Ireland women's head coach Gareth Grundie has named a 23-player squad ahead of their debut in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Dublin.
Back to back silver medals in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, saw Ireland gain promotion to the FIH Hockey Pro League for Season 7, where they will be pitted against the top nations in the world.
The side begin their campaign on home soil when they meet Belgium, who are ranked third in the world and England, who are eighth, in the Sport Ireland Campus, in a series of games that starts on 9 December and will be shown live on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player.
Grundie has kept faith with much of the squad that gained promotion to the top flight.
Goalkeepers Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem maintain their place in the squad, with the former's reputation as one of the world’s top keepers growing with every appearance.
In defence Róisín Upton will once again marshal the back line with fellow Munster native Caoimhe Perdue also named. Alongside them are the ever-present figures of Hannah McLoughlin, Ellen Curran and Sarah McAuley whom are all enjoying great seasons thus far in Europe, with Belfast Harlequins’ Katie Larmour, Loreto’s Lisa Mulcahy and Caitlin Sherin also named.
In midfield, captain Sarah Hawkshaw will lead the side. She will be flanked by Michelle Carey, Charlotte Beggs and Christina Hamill. Mia Jennings is also named in the squad and is expected to make her senior international debut in Dublin, with Jessica McMaster also returning to the squad and set to make her first appearance in a major competition at senior level.
Up front, the ever-present figure of Katie Mullan leads the line as she hopes to reach the exceptional milestone of 250 senior caps should she play in all four matches. Alongside her is young Mikayla Power, Sarah Torrans and Niamh Carey who will all undoubtedly make an impact to Ireland’s attacking efforts.
Ireland: Charlotte Beggs, Niamh Carey, Michelle Carey, Ellen Curran, Aoife Glennon, Niamh Gowing, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw (C), Mia Jennings, Emily Kealy, Katie Larmour, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Jessica McMaster, Holly Micklem, Lisa Mulcahy, Katie Mullan, Elizabeth Murphy, Caoimhe Perdue, Mikayla Power, Caitlin Sherin, Sarah Torrans, Roisin Upton
FIH Hockey Pro League Dublin fixtures (live on the RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player)
Tuesday, 9 December
England vs Belgium, 2pm
Wednesday, 10 December
Ireland vs Belgium, 2pm
Thursday, 11 December
Ireland vs England, 2pm
Friday, 12 December
Belgium vs England, 2pm
Saturday, 13 December
Ireland vs Belgium, 2pm
Sunday, 14 December
Ireland vs England, 2pm
