Led by Head Coach Sarah Walsh Kotkowski, who returns to the leadership role after the birth of her son, Harrison, in 2018, Coaches Caroline ‘Cacki’ Helmer, and Catherine Conway continue with the Senior Women in an assistant coach capacity.

Coach Hilary Bowen O’Dougherty will not return for this coaching cycle as she is excitedly expecting a son in November 2021. All at Ireland Lacrosse are thrilled for Hilary and her partner Chris at this joyful news, and thank her for all that she has done to-date for the programme, players, coaches and Ireland Lacrosse in general.

In Hilary’s absence, Coach Eileen Ferry, Head Coach of the Women’s U19 programme, will join the Senior programme as an assistant coach. She will remain the Head Coach of the U20 team heading to Euro’s in 2023.

The Ireland Lacrosse Women’s Programme is also excited to provide players a continuous training opportunity via the Elite Development programme. The programme aims to continue to develop players abilities across the board and allow players an opportunity to represent Ireland outside of the National Teams, at Festivals and Tournaments throughout the year. The Elite Development Programme will be led by U19 Assistant Coach Meghan Smith, with assistance from Coach Aisling Casey.

Our goal is to overlap the strategy, training, and bonding between the senior team, U-20 team, and the Elite Programme. Having Eileen join the senior staff for Worlds while still having her be the head coach for the U-20 team allows us to have an even clearer partnership. Meghan is excited for the opportunity to lead the Elite Programme training in lockstep with the senior team. We are grateful for their flexibility and enthusiasm to do whatever they can to help grow Ireland Lacrosse.

I dTeannta a chéile – Together as one.