Ireland U16 girls lose first Euro Championship game

The Irish U-16 girls lost out to Israel in their opening European Championship game at the ESB arena in Tallaght on a 71-55 scoreline.

The Irish team, coached by John O' Connor and Dommie Mullins, trailed by just two points at the end of the first quarter with a long basket from Irish Point Guard Lorraine Dolan putting her team right back into contention.

But the Israelis combined accuracy from the free throw line with incisiveness under the Irish basket to open up a considerable gap as the Irish found themselves continually pegged back.

At half time, the Israelis led 17-28 but the hosts tightened up their game considerably after that to come within six points of their opponents with 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

A fine Israeli three pointer, Pharaoh Orate, however heralded another succession of scores from the visitors.