Darren Smith names Ireland squad for women’s World Hockey League

Coach Darren Smith has named his squad for next month's World Hockey League II in Dublin, the first phase of the qualification process for next year's Olympic Games.

There is still one spot in the squad to be confirmed as Ali Meeke's progress in her recovery from a broken hand is monitored, the Loreto player due to return to action later this month, with Cork Harlequins' Yvonne O'Byrne included as an alternative.

Once again, UCD have the highest representation in the panel, Gillian Pinder, Chloe Watkins, Anna O’Flanagan, Katie Mullan and Nikki Evans all named, with Megan Frazer of Ulster Elks the captain. Ireland’s pool opponents next month will be Ukraine, Canada and Turkey, with Belarus, Chile, Austria and Lithuania making up the other group.

IRELAND SQUAD: G Pinder, C Watkins, A O'Flanagan, K Mullan, N Evans (all UCD), N Daly, H Matthews, L Colvin (all Loreto), M Frazer (capt), S McCay (both Ulster Elks), K Dillon, E Smyth (both Railway Union), A Connery, E Gray (both Hermes), N Carroll (Catholic Institute), A McFerran (Pegasus), C Sargent (Cork Harlequins); A Meeke (Loreto) or Y O'Byrne (Cork Harlequins).