Ireland U16 Women's head coach Laura Mullally selects 32 player squad for 2022/23 season

Ireland U16 women’s head coach Laura Mullally is hailing the strong intangibles of the players who attended talent identification sessions, as she names a 32-person squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Just one player, Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics’ Ciara Brogan returns from the Ireland U16 team who competed at this summer’s FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship in Montenegro, where Ireland finished in 15^th place.

The squad features five players who will also be eligible at this level in the 2023/24 season, giving Brunell’s Abbie Lyons, Kilkenny Star’s Kaitlyn Summers, Francesca Kyamagero and Lucy Walsh of Cobh BC and Lena Zydek from Athlone BC a chance to gather experience and progress to lead the following cycle.

Players pause to take guidence from head coach Laura Mullally. 

Head coach Laura Mullally says the size of the squad, which is larger than originally anticipated, is an example of the fantastic talent which was on show during the talent identification phase:

"The talent, enthusiasm and effort that was on display went above and beyond our expectations - women's basketball in Ireland is truly on the rise. We chose a group of women who are obviously skilled but that we also feel bring important intangibles - versatility, athleticism, competitiveness and excellent basketball IQ. We selected more players than originally planned, this is a testament to all the young ladies who attended our trials, it was a highly competitive environment. We are very excited for the potential growth of this group both as basketball players and women," Mullally added.  

 Ireland players being put through their paces at the recent Talent Identification session.