Ireland head coach Sean Dancer has named a 18-woman squad for the upcoming European Hockey Championships in the Netherlands.
The panel features 12 of the 2018 World Cup silver medal-winning side and 13 of the team that won qualification to the Olympic Games in November 2019 in a dramatic shoot-out in Donnybrook Stadium.
Experienced players Ayeisha McFerran, Lizzie Colvin, Nicci Daly, Nikki Evans, Megan Frazer, Hannah Matthews, Shirley McCay, Katie Mullan, Anna O'Flanagan, Lena Tice, Roisin Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Chloe Watkins bring a wealth of talent to the table.
However, Zoe Wilson and Barr twins, Serena and Bethany, have to sit out the summer action through injury.
The tournament will take place at Amstelveen’s Wagener Stadium with Ireland bidding for a first ever semi-final spot.
They will take on world number one side the Netherlands on 5 June in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final; on 7 June, Ireland face Scotland before closing out the group stages on 9 June against Spain.
Rising UCD star Michelle Carey is set to make her formal capped international debut when the Green Army take the field against the Dutch.
It is the first phase of a huge summer that culminates in the Tokyo Olympic Games with the Euros doubling up as a key preparation tournament for the Games while also providing three potential 2022 World Cup tickets.
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the European Hockey Federation has allowed a further two players to join the panel as 'travelling reserves' in addition to the initial panel of 18.
Deirdre Duke will offer cover for midfield and forward lines, while uncapped Muckross player Sarah McAuley waits in the wings defensively.
Ireland women's squad for EuroHockey Championships – 5-13 June, Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands (club/caps)
Ayeisha McFerran (SV Kampong, 100) - goalkeeper
Lizzie Murphy (Loreto, 13) - goalkeeper
Michelle Carey (UCD, 0)
Naomi Carroll (Catholic Institute, 111)
Lizzie Colvin (Belfast Harlequins, 196)
Nicci Daly (Loreto, 189)
Nikki Evans (Old Alex, 198)
Megan Frazer (Belfast Harlequins, 136)
Sarah Hawkshaw (Railway Union, 33)
Hannah Matthews (Loreto, 147)
Shirley McCay (Pegasus, 306)
Hannah McLoughlin (UCD, 14)
Katie Mullan (Ballymoney, 193) - captain
Anna O’Flanagan (Muckross, 207) – vice captain
Lena Tice (Old Alex, 109)
Sarah Torrans (Loreto, 26)
Roisin Upton (Catholic Institute, 76)
Chloe Watkins (Monkstown, 226)
Travelling reserves
Deirdre Duke (Old Alex, 141), Sarah McAuley (Muckross, 0)
Tournament details
EuroHockey Championships 2021
Group A: Netherlands (world ranking 1st), Spain (7th), Ireland (8th), Scotland (22nd)
Group B: Germany (4th), England (5th), Belgium (12th), Italy (17th)
Irish fixture schedule (all times Irish)
5 June: Ireland v Netherlands, 2.30pm
7 June: Ireland v Scotland, 11.30am
9 June: Ireland v Spain, 11.30am
11 June: Semi-finals/relegation pool
12/13 June: Medal matches/relegation pool
