Hawkshaw leads, Jennings to make debut as Ireland women's team named for FIH Pro League

Ireland captain Sarah Hawkshaw is getting ready to lead out her country once more at the FIH Pro League. Pic: Rodrigo Jaramillo/World Sport Pics

Sarah Hawkshaw will lead out her national team once more at the FIH Pro League in Dublin, with fresh faces Mia Jennings and Jessica McMaster set to bolster the ranks as Ireland head coach Gareth Grundie named his squad for the upcoming competition today.

It's Ireland's first time participating in the contest and Grundie has selected a squad that is varied and full of quality across the field.

The line-up sees Elizabeth Murphy and Holly Micklem maintain their place in the Irish net, with the former’s reputation as one of the World’s top keepers growing with every appearance.

In front of them Roisin Upton will once again marshal the defence with fellow Munster native Caoimhe Perdue also named. 

Alongside them are the ever-present figures of Hannah McLoughlin, Ellen Curran and Sarah McAuley whom are all enjoying great seasons thus far in Europe, with Belfast Harlequins’ Katie Larmour, Loreto’s Lisa Mulcahy and Caitlin Sherin also named.

In midfield, captain Sarah Hawkshaw will lead the side. She will be flanked by Michelle Carey, Charlotte Beggs and Christina Hamill.

As mentioned, Mia Jennings is also named in the squad and is expected to make her senior international debut in Dublin, with Jessica McMaster also returning to the squad and set to make her first appearance in a major competition at senior level.

Ireland’s Katie Mullan is hoping to reach 250 caps for Ireland. Pic: Rodrigo Jaramillo/World Sport Pics

Up front, the ever-present figure of Katie Mullan leads the line as she hopes to reach the exceptional milestone of 250 senior caps should she play in all four matches. 

Alongside her is young Mikayla Power, Sarah Torrans and Niamh Carey who will all undoubtedly make an impact to Ireland’s attacking efforts.

Speaking after the announcement, head coach Gareth Grundie said: “The group is very excited to get their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign underway. They have put in a lot of hard work to make it to this point, but now we have to show these top sides what we are made of and stake our claim amongst them.

"The prospect of beginning this next phase on home soil is one that we are truly relishing. The response of the hockey community has blown us away, we are very excited to hear their voices on the sideline.” 

Senior Women’s Squad

Ireland: Charlotte Beggs, Niamh Carey, Michelle Carey, Ellen Curran, Aoife Glennon, Niamh Gowing, Christina Hamill Sarah Hawkshaw (captain), Mia Jennings, Emily Kealy, Katie Larmour, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Jessica McMaster, Holly Micklem, Lisa Mulcahy, Katie Mullan, Elizabeth Murphy, Caoimhe Perdue, Mikayla Power, Caitlin Sherin, Sarah Torrans, Roisin Upton. 

FIH Hockey Pro League fixtures 

Wednesday, Dec 10: Ireland vs Belgium @ 2pm 

Thursday, Dec 11: Ireland vs England @ 2pm

Saturday, Dec 13: Ireland vs Belgium @ 2pm 

Sunday, Dec 14: Ireland vs England @ 2pm