Ireland U18 WNT squad announced for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2026

Ireland U18 WNT head coach Ian Lynch has confirmed his squad of 12 players that will compete in FIBA U18 Women's Youth EuroBasket 2026, which takes place in Tulcea, Romania from July 31st to August 9th. Clubs from Antrim, Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny are represented. 

Four players return from the squad that finished 14th with a 2-5 record a year ago. Francesa Kyamagero (Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell), Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics) and Aoibheann Donnelly (Cleveland Rockets) featured in all seven games during that run, with Naomi Farrington (Moy Tolka Rovers) checking in during five. A further three make the step up from the Ireland U16 programme. Limerick Celtics pair Laura Buckley and Madelyn Hartigan, as well as Jean Aherne (Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell BC) all featured for Paul O'Brien's squad at this level in 2025. 

11 of the 12 person roster are currently playing their basketball in Ireland. Small forward Maddy Burke from Sacred Heart Academy, USA is the exception. Recently, she had 13 points, five rebounds, two blocks and an assist on the biggest basket of the game in her school's IAC Division I girls basketball quarterfinal in March. Caoimhe Timmons (Kilkenny Star) is among a host of players with experience of Domino's Women's Division One basketball this season, while Katie Behan (Templeogue BC) and Lucy Walsh (Glanmire BC) have both excelled in youth league and cup competitions in recent seasons. 

Speaking following the announcement of his squad, head coach Ian Lynch said: “Representing your country is one of the highest honours in sport. After an incredibly difficult selection process, we are proud to name the players who will wear the jersey at the FIBA U18 Women’s Youth EuroBasket.

We extend our sincere thanks to every athlete who gave everything throughout the process—your effort, commitment, and pride in representing your country did not go unnoticed. These decisions were not easy, and we have the utmost respect for every player involved.”

Ireland have been drawn in Group C alongside Luxembourg, Lithuania, Estonia, Switzerland and Austria. Two teams will advance to the quarter-final stage from each of four groups, with three teams gaining promotion to Division 'A' for the following year. 

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Group C: 

Group C: Luxembourg, Lithuania, Estonia, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria.

Fixtures:

Ireland v Lithuania, Friday, July 31st, TBC

Luxembourg v Ireland, Saturday, August 1st, TBC

Estonia v Ireland, Sunday, August 2nd, TBC

Ireland v Switzerland, Tuesday, August 4th, TBC 

Austria v Ireland, Wednesday, August 5th, TBC 

Ireland squad:

Jean Aherne (Brunell BC), Katie Behan (Templeogue BC), Laura Buckley (Limerick Celtics), Maddy Burke (Sacred Heart Academy, Hamden, Connecticut), Aoibheann Donnelly (Cleveland Rockets/Belfast Star), Naomi Farrington (Tolka Rovers), Madelyn Hartigan (Limerick Celtics), Francesca Kyamagero (Brunell BC), Abbie Lyons (Brunell BC), Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics), Caoimhe Timmons (Kilkenny Stars), Lucy Walsh (Glanmire BC).