Four Donegal girls have once again been named in the Republic of Ireland senior women’s squad for a training camp in Cork.
Midfielders Amy Boyle Carr, Tyler Toland and Roma McLaughlin, and forward Amber Barrett are all included in the 24-player squad, named today by head coach Colin Bell.
The nine-day camp at Fota Island Resort begins on Monday as Ireland prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovakia and Netherlands in early April.
There will also be an open training session at Turner’s Cross on Saturday, March 3 at 13:30, as part of a WNT Family Fun Day. There will be a number of activities, such as face-painting and children can sign a special ‘Good Luck’ message board for the team, while players will pose for photos and sign autographs.
Regarding Bell’s squad, defender Claire Walsh, midfielder Karen Duggan and forward Aine O’Gorman have recovered from injuries to be included, while Megan Connolly returns after spending time focusing on her studies at Florida State University.
Bell said: “We’re really looking forward to the Fota Island camp as it’ll be a great opportunity to get some crucial work done ahead of April’s qualifiers.
“Unfortunately, Harriet Scott suffered a collarbone fracture during a recent game with Reading, which is a major blow to us and we wish her the best in her recovery. We welcome Aine O’Gorman, Claire Walsh and Karen Duggan back from injury and I’m delighted to have Megan Connolly available for selection again.
“We’ve got ourselves in a great position in the group but we need to continue to build on that good start to the campaign by continuing to improve in everything we do. It will be an intensive training camp, purely focused on preparing to face Slovakia and the Netherlands in Tallaght Stadium in April.
“We’re also looking forward to our open training session at Turner’s Cross. It’s really important for the players to meet our supporters and continue to drive the interest in Women’s football in Ireland. We’ve got lots of supporters in Cork and it will be great to meet them at our open training session.”
Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team squad
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City Women), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies)
Defenders: Claire Walsh (Peamount United), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Eabha O’Mahony (Lakewood)
Midfielders: Karen Duggan (Peamount United), Tyler Toland (Maiden City), Denise O’Sullivan (NC Courage), Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Amy Boyle Carr (Sion Swifts)
Attackers: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Leanne Kiernan, Isibeal Atkinson (Shelbourne Ladies), Claire O’Riordan (Wexford Youths), Heather Payne, Amber Barrett, Aine O’Gorman (Peamount United), Zara Foley (Lakewood), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic)
