The IABA have named a talented young squad to meet Germany in Germany on Friday and Sunday.
A 14-strong Irish Youth and Junior squad take on Germany near Heidelberg on Friday and Sunday. The squad, which includes Swinford’s Aoife Hennigan, departed for Germany yesterday after preparation camp at the National Stadium, Dublin.
Mayo and Connacht are well represented with Geesala’s Ciara Ginty, and James Cleary of the Olympic Club in Galway taking their places in the team alongside Hennigan, and Noreen Quinn of Castlebar BC travelling as Coach. Dundalk southpaw Amy Broadhurst, who claimed gold at the 2012 European Junior Championships in Poland is also included in the side.
The Irish Youth selection boasts plenty of experience, with 2012 European Junior Championships silver medallist Jason McKay, 2011 European Junior Championships bronze medallist Luke Thomas, Michael McDonagh, Gary Cully and Aoife Hennigan Swinford making up the six-strong panel.
Two St Michael’s Athy men, Willie Donoghue and 2011 European Schoolboy champion John Joyce, have been named in the Junior panel along with Ryan Green and 2012 European quarter-finalists Lewis Crocker.
The host nation meet Ireland at the Wittenhofen and Schriesheim venues near Heidelberg on March 1st and 3rd. Swinford BC wishes everyone the best of luck.
Team Ireland
Youth
Brendan Irvine (St Paul’s Antrim)
Jason McKay (Canal)
Gary Cully (St David’s)
Mike McDonagh (St Paul’s Waterford)
Aoife Hennigan (Swinford)
Luke Thomas (Watergrasshill)
Junior
Willie Donoghue (St Michael’s Athy)
Ryan Greene (Oakleaf)
Caoilinn McCormack (Kilfenora)
Amy Broadhurst (Dealgan)
Ciara Ginty (Geesala)
James Cleary (Olympic)
John Joyce (St Michael’s Athy)
Louis Crocker (Cairn Lodge)
Team manager: Sean Canavan
Coaches: Billy McClean, Tom Hayes, Noreen Quinn
Physio Julieanna Ryan
R&J: Dermot MacDiarmuida & Tommy Lyons