Gareth Grundie says his Ireland women’s side is “not here just to take part” with a first ever semi-final spot very much the target at the EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach next week.
It will the coach’s second tournament in charge following a silver medal at the FIH Nations Cup in Chile earlier this year, a result which ultimately earned them an invitation to next season’s Pro League.
Grundie took on the role after the Olympics following a spell with Czechia having previously been the Irish assistant coach for the 2018 World Cup silver medal and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Speaking at the announcement, Grundie said: “We’re really excited to get going at the EuroHockey Championships. It’s a fantastic tournament and a great stage for us to test ourselves against the best teams in Europe.”
“There’s a great energy in the group, with a number of new faces getting their first taste of competition at this level. It’s an invaluable opportunity for them to gain experience and make their mark.”
“We’re not here just to take part; we want to challenge the top sides and push hard for a place in the Semi-Finals. The players are ready, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can deliver.”
Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem are selected in nets for Ireland, with Ayeisha McFerran – who will play for Surbiton next season – missing out due to injury though she will be part of the commentary team.
Upton will once again marshall Ireland’s defence along wiith the likes of Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah McAuley and Ellen Curran all named, with Belfast Harlequins’ player Katie Larmour joining Ireland’s backline for just the second time, in place of the absent Lena Neill.
Captain Sarah Hawkshaw will lead Ireland’s midfield, with Katie McKee rejoining the squad having missed out on the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Chile.
Charlotte Beggs – the Wellington player of the season on the club front this season – and Christina Hamill will also play key roles in transitioning Ireland from defence to attack.
Up front, Katie Mullan will lead the line in what is her sixth EuroHockey Championship while Mikayla Power will be at her first Euros.
It follows standout performances in her first senior international tournament earlier this year in the FIH Nations Cup that earned her the Young Player of the Tournament accolade. Sarah Torrans and Niamh Carey will also be among the attacking threats for the Green Army.
In 2023, their fifth place finish equaled their best result on this stage and they completed their preparation on Friday morning with a three-game series against Spain, winning two of the contests.
Gareth Grundie says his Ireland women’s side is “not here just to take part” with a first ever semi-final spot very much the target at the EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach next week.
It will the coach’s second tournament in charge following a silver medal at the FIH Nations Cup in Chile earlier this year, a result which ultimately earned them an invitation to next season’s Pro League.
Grundie took on the role after the Olympics following a spell with Czechia having previously been the Irish assistant coach for the 2018 World Cup silver medal and the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Speaking at the announcement, Grundie said: “We’re really excited to get going at the EuroHockey Championships. It’s a fantastic tournament and a great stage for us to test ourselves against the best teams in Europe.”
“There’s a great energy in the group, with a number of new faces getting their first taste of competition at this level. It’s an invaluable opportunity for them to gain experience and make their mark.”
“We’re not here just to take part; we want to challenge the top sides and push hard for a place in the Semi-Finals. The players are ready, and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can deliver.”
Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem are selected in nets for Ireland, with Ayeisha McFerran – who will play for Surbiton next season – missing out due to injury though she will be part of the commentary team.
Upton will once again marshall Ireland’s defence along wiith the likes of Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah McAuley and Ellen Curran all named, with Belfast Harlequins’ player Katie Larmour joining Ireland’s backline for just the second time, in place of the absent Lena Neill.
Captain Sarah Hawkshaw will lead Ireland’s midfield, with Katie McKee rejoining the squad having missed out on the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Chile.
Charlotte Beggs – the Wellington player of the season on the club front this season – and Christina Hamill will also play key roles in transitioning Ireland from defence to attack.
Up front, Katie Mullan will lead the line in what is her sixth EuroHockey Championship while Mikayla Power will be at her first Euros.
It follows standout performances in her first senior international tournament earlier this year in the FIH Nations Cup that earned her the Young Player of the Tournament accolade. Sarah Torrans and Niamh Carey will also be among the attacking threats for the Green Army.
In 2023, their fifth place finish equaled their best result on this stage and they completed their preparation on Friday morning with a three-game series against Spain, winning two of the contests.
Ireland’s women’s squad
- World ranking: 11
- EuroHockey Championship appearances: 15
- Best finish: 5th (1984, 2005, 2009, 2019, 2023)
Overview:
| # | Name | Caps | Goals | Club |
| 2 | Elizabeth Murphy (GK) | 35 | 0 | Loreto |
| 3 | Sarah McAuley | 44 | 1 | KHC Dragons (BEL) |
| 5 | Michelle Carey | 47 | 2 | Braxgata (BEL) |
| 6 | Róisín Upton | 130 | 45 | Braxgata (BEL) |
| 7 | Niamh Carey | 35 | 9 | Braxgata (BEL) |
| 8 | Sarah Hawkshaw (Capt) | 83 | 16 | Braxgata (BEL) |
| 9 | Katie Mullan | 241 | 85 | Railway Union |
| 10 | Hannah McLoughlin | 63 | 8 | Gantoise (BEL) |
| 11 | Sarah Torrans | 69 | 10 | Waterloo Ducks (BEL) |
| 14 | Ellen Curran | 64 | 4 | Waterloo Ducks (BEL) |
| 15 | Caoimhe Perdue | 31 | 0 | Loreto |
| 16 | Charlotte Beggs | 36 | 0 | Wellington (BEL) |
| 17 | Christina Hamill | 27 | 0 | Loreto |
| 21 | Katie McKee | 25 | 1 | Pegasus |
| 23 | Holly Micklem (GK) | 4 | 0 | Old Alex |
| 28 | Katie Larmour | 1 | 0 | Belfast Harlequins |
| 29 | Mikayla Power | 7 | 2 | UCD |
| 30 | Emily Kealy | 6 | 0 | Loreto |
