24 strong extended squad selected for Ireland U18 WNT programme

Ireland U18 WNT head coach Ian Lynch has acknowledged the high standard of player coming through the Basketball Ireland international pathway in naming his extended squad of 24 for the 2025/26 season, his first in charge. 

It includes six players - Aoibheann Donnelly, Naomi Farrington, Francesca Kyamagero, Abbie Lyons, Maebh Purtill and Muireann Teahan - who played in this season's competition, picking up wins against North Macedonia and Denmark. A further six make the move up from U16 level, where Ian worked as an assistant coach under Paul O'Brien last year. Julie O'Connor, Jean Ahern, Laura Buckley, Amy Elliot, Shekinah Djoussa and Madelyn Hartigan will all be aiming to translate a strong showing last season into a new level for 2026.

The pool of players comes from seven counties - Antrim, Cork, Dublin, Limerick Kerry, Kilkenny and Wicklow - with Brunell BC, Templeogue BC, Dublin Raiders, Ongar Chasers, Limerick Celtics, Kilkenny Stars, Belfast Star, Tralee Magic, Killester BC, Tolka Rovers, Meteors, St. Mary's Castleisland and Glanmire BC all represented.

Speaking following his squad announcement, head coach Ian Lynch said:

“I’m delighted to announce our panel of 24 players selected to begin preparations for next summer’s FIBA U18 Women's Youth EuroBasket. This group represents some of the best young talent in the country, and each athlete has earned their spot through hard work, commitment, and performance.

I also want to acknowledge the many players who were part of this process but didn’t make the squad. These decisions are never easy, and the standard across the board was incredibly high. We thank them for their dedication and encourage them to stay motivated — the door is never closed.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to begin building toward a strong and competitive campaign next summer. This is an important step in our journey, and we’re confident this group will represent our programme with pride“

Ireland Squad: 

Jean Ahern (Brunell BC), Katie Behan (Templeogue BC), Éabha Booth (Templeogue BC), Laura Buckely (Limerick Celtics), Laura Byrne (Templeogue BC), Grace Colfer (Dublin Raiders), Shekinah Djoussa (Ongar Chasers), Aoibheann Donnelly (Belfast Star), Amy Elliot (Killester BC), Naomi Farrington (Tolka Rovers), Laura Gocek (Limerick Celtics), Madelyn Hartigan (Limerick Celtics), Francesca Kyamagero (Brunell BC), Abbie Lyons (Brunell BC), Amy McCarthy (Meteors), Grace Miley (Templeogue BC), Julie O’Connor (St. Marys Castleisland), Aimee O’Reilly (Kilkenny Stars), Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics), Kaitlyn Summers (Meteors), Muireann Teahan (Tralee Magic BC), Caoimhe Timmons (Kilkenny Stars), Udochukwu Uzor (Tolka Rovers), Lucy Walsh (Glanmire BC).