Tyler Toland, who will attend the trials
Nine Donegal girls have been selected for trials for the U15 Schools’ Irish Development Squad. Amy Boyle Carr, Tyler Toland, Clare Friel, Catherine Grier and Neve Scanlon from Donegal schools have been selected. Megan Havlin, Kerri Brown, Mary T Doherty and Kate McClenaghan from the Inishowen league have also been called up for trials.
The girls were selected after they impressed while playing for Ulster at the Gaynor Cup in the summer and in the recent U15 Interprovincial Tournament at the AUL Complex, Dublin. Ulster played Leinster in their first game and were beaten 4-3 when a second half penalty put Leinster ahead. Amy Boyle Carr, Megan Halvin and Kerrie Brown got their names on the score sheet during that game.
In their second game, Ulster defeated Munster 3-1 with Amy Boyle Carr getting a brace and Megan Halvin getting her second of the tournament. In their final game, Ulster suffered a 3-1 defeat to Connacht.
The girls selected will now go to trials this weekend, November 21 and December 5th and hope to make the final squad. There have been 30 girls selected but this will be cut to 17 for the Bob Docherty Tournament which takes place April next year, in Wales.
Although the results in the competition did not go Ulster’s way, the squad of 17 had nine players selected to take part in the trails.
“We had nine girls selected for trials which I think is great. Each of these girls had a fantastic tournament and deserve the chance to show what they’ve got on an international stage. Hopefully some will make it through the trials and earn a place on the squad for the tournament next year. I am very proud of every single one of them though from 1 to 17 whether they got trials or not.” Said Ulster management team member Emma Duffy.
The tournament was watched by the Schools U15’s Irish development squad management team who were selecting players for the trials. Maureen O’ Donnell, Deele College teacher is part of the management team who selected the girls for the trials.
“The tournament went very well apart from the weather. It’s was very wet on the Sunday for the finals. There were two games each day so it was a tiring competition for the four teams involved but the players really enjoy the weekend away. The girls are selected for trials mostly from their performance in not only this competition but also the Gaynor cup that is on earlier in the year.” said O’Donnell.
At such a young age, this is a great opportunity for these Donegal girls to gain experience and showcase their talents and maybe play at an International standard.
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