle | #5 | Leinster | Midfielder | 30 |
| TORRANS, Sarah | #11 | Leinster | MF / Striker | 52 |
| MULLAN, Kathryn (C) | #9 | Ulster | Striker | 226 |
| DUKE, Deirdre | #28 | Leinster | Striker | 168 |
| CARROLL, Naomi | #13 | Munster | Striker | 140 |
| CAREY, Niamh | #7 | Leinster | Striker | 18 |