The SoftCo Series, which will take place in Queen’s University Belfast this weekend with the Irish Women taking on Great Britain, will see a number of changes to the Green Army panel.
The panel will continue to see a mix of internationally experienced players, with several World Cup medallists included, while also incorporating more young and upcoming talent as the Irish Women will use the SoftCo series as vital preparations for Tokyo 2020 continue. The panel is as follows:
| PLAYER | Region | Position | CAPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARR, Beth | Ulster | Defender | 30 |
| CAREY, Michelle | Leinster | Midfielder | Uncapped |
| CAREY, Niamh | Leinster | Striker | Uncapped |
| CARROLL, Naomi | Munster | Striker | 111 |
| COLVIN, Elizabeth | Ulster | Midfielder | 196 |
| DALY, Nicola | Leinster | Midfielder | 189 |
| DUKE, Deirdre | Leinster | Midfielder | 141 |
| EVANS, Nicola | Leinster | Striker | 198 |
| FRAZER, Megan | Ulster | Defender | 136 |
| HAWKSHAW, Sarah | Leinster | Midfielder | 33 |
| MALSEED, Zara | Ulster | Striker | Uncapped |
| MATTHEWS, Hannah | Leinster | Defender | 147 |
| MCAULEY, Sarah | Leinster | Defender | Uncapped |
| McCAY, Shirley | Ulster | Defender | 306 |
| McFERRAN, Ayeisha | Ulster | Goal Keeper | 100 |
| McLOUGHLIN, Hannah | Leinster | Defender | 14 |
| MULLAN, Kathryn (C) | Ulster | Midfielder | 193 |
| MURPHY, Elizabeth | Leinster | Goal Keeper | 13 |
| O’FLANAGAN, Anna | Leinster | Striker | 207 |
| O’FLANAGAN, Grace | Leinster | Goal Keeper | 36 |
| TICE, Elena | Leinster | Defender | 109 |
| TORRANS, Sarah | Leinster | Striker | 26 |
| UPTON, Roisin | Munster | Defender | 76 |
| WATKINS, Chloe | Leinster | Midfielder | 226 |
A notable absence to the squad is Zoe Wilson who picked up an ACL injury in the final game played against Spain earlier this year. She has undergone surgery and her recovery is progressing well. Caoimhe Perdue of Munster will also travel with the panel taking part in training sessions and gaining valuable exposure to senior international level hockey.
“These matches give us the opportunity to test an extended group of players against a world-class team. Niamh Carey performed well as a late replacement on the Spanish tour in January and Sarah McAuley has shown competitiveness and composure in defence in recent inter-squad matches. I look forward to getting back to high-quality international matches with the squad at the weekend.”
Head Coach Sean Dancer commenting on the updated panel
All of the Irish Women’s matches in the SoftCo Series will be available to view via streaming or broadcast. BBC Sport NI will be streaming all three matches on their website as well as the BBC iPlayer, while RTÉ will broadcast Sunday evening’s match live on RTÉ 2 with coverage starting from 16:30. Nigel Ringland will present BBC Sport NI’s coverage of the three matches and will be joined on commentary by former Ireland international Alex Speers; while Evanne Ní Chuillin will present RTÉ’s coverage, joined by Cliodhna Sargent and Gillian Pinder in studio, with match commentary from George Hamilton and Sarah Scott.
Match details and where to watch the Irish Women’s SoftCo series:
Match 1: Saturday March 13th @ 2pm. BBC Sport NI website, BBC iPlayer. RTE Player TBC.
Match 2: Sunday March 14th @ 5pm. BBC Sport NI website, BBC iPlayer, RTE 2
Match 3: Tuesday March 16th @ 3pm. BBC Sport NI website, BBC iPlayer. RTE Player TBC.
