Ireland Girls’ Sevens Squad for Underage European Championships Announced

Squad includes Ballina sisters Mairead and Kayleigh Hopkins

The Irish Rugby Football Union today announce the Girls’ Sevens squad to take part in the FIRA underage European Championships in Sweden from 12th – 15th September.

The 12 strong squad includes seven girls from the Irish U18s team which were Bowl winners in the recent UK School Games in Manchester.

The addition of Erin Caughey and Mairead Hopkins, who participated in the 2013 UK school games, along with three new members, Kayleigh Hopkins (Mairead’s older sister), Kathryn Dane and Fiona Tuite complete the squad.

The team is coached by Stan McDowell and captained by Jayne Pennefather.

Announcing the team, Stan McDowell, said “We were delighted with the squad’s approach and work-ethic at the recent UK School Games and pleased to welcome back two members from last year’s squad and three new girls as we look to the European Championships in Sweden.”

“The experience the girls gain in these international tournaments is vital for their long-term development and for the continued development of the women’s game, so we are determined to use these opportunities to continue the learning of this young squad.”

IRELAND GIRLS’ U20 SEVENS (FIRA Underage European Championships Sweden):

Chloe Blackmore (Carrick on Suir/Munster)
Erin Caughey (Malone/Ulster)
Meabh Donohoe (Tullow /Leinster)
Stacey Flood (Railway Union /Leinster)
Kathryn Dane (Enniskillen/Ulster)
Jessica Hunt (Wicklow/Leinster)
Shannen Lane (Cavan/Ulster)
Mairead Hopkins (Ballina/Connacht)
Meabh O’Brien (Naas/Leinster)
Kayleigh Hopkins (Ballina/Connacht)
Jayne Pennefather (Carrigaline /Munster)
Fiona Tuite (Railway Union/Leinster)