Ireland U18 WNT squad confirmed for 2026/27 season

Ireland head coach Ian Lynch has named an initial squad of 28 for his second season in charge of the U18 WNT programme. 

It includes three players - Jean Aherne (Brunell BC), Madelyn Hartigan and Laura Buckley (both Limerick Celtics) - who played in this season's competition, picking up wins against Estonia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ukraine and Austria. A further nine make the move up from U16 level under head coach Paul O'Brien last year - Ciara Zurawaska, Jessica Bree, Katie Harrison, Siun Kelly, Avie-Leigh McGonigle, Aoife Courtney, Ayotade Ademokun, Sarah Horkan and Sorcha Kelly. 

The pool of players comes from eight counties - Clare, Cork, Dublin, Laois, Limerick Kerry, Kilkenny and Kildare - with Killester BC the most represented club on five players, followed by Limerick Celtics with four and Meteors BC with three. Dublin Lions and Kilkenny Stars are the other clubs with multiple players making the squad.

Speaking following his roster announcement, head coach Ian Lynch said: "Selection for this squad is a significant achievement for each of these players and reflects the hard work and effort they have put in over the years. The talent level across the country is definitely getting better. Im delighted to have the opportunity to work with this group as we prepare for next summer.

There is a lot of work ahead of us, both individually and collectively, but we’re excited about the potential within the group. Our focus now is on developing as a team, building strong standards and ensuring that we are ready to represent Ireland with pride when we take to the court."