Underage internationals Olivia Roycroft and Naomi Carroll are among those named in a 22-strong Munster U18 girls squad for the coming season.
Carroll is widely regarding as one of the most exciting prospect in women’s hockey in the province, having had a stellar year since being discovered through the IHA’s Talent ID programme, which aims to unearth gems from outside traditional hockey strongholds.
The St Patrick’s Comprehensive, Shannon student top-scored for Ireland U 16 at this summer’s EuroHockey Youth Nations Championships in the Hague, before repeating the feat upon her subsequent call-up to the Ireland U18 side in the Four Nations Tournament in Cardiff.
Elsewhere, Roycroft is one of three Bandon Grammar representatives, alongside keeper Holly Moore and Kate Murphy, in a squad that draws on nine schools.
Laurel Hill, who earlier this year denied Mount Mercy a fourth Munster Schoolgirls Senior Cup triumph in five years, contribute three players – keeper Aoife Lehane, Aoife Roisin Burke and Rebecca Barry – from the side that took bronze at last season’s Kate Russell All-Ireland Schoolgirls Championships.
Limerick’s Crescent College boast the strongest representation on the panel, which will comprise a squad of 18 with four reserves, with Jane Hickey, Lorna Barry, Shellie Fives and Roisin Upton also making the cut.
The squad will undertake the majority of their training sessions in Garryduff, giving them a chance to familiarise themselves with their surroundings ahead of the U18 Interpros, which take place at the Cork venue from November 22-23.
Munster U18 Girls Squad 2008/09
Holly Moore (GK), Olivia Roycroft, Kate Murphy (Bandon Grammar), Amy Kate Trevor, Emer Murphy Scoil Mhuire, Laura O’Neill (Scoil Mhuire) Aoife Roisin Burke, Aoife Lehane (GK) Rebecca Barry (Laurel Hill Colaiste), Edwina McGrath, Mary Kate Burke, Rosie Shanahan (Ursulines College Thurles), Jane Hickey, Lorna Barry, Shellie Fives, Roisin Upton (Crescent College) Jennifer Lytle, Ciara Danaher (GK), Katie Campbell (Villiers School), Yvonne O’Byrne (Mount Mercy College), Julie Coyne (Midleton College), Naomi Carroll (St. Patrick’s Comprehensive, Shannon)
