Irish team manager Susan Ronan has announced her squad to participate in the 2nd qualifying phase of the Women's under 19 UEFA Championships in Spain. The squad shows four changes from the squad that qualified from the first phase in Macedonia last October.
Kacey O'Driscoll, who has made such an impact in GAA circles for Kerry comes into the squad having already made her senior debut against Sweden. The inclusion of Carol Breen means that once again a representative of Benfica LFC in Waterford is given the opportunity to earn international honours. Carol Gunner, a young and promising goalkeeper from Evergreen FC, is included for the first time. Karen Lilly from Kiltimagh/Knock earns her chance following some fine displays in defence at club and college level.
Progress from this stage would mean participation in the Championship Finals in Finland in July. Although an Irish team has yet to reach the final stage, the experience of playing Denmark and Spain at the same stage in last year's competition, has allowed the technical staff to better prepare the squad for next weeks challenge.
Strength in depth is a notable feature of the Irish squad on this occasion with several players boasting in excess of 30 international underage appearances. In addition to O'Driscoll, the squad also includes Marie Curtin and Katie Taylor who both have earned caps at senior level.
The squad will depart for Spain on Sunday 18th April.
The match schedule is:
20/4/04 Rep of Ireland v Spain in Lucena (Kick off 19.30)
22/4/04 Slovakia v Rep of Ireland in Montilla (Kick off 18.00)
24/4/04 Rep of Ireland v Denmark in Montilla (Kick off 12.00)
The squad is:
Carol Breen (Benfica)
Susan Byrne (St James Gate)
Ciara Crinion (Peamount Utd)
Marie Curtin (Lifford)
Susan Donovan (Ballincollig)
Niamh Fahey (Salthill-Devon)
Carol Gunner (Evergreen)
Sara Lawlor (Peamount Utd)
Karen Lilly (Kiltimagh/Knock)
Edel Malone (Lifford)
Selena Moylan (Lifford)
Eilis Nevin (Kiltimagh/Knock)
Kacey O'Driscoll (Kerry)
Janine Pepper (Dundalk City)
Kariena Richards (Midleton)
Jackie Shiels (Eureka United)
Katie Taylor (St James Gate)
Aisling Toolan (Peamount Utd)
Player on standby:
Sandra Mulhall (Templeogue Utd)
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
