Hook Hockey

Quinn back in women’s international frame

Stephanie Quinn (pictured) is in line for an Irish comeback after over four years on the international sidelines following her inclusion in Denis Pritchard’s panel for the Celtic Cup.

It comes in the wake of two excellent seasons as the midfield powerhouse for Pegasus as she can potentially build on the four caps she has, the last of which came in February 2008.

Along with Shirley McCay’s return to the main panel, it bolsters the midfield options for Pritchard with both players moving up from the Ireland A selection.

They come into the panel in place of Niamh Small and Hannah Bowe while Sinead McCarthy also steps out as Ireland named a 17-player roster.

Railway Union Grace O’Flanagan and Zara Delany could taste their first senior action as they have been drafted in for a friendly fixture against Scotland at Lisnagarvey on June 28 at 6.30pm.

A day later, the Celtic Cup proper begins with Ireland meeting tournament favourites Scotland, though they are likely to be without top stars Laura Bartlett and Emily Maguire.

Scotland play Wales on the Saturday before the Irish showdown with the Welsh on Sunday, July 1.

Commenting on his selection, Pritchard said: “We will use the Celtic Cup to give a couple of players international experience, similar to our approach to the recent Investec Cup. We will endeavour to retain the lessons learned from that event and advance the elements in which we fell short.”

The Irish men have yet to name their panel for the competition but will meet South Africa, Scotland and Wales on the weekend while there will also be Irish U-18 and U-16 girls challenge games against the Scots.

Ireland women’s panel (Celtic Cup, June 29 – July 1)
Emma Gray (GK, Hermes, 51), Pamela Smithwick (GK Old Alex,16), Audrey O’Flynn (Hermes, 66), Niamh Atcheler (UCD, 17), Michelle Harvey (Pegasus, 90), Stephanie Quinn (Pegasus, 4), Cliodhna Sargent (Cork Harlequins, 118), Nikki Symmons (Loreto, 178), Chloe Watkins (Hermes, 48) Alex Speers (Railway Union, 124), Emma Clarke (St Albans, 129), Shirley McCay (Old Alex, 140), Aine Connery (Hermes, 57),Nicci Daly (Loreto, 42), Nikki Evans (Railway Union, 30), Miriam Crowley (Hermes, 41), Anna O’Flanagan (UCD, 19)

Match Schedule (all at Comber Road)
Thursday, June 28: Ireland v Scotland, 6.30pm, friendly

Women’s Celtic Cup Schedule
Friday, June 29: Ireland v Scotland, 7pm
Saturday, June 30: Wales v Scotland, 1pm
Sunday, July 1: Ireland v Wales, 12pm