Mayo native makes final 12-person squad for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 qualifiers

Ireland senior women’s head coach, James Weldon, has selected his final squad of 12 players for this week’s FIBA EuroBasket 2023 qualifiers.

The squad features Kiltimagh native Dayna Finn, who now plays club basketball for Trinity Meteors.

Her club-mate Sarah Kenny is in line for her international debut, meanwhile, having previously been capped at underage level and trained with the senior international squad prior to the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries.

Another squad newcomer is Connecticut-born Maura Fitzpatrick, who plays with WBBL side Gloucester City Queens.

As well as Trinity Meteors, DCU Mercy also have two representatives in the final 12, Hannah Thornton and Rachel Huijsdens, as do Leixlip Amenities Liffey Celtics, Sorcha Tiernan and Áine O’Connor.

The other squad members are Anna Kelly (Spirou Ladies Charleroi), Claire Melia (The Address UCC Glanmire), Edel Thornton (Singleton SuperValu Brunell), Gráinne Dwyer (Fr. Mathews) and Michelle Clarke (Killester).

Head coach James Weldon said: “Our final team selection, we feel, gives us that balance of continuity and experience needed as we face into this round of the FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers.

“We look forward to the support of the home crowd as we undertake this challenging journey at the elite level of European basketball competition. It’s a chapter that the players and management are excited is being undertaken.

“We are all determined to continue moving this process along. While recognising that it may take time to adjust to this level, we all are resolute that we will continue to give it our all.”

Ireland’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers begin on Thursday (November 11), when the team faces the Netherlands in Amsterdam. They return to the National Basketball Arena on Sunday (November 14) to play Czech Republic, a game that will be broadcast live on TG4. Tickets for Ireland’s game with the Czech Republic can be purchased here.