The Irish Hockey Association today announced the squad for the Central Preparation Programme (CPP). The programme is designed to prepare Irelands Senior international hockey players for the 2011 EuroHockey Nations Championship where they will also seek qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The 24 athletes selected for the squad are:
Niamh Atcheler (UCD); Emma Clarke (Leicester); Bridget Cleland (Ballymoney); Lizzie Colvin (Holland- Club TBA); Miriam Crowley (UCC); Eimear Cregan (Catholic Institute); Nicci Daly (Loreto); Nicola Evans (Railway Union); Emma Gray (Hermes); Michelle Harvey (Pegasus); Lisa Jacob (Hermes); Sinead McCarthy (Hermes); Shirley McCay (Old Alex); Jean McDonnell (Railway Union); Anna O’ Flanagan (Hermes); Audrey O’Flynn (Hermes); Julia O’Halloran (Railway Union); Cliodhna Sargent (Cork Harlequins); Niamh Small (Loreto); Emma Smyth (Railway Union); Alex Speers (Railway Union); Nikki Symmons (Loreto); Pam Smithwick (Old Alex) Chloe Watkins (UCD)
The CPP will enable the team to train together on a regular basis in one location. The players are committing to a core, intensive preparation programme for 10 months from this coming October. Additional athletes may be invited into the programme by Coach Gene Muller as he will continue to monitor both club and interprovincial matches throughout the year.
