Weldon names final 12-person squad for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers

Ireland senior women’s head coach James Weldon has selected his final squad of 12 players for this week’s FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers.

Connecticut born Maura Fitzpatrick, who plays with WBBL side Gloucester City Queens, is in line for her international debut, as is Trinity Meteors player Sarah Kenny. Kenny has previously been capped at underage level and trained with the senior international squad prior to the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries.

Kenny is one of two Trinity Meteors players named in the squad, along with Dayna Finn. DCU Mercy also have two representatives in the final 12, Hannah Thornton and Rachel Huijsdens, as do Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics - Sorcha Tiernan and Áine O’Connor. Edel Thornton and Gráinne Dwyer are named as co-captains.

 Sarah Kenny and Edel Thornton at Ireland training

Head coach James Weldon said: “Our final team selection, we feel, gives us that balance of continuity and experience needed as we face into this round of the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers.

“We look forward to the support of the home crowd as we undertake this challenging journey at the elite level of European basketball competition. It’s a chapter that the players and management are excited is being undertaken. We are all determined to continue moving this process along, while recognising that it may take time to adjust to this level, but we all are resolute that we will continue to give it our all”, Weldon added.

Ireland’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers begin on Thursday, when the team faces the Netherlands in Amsterdam. They return to the National Basketball Arena on Sunday to play Czech Republic.

Tickets for Ireland’s game with the Czech Republic can be purchased here.

Ireland senior women's squad:

First name	Surname	D.O.B.	Age	Height	Club	Position
Anna	Kelly	18-06-1997	24	168cm	Spirou Ladies Charleroi	Point Guard
Aine	O’Connor	28-11-1991	29	185cm	Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics	Forward
Claire	Melia	07-12-1999	21	190cm	The Address UCC Glanmire	Centre
Dayna	Finn	02-09-2000	21	175cm	Trinity Meteors	Shooting Guard
Edel	Thornton	27-11-1996	24	170cm	Singleton SuperValu Brunell	Point Guard
Gráinne	Dwyer	19-12-1984	36	178cm	Fr. Mathews	Forward
Hannah	Thornton	29-07-1991	29	175cm	DCU Mercy	Centre
Maura	Fitzpatrick	27-02-1997	24	178cm	Gloucester City Queens	Small Forward
Michelle	Clarke	03-09-1994	27	176cm	Killester	Small Forward
Rachel	Huijsdens	23-06-1999	22	193cm	DCU Mercy	Forward
Sorcha	Tiernan	18-09-1999	22	174cm	Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics	Shooting Guard
Sarah	Kenny	24-01-1997	24	182cm	Trinity Meteors	Forward