Longford soccer star Michaela Hand selected for Ireland U-16s against Scotland

Michaela, who began her soccer career with Stonepark FC and now plays with Athlone Town, captained the Longford Schoolboys League U-14 Kennedy Cup team in Limerick in June of this year

The Ireland Women’s Under-16s will visit Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre, for the Friendly games against Scotland.   

Michaela featured for the Republic of Ireland in a recent friendly against England in St. George's Park in October and the U-16 squad will now close out the year in Edinburgh.

 There are first call-ups for Peamount United defender Keelin Comiskey and US-born forward Caelan Bacon, while Heather Loomes is included after recently becoming Galway United's youngest ever player in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division.

It has been a strong year for the Girls in Green at this level, but Elmes' group are just three games in together and there is still a lot of room for improvement; which is why these games against Scotland have been arranged.

Ireland Women's Under-16 Squad

Goalkeepers: Jenna Willoughby (Shelbourne), Laura Fanning (Shamrock Rovers)

Defenders: Abigail Bradshaw (Peamount United), Aibhlinn Cotter (Treaty United), Camille Adams (Charlton Athletic), Kate Jones (Treaty United), Keelin Comiskey (Peamount United), Michaela Hand (Athlone Town), Sophia Leonard (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Aoife Sheridan (Shelbourne), Finley Newell (Lonestar, USA), Heather Loomes (Galway United), Lauren Bowe (Reading), Madison McGuane (Pike Rovers), Sarah McCaffrey (Dundalk)

Forwards: Anna Butler (DLR Waves), Katie Ray (Shelbourne), Ella Kelly (DLR Waves), Leah McGrath (Wexford Youths), Caelan Bacon (New York Soccer Club, USA)

International Friendlies

Tuesday, November 14 | Scotland WU16 v Ireland WU16, Oriam, Edinburgh, KO 14:30

Thursday, November 16 | Scotland WU16 v Ireland WU16, Oriam, Edinburgh, KO 14:30