Ireland U16 women's head coach selects squad of 30 for 2024/25 campaign

Ireland U16 Women's head coach Paul O'Brien has selected an inital squad of 30 players, as he begins preparations for the 2024/25 international season, culminating with FIBA Youth EuroBasket next summer. 

Only one player, Limerick Celtics' Madelyn Hartigan has previous experience of playing at international level. Hartigan was part of O'Brien's U16 squad that finished 10th at FIBA Youth EuroBasket earlier this year. Hartigan appeared in six games during the tournament, averaging 1.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game at center. 

Paul O'Brien (back right) with the Ireland U16 squad at the conclusion of FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2024. 

11 counties are represented in total - with players hailing from Limerick, Kilkenny, Dublin, Westmeath, Clare, Kildare, Antrim, Kerry, Laois, Cork and Monaghan all making the grade. Killester and Limerick Celtics are the best represented club with four players, followed by four other clubs - Dublin Lions, Éanna BC, Liffey Celtics and Meteors BC with two players apiece. 

Speaking about his initial announcement, head coach Paul O’Brien said:

“I am really happy to announce our first squad in preparation for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2025.  It was a tough squad to pick as the level of talent that came to the trials was incredible, but we feel we have done a good job in selecting players who can play the style that we want to play and grow as a team over the next few months.  I am really excited to see the development of this group and think this could be a really exciting group for the future.”