The Ireland Women's Under-19s have finalised their squad for the 2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championships in Lithuania.
Drawn into Group B, Ireland will come up against Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, with their opening game taking place against the holders, Spain, on Monday, July 15th.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals, where Ireland finished in the 2014 edition (where they lost to eventual winners the Netherlands) after beating Spain, England, and Sweden.
Head Coach Dave Connell has been able to select a strong squad that qualified for the tournament after topping Group A2 in Round 2 of qualifying following victories over Iceland, Austria and Croatia.
Eighteen players in the squad have already featured in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this season, while Katie Keane, Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy and Ellen Dolan have previously trained with the Ireland WNT.
The Squad heading to the 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championships this July! 🤩
🇪🇸 v 🇮🇪 | July 15th
🇮🇪 v 🇩🇪 | July 18th
🇮🇪 v 🇳🇱 | July 21st#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/U4YwV0jEcn— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 1, 2024
Donegal sisters Jodie and Keri Loughrey could become the first female siblings to represent Ireland at a major tournament.
"We are looking forward to the challenge of testing ourselves against the best teams in the world at this level. This is what tournament football is all about," said Connell.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for the players to grasp this opportunity and we are ready to do our country proud. The team spirit that we have built throughout qualifying can be a strength for us and we will be fully prepared going into each game."
Head Coach Connell is one of three staff members who were involved the last time that the WU19s competed in the European Championships, with Goalkeeping Coach Pat Behan and Equipment Officer Barbara Bermingham also still part of the set-up.
The tournament will be played in three cities: Jonava, Kaunas and Marijampole, with the semi-finals taking place on Wednesday, July 24th, ahead of the final on Saturday, July 27th.
Ireland WU19 Squad
Goalkeepers: Katie Keane (Athlone Town), Jayne Merren (Wexford)
Defenders: Meabh Russell (Wexford), Aoife Turner (MVLA Soccer), Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen (Galway United), Aoife Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Mary Phillips (Athlone Town)
Midfielders: Hannah Healy (Shelbourne), Sophie Morrin (University of Texas), Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy (Peamount United), Jodie Loughrey, and Keri Loughrey (Sligo Rovers)
Forwards: Joy Ralph, Lia O'Leary (Shamrock Rovers), Ceola Bergin (Wexford), Ellen Dolan (Peamount United), Rola Olusola (Galway United), and Hazel Donegan (Athlone Town)
2024 UEFA Women's Under-19 European Championships Group B
Monday, July 15th | Spain vs. Ireland, Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje, KO 12:00
Thursday, July 18th: Ireland vs. Germany, Jonava City Stadium, KO 12:00
Sunday, July 21st | Ireland vs. Netherlands, Futbolo Stadionas Marijampolėje, KO 12:00
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