Larne Grammar trio ready to answer Ireland’s call

Ruth Maguire and Alex Ogilby have been selected for the Under-18s, while goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran has again been named as part of the panel.

It’s a big achievement for Ogilby, Year 13, who has been called up to the Irish U18 squad for the first time. Only recently she broke into the Ulster U18 Squad.

“After the recent inter-provincial games a group of girls were selected to come and train as part of a large Ireland group,” explained Alex. “This group has been slowly whittled down to the current squad of 18. I am extremely excited to be called up for the first time.”

Joining Alex in the squad is Maguire, Year 14, who has already represented Ireland U18 at last summer’s EuroHockey tournament. The girls will be involved in a series of games against Scotland in Dublin.

Following on from her senior debut earlier this year, McFerran is hoping to win her second cap in the series against India and in the ‘Champions Challenge’ where they face USA, South Africa and Spain in the group stages.

Mrs Knox, coach of the 1st XI, said: “I have asked around the staff and nobody can remember the school having three international hockey players selected at the same time. We all wish the girls every success for the forthcoming matches.”