Irish women face Chinese Taipei in Turkey

The Irish Womens University team competing in the World Students Games in Izmir, Turkey completed their preparations for Wednesdays opening game against Group favourites Chinese Taipei with a 1-1 draw against South Africa in 30 degrees.

Playing a specially arranged game of 3x 25 minute periods the Irish women took full advantage of the training spin by ensuring all of their 20 strong squad played some part in the game.

A Laura Hislop strike in the second period gave Ireland the lead, which they held until the last minute of the game when South Africa equalised from the penalty spot after the ball struck Julie Kirwan on the arm.

Irish boss Noel King expressed himself satisfied with the work-out. The game served its purpose with everyone getting a run. Its difficult playing in these temperatures but we came through it well. With no serious injuries we can look forward with confidence to the challenge China Tapei pose us.

With two teams progressing out of Group A, which includes the hosts Turkey and New Zealand, Ireland are targetting a place in the knock-out phase of the competition and are hoping to make history and win a first ever medal for Irish Womens soccer at the games.

Kick off against Chinese Taipai is tomorrow Wednesday at 6.30 local time (4.30pm Irish time).

Squad

Cooke Catherine Coll of Comm Cork
Curtin Marie Hofstra University
Dunne Emma NUIM
Gallagher Marie Lindsey Wilson University, Kentucky, USA
Griffin Emma Waterford Institiute of Technology
Henchy Louise University of Limerick
Hislop Laura Franklin Pierce College, New Hampshire
Hughes Sonya Franklin Pierce College, New Hampshire
Jenkins Rachel Dublin Institute of Technology
Kirwan Julie Slippery Rock University, PA
Mallett Vicky Queens University, Belfast
Malone Edel Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
Moran Alisha Harvard University, USA
Mullin Emma IT Sligo
O'Connor Elaine Hofstra University
O'Driscoll Kacey University of Limerick
Pepper Janine Colaiste Ide
Sweeney Mazarello IT Sligo
Toolan Aisling Trinity College, Dublin
Carey Maureen Purdue University, Indiana, USA