Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior Coach Sue Ronan has named her strongest squad for the Algarve Cup, which is being in Portugal between February 29 and March 7 2012.
The tournament, which consists of twelve teams, will mark the nineteenth edition of the Algarve Cup, an invitational women’s football tournament held annually. The Republic of Ireland Women’s Seniors have been drawn in Group C, and will face Hungary on February 29, Wales on March 2nd and Portugal on March 5th.
Speaking at the announcement of the squad, Ronan said, ‘I’m looking forward to getting the squad together for the Algarve Cup at the end of the month. We haven’t been together since our European Qualifying game v Israel in October, so the 4 games we will play in this tournament will be vitally important as we prepare for the next game in the group, which is away to Scotland in April.’
Ronan also praised the new Bus Eireann Women’s National League for nurturing talent for the senior squad. ‘This time of year is always a problem for us in terms of the match-fitness of our players because some are only in pre-season with their clubs. However for a change it’s the opposite at home where our new Bus Eireann Women’s National League is in full-swing and as a result, our home-based players are in tip-top shape! Also the quality of the games these players are now getting on a weekly basis is a big plus and can only benefit the international teams in the coming years. Already it has led to Sara Lawlor, Peamount United FC, being named in the squad for the first time. Sara has played underage football for Ireland, but her outstanding performances in the WNL to date for her club, sees her included for the first time at this level.’
Dora Gorman (Peamount Utd & U19 Captain) and Emma Mullins (Castlebar Celtic) have also been included following their strong performances to date in the league.
From those playing abroad Ruesha Littlejohn (Liverpool Ladies) and Sophie Perry (Chelsea Ladies) get their first call-ups to the squad.
The squad links up on 28th February for travel to the Algarve.
Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior Squad-Algarve Cup
Emma Byrne Arsenal FC
Eve Badana Drexel College
Grace Moloney Reading FC
Yvonne Treacy Arsenal FC
Louise Quinn Peamount United FC
Megan Campbell Raheny United FC
Sophie Perry Chelsea FC
Grace Murray Peamount United FC
Meabh De Burca Amazon Grimstad FK
Niamh Fahey Arsenal FC
Ciara Grant Arsenal FC
Dora Gorman Peamount United FC
Marie Curtin Cork Women’s FC
Julie Ann Russell Doncaster Belles FC
Aine O’Gorman Doncaster Belles FC
Stephanie Roche Peamount United FC
Fiona O’Sullivan Soyaux ASJ
Ruesha Littlejohn Liverpool FC
Denise O’Sullivan Cork Women’s FC
Shannon Smyth Amazon Grimstad FK
Emma Mullin Castlebar Celtic FC
Michele O’Brien Chicago Red Eleven FC
Diane Caldwell Avaldsnes FC
Sara Lawlor Peamount United FC
