Celtic Cup squads begin to be announced
THREE of the four nations competing at the upcoming Celtic Cup have announced their squads for the series over the last few days.
Northern Ireland has arguably the biggest names of the three announced squads so far, with Netball Super League stalwarts Michelle Magee, Emma Magee and Niamh Cooper all included.
Northern Ireland coach Shenoah Forbes spoke about the excitement her side has about opposing the competing countries for the first time in a few years.
“We are looking forward to travelling to Glasgow to play in the inaugural Celtic Cup, to compete against our home nation counterparts, as well as the Zimbabwe Gems,” Forbes said.
“Having not played against Wales or Scotland since the World Cup Qualifiers in 2022, we are excited to get the opportunity to show our growth and relight the home nation rivalry.
“The opportunity to play international netball against a variety of styles including the Zimbabwe Gems is key in our aim to compete in pinnacle events on the world stage.”
Scotland was the most of the recent announcements, coming overnight, but will cut three players from it before the Cup commences.
Emily Nicholl is the most capped member of the squad, and will line up alongside fellow veterans Niamh McCall and Kelly Boyle. Six members of the squad are in line to make their debuts in the series.
Speaking about the squad announcement, Thistles coach Kath Tetley says she is happy with the “great group” of players who made the cut after a “really tough selection process”.
“During the Celtic Cup we may see some new players don the Thistle and we’re looking forward to seeing them take any opportunity when called upon with two hands and plenty of Scottish pride,” Tetley said.
“The squad has fresh faces, lots of exciting talent and I think that they are going to play a brand of netball that the netball fans and our Thistle family are going to love – fierce, fast and heaps of heart.”
Wales also has plenty of key stars in this squad, with Bethan Dyke, Leah Middleton and Phillipa Yarranton all in the squad.
The 2024 Celtic Cup will take place in Glasgow from November 7 to 10.
2024 Celtic Cup Squads
Northern Ireland: Ana Mulholland, Ciara Crosbie, Emma Magee, Evelyn McCagherty, Fionnuala Toner, Frances Keenan, Georgie McGrath, Lauren Walshe, Maria McCann, Michelle Magee, Niamh Cooper, Orla McGeough, Orlaith Rogers, Rosa McCloskey
Scotland: Emma Barrie, Erin Bolland, Kelly Boyle, Iona Christian, Charlotte Dunkley, Anna Fairclough, Cerys Finn, Zara Flett, Hannah Grant, Hannah Leighton, Emma Love, Niamh McCall, Alice McGeachey, Emily Nicholl, Evie Watts
Wales: Vicky Booth, Bethan Dyke, Celyn Emanuel, Lucy Howells, Alex Johnson, Nansi Kuti, Zoe Matthewman, Leah Middleton, Caris Morgan, Ellen Morgan, Megan Pilkington, Georgia Rowe, Poppy Tydeman, Phillipa Yarranton
* – Zimbabwe still to be named
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