Ireland U18 women's head coach names 24-person squad for 2023/24

Ireland U18 women's head coach Tommy O'Mahony has selected a 24-person roster as preparations begin for the 2024 FIBA European Championship in what will be his 8th season in the role.  

O'Mahony led the team to a 6th place finish at the most recent FIBA European Championship and he returns both leading scorers from that excellent campaign, Emma Tolan (10.8pts, 8.7rebs, 3.3ast) and Grace Prenter (11.2pts, 5.3rebs, 2.3ast). Another familiar name making a return is Brunell's Ava Walshe. The Cork guard averaged 18-minutes per game in 2023, shooting 21% from the field in Bulgaria last summer. 

Eight players make the transition from the Basketball Ireland U17 Academy Programme. Freya Blennerhassett (Meteors), Sarah Courtney (Killester BC), Aoibhin Dunphy (Kilkenny Stars), Laura McFarland (East Cavan Eagles), Holly O'Brien (Tralee Magic), Mya Pardy (Liffey Celtics), Shannon Quigley (Portlaoise Panthers) and Aoife Robertson (Meteors). 

“We are delighted to begin another program and can’t wait to get it started," said O'Mahony. "We have a lot of talented players included in the squad and I am sure they are aware there is a lot of work to get down in the next few months. Playing in the FIBA European Championship takes a lot of preparation and the more sessions we get with the players the better. There is a certain level with regards to intensity and attitude that we are looking for from each player and we can’t wait to see how they react to this preparation." he concluded.