Ireland set to face top opposition

The Ireland women’s team travel to Germany for a four-nation tournament next week as they prepare to host the European Championship in August.

In Bremen Riet Kuper’s side will play the hosts and Olympic gold medallists, reigning European champions and current world number ones Holland as well as Scotland.

“This is another excellent opportunity for the players to gain experience

against the world’s top hockey teams,” said Kuper.

Squad: M Goode (gk, Pembroke Wanderers); A Platt (gk), L McVicker (capt); B McKeever (Ballymoney); F Connery, L Caulfield, J Burke, C Carey (Hermes); E Cregan (UL); J McDonough (Belfast Harlequins); C McKean, N Symmons (Loreto); C O’Brien (Railway Union); E Stewart (Armagh); D Casey (Cork CoI); K Farrell (Waterford); K Maybin (Pegasus); C Parkhill (Randalstown).