Head coach Simon Broughton, who is takes the reigns for the competition on a temporary basis following the recent departure of John OSullivan, has named a familiar looking squad but will fill the two remaining places left open after a final training session this weekend.

Ireland will play three games in the ten-day tournament being held in Amsterdam next month and the squad will be led Leinster prop Fiona Coghlan.

Coghlan steps into the captaincy role in place of Sarahjane Belton who after 60 consecutive caps  26 of those at captain  has been forced to pull out of the squad due to an ongoing back injury.

Belton will be a big loss to the squad especially after she impressed again in the recent Six Nations tournament and Ireland manager Rachel Reid said that she was hopeful that the star fullback would make a full recovery.

Sarahjane has had an impeccable record for the team and her experience and leadership will be sorely missed.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her immense contribution to the team since her debut at the European Championships in May 2000 and wish her a full recovery from injury over the coming months, so that she may return to represent Ireland again in the future.

Ireland fly out to take part in the eight-team competition on May 16 to prepare for their opening game against Spain and they return on May 25

Ireland squad to travel to the FIRA Womens European Championships.

(Two players to be added after this weekend)

Forwards (15)

Caroline Mahon                        UL Bohemians

Debbie Clarke                        Blackrock

Eimear OSullivan                        Highfield

Emer McManamly                        Blackrock

Fiona Coghlan                        UL Bohemians

Germaine Healy                        Blackrock

Gillian Bourke                        UL Bohemians

Jess Limbert                        Cooke

Joy Neville                         UL Bohemians

Kate OLoughlin                        Clonmel

Louise Austin                        Blackrock

Marie Barrett                        Highfield

Orla Brennan                        Blackrock

Sinead Ryan                        Blackrock

A N Other      

 

Backs (11)

Amy Davis                        Cooke

Grace Davitt                      Blackrock

Helen Brosnan                   Highfield

Jeanette Feighery              UL Bohemians

Jo OSullivan                    Richmond

Louise Beamish                 UL Bohemians

Lynne Cantwell                 UL Bohemians

Niamh Briggs                    Clonmel

Shannon Houston              Blackrock

Tania Rosser                     Blackrock

A N Other