Two players are in line for their senior international debuts, as Ireland head coach James Weldon names a 17-strong extended senior women’s squad for their upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifier with The Netherlands.
18-year-old Waterford Wildcats star Sarah Hickey and 21 year-old Ciara Bracken of Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics are the fresh faces. Hickey earned her call up following a strong performance in this summer’s FIBA U18 European Championship, during which she averaged 18 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2 assists, helping Ireland to a 9th place finish in the ‘B’ Division.
Kiltimagh’s Dayna Finn has also been included in the Ireland squad.
Extended Ireland Senior Women’s squad vs Netherlands:
Aine O Connor (Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics)
Bridget Herlihy (Mark Basket Marbo Kinna, Sweden)
Ciara Bracken (Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics)
Claire Melia (Trinity Meteors)
Dayna Finn (Trinity Meteors)
Edel Thornton (Singleton SuperValu Brunell) (Captain)
Hannah Thornton (DCU Mercy)
Kara McCleane (University of Galway Mystics)
Kate Hickey (Waterford Wildcats)
Maeve Phelan (DCU Mercy)
Mia Furlong (The Address UCC Glanmire)
Michelle Clarke (Killester)
Orla O’Reilly (Sunbury Jets, Australia)
Rachel Huijsdens (DCU Mercy)
Sarah Kenny (Trinity Meteors)
Sarah Hickey (Waterford Wildcats)
Sorcha Tiernan (Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics)