Egner finalises junior interpro squad

Cork Harlequins supply the backbone of an 18-strong squad as Munster return to the junior ladies interprovincials following a year’s absence. An apparent lack of player interest prevented Munster from defending their title in Enniscorthy last year, but that has seemingly been remedied this time around, with coach David Egner overseeing a couple of trials in recent weeks. The absence of a single player from Waterford or Catholic Institute – first and third in Division Two respectively – suggests not all clubs have come around to the junior interpro concept, though the former’s players may link up with the South East team. But Egner nonetheless has a solid panel at his disposal. The side is skippered by Quins’ Francesca Doonan, who has seven club-mates under her leadership in the form of Deirdre Daly, Dale Burkley, Kate Herbert, Eleanor Flood, Clair Bergin, Erica Breen and team manager Kay Gaffney. C of I’s prolific goal-getter Cathy Walsh leads the line up front for a side vice-captained by UL’s Laura Davis, while Irish Challenge semi-finalists Clonmel get further reward for a great season with the inclusion of pacy duo Meave Murphy and Barbara Ryan. Belvedere are represented by Maria Twomey and goalkeeper Debbi Cashman, who will vie for the number one jersey with UCC skipper Caroline Levis. Sean Nicholson joins Egner and Gaffney as the side’s assistant coach as they venture to Jordanstown in Belfast for the tournament on April 17-19. Munster junior women’s squad: Debbi Cashman (GK, Belvedere), Caroline Levis (GK, UCC) Deirdre Daly, Dale Burkley, Francesca Doonan (captain), Kate Herbert, Eleanor Flood, Clair Bergin, Erica Breen, Kay Gaffney (Cork Harlequins), Laura Davis (UL, vice-captain), Maria Twomey (Belvedere), Barbara Ryan, Meave Murphy (Clonmel), Laura McSweeney, Kate Humphries, Edel Coyne, Cathy Walsh (Cork C of I) Coach: David Egner Assistant coach: Sean Nicholson Manager: Kay Gaffney