Ireland U16 WNT head coach selects initial squad of 32 for 2025/26 season

Ireland U16 women's head coach Paul O'Brien believes his latest squad brings a strong blend of "basketball IQ and athleticism", as he announced a squad of 32 to begin preparations for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2026. 

Four players return from the roster which recently competed at this summer's tournament in Turkey. Guard's Sorcha Kelly, Robyn Walsh and Katie Rose Harrison, as well as Killester forward Ayotade Ademokun gained valuable experience of high-level competition, as Ireland secured a 17th place finish by beating North Macedonia in their final game.  

Players from seven counties - Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Kildare, Laois, Limerick and Meath are included, with Dublin Lions and Killester BC the best represented clubs with five players apiece in the squad, followed by Meteors BC with four and Éanna BC and Portlaoise Panthers, who have three selected.

Speaking about his squad, O'Brien said: "I’m really happy to announce our first squad for next summer’s Youth Eurobasket competition.  The level of talent that came to the two trials was extraordinary and it was a really tough selection process.  I feel we have a good blend of basketball IQ and athleticism within this group and the potential is huge but we need to really get to work to try and be at the level of the other countries we are going to be competing with.”