Five uncapped players named in women's side

Five uncapped players have been named in the Irish women’s hockey squad to play three Test matches in the USA next month.

Three U21 internationals: Deirdre Casey (Church of Ireland), Nicky McCaughern (Ballymoney) and Kristin Farrell (Waterford), are joined by Pamela Orr (Randalstown) and Orla Ryan (Loreto) in a 20-strong party.

They will travel to San Francisco on January 9 as they continue their preparations for the Olympic qualifier in New Zealand in March.

Ballymoney’s Lynsey McVicker will take over as captain following Rachael Kohler’s retirement.

SQUAD: S Beaney, J McDonough (Belfast Harlequins); E Bromell (Catholic Institute); J Burke, L Caulfield, F Connery (Hermes); D Casey (Church of Ireland); E Cregan (University of Limerick); K Farrell (Waterford); N King (Old Alexandra); K Maybin (Pegasus); N McCaughern, B McKeever, L McVicker, A Platt (Ballymoney); C O’Brien (UCD); J Orbinson (Portadown); P Orr (Randalstown); O Ryan, N Symmons (Loreto).