Ireland U18 Women's squad announced for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2025

Ireland U18 Women's head coach Tommy O'Mahony has confirmed his squad of 12 players that will compete in FIBA U18 Women's Youth EuroBasket 2025, which takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania from July 4th to July 20th. Clubs from Antrim, Dublin, Cork, Kerry, Kildare Kilkenny and Limerick are represented. 

Two players return from the squad that secured a top 10 finish a year ago. Kira Lynch (Meteors BC) and Faye McDonnell (Kilkenny Stars) both featured in all seven games during that run, combining for 10 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game respectively. Six more make the step up from the Ireland U16 programme. Aoibheann Donnelly (Belfast Star), Abbie Lyons (Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell BC), Muireann Teehan (Tralee Magic), Francesca Kyamagero (Cobh BC), Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics) and Naomi Farrington (Moy Tolka Rovers) all featured for Paul O'Brien's squad at this level in 2024. 

All 12 of the roster are currently playing their basketball in Ireland. Sophie Staunton (Oblate Dynamos) is one of a large contingent bringing experience of Domino's Women's Division One basketball to the roster, while Stephaine Nnabuihe (Meteors BC) is the only previously uncapped player selected. Her club mate Helena Keane (Meteors BC) is a former captain at U16 level and is fresh from wining the BIDL Women's Final at the National Basketball Arena just two weeks ago and Ciara Brogan (Liffey Celtics) is another former Ireland U16 player who makes O'Mahony's roster. 

Speaking after the announcement of his squad, Ireland head coach Tommy O’Mahony said: “After much deliberation we are delighted to announce a very talented final 12 . With only a few preparation weeks left we are eager to really up our preparation in time for the Euros in Lithuania . We have a lot of work to do in order to be up to the physical nature of the competition but are looking forward to the journey ahead”.

Ireland have been drawn in Group A alongside Germany, North Macedonia, Romania and Sweden. 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: 

Group A: Ireland, Germany, North Macedonia, Romania, Sweden.

Fixtures:

Ireland v Romania, Saturday, July 5th, TBC

Germany v Ireland, Sunday, July 6th, TBC

Ireland v Sweden, Tuesday, July 8th, TBC

North Macedonia v Ireland, Wednesday, July 9th, TBC 

Ireland squad:

Helena Keane, Kira Lynch, Stephaine Nnabuihe (Meteors BC), Abbie Lyons (Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell), Aoibheann Donnelly (Belfast Star), Ciara Brogan (FloMAX Liffey Celtics), Faye McDonnell (Kilkenny Stars), Naomi Farrington (Moy Tolka Rovers), Muireann Teahan (Tralee Magic), Meabh Purtill (Limerick Celtics), Francesca Kyamagero (Cobh BC), Sophie Staunton (Oblate Dynamos).