The Ireland Women’s U20 National Lacrosse Team has just wrapped up an extraordinary journey at the World Championships in Hong Kong, held from August 15th to 24th. Their performance has not only captivated fans but has also marked a historic moment for Irish lacrosse, as the team secured a spot among the top 10 in the world—a significant leap from their 19th place finish in 2019. Here’s a look back at their inspiring run through the tournament.
A Dramatic Start: Upsetting Japan
Ireland kicked off their campaign with a nail-biting clash against Japan, a team that would eventually secure third place in the tournament. In a match that went down to the wire, Ireland pulled off a stunning upset with a 12-11 victory, thanks to a last-minute goal. Stella Quilty was outstanding in goal, while Brigid Welch stole the spotlight as MVP with an impressive two goals and two assists. This win set the tone for Ireland’s spirited performance throughout the tournament. This game also saw the announcement of our four captain’s for team Ireland; Abigail Nolan, Camilla Griffin, Stella Quilty and Orla Howlett.
Dominating the Hosts: Victory Over Hong Kong
Next up was a matchup against the host nation, Hong Kong. Ireland dominated the game, cruising to a 20-5 victory with contributions from seven different goal scorers. Notable goals came from Lizzie Troup, Bridget Valentine, and Ava Connaughton, who was deservedly awarded MVP. The team celebrated this victory with a special friends and family night at Delaney’s Irish Pub, where they were joined by the General Consul for Ireland in Hong Kong, creating a memorable evening that reinforced the strong sense of community within the team.
Cruising Past Jamaica
Ireland continued their winning streak with a commanding 21-2 win over Jamaica. This match saw standout performances from Amy Bolton, Kendra Harris, and Alice Claisse. Orla Howlett earned MVP honors for her exceptional draw controls, further highlighting Ireland’s depth and versatility on the field. After the game the team enjoyed dancing and celebrations with players from team Jamaica!
A Close Contest Against England
The group stage concluded with a highly anticipated match against England, where the stakes were high. With Japan having defeated England earlier, three teams in the pool were evenly matched. Ireland needed to either win or lose by less than five goals to advance to the quarter-finals. Despite a valiant effort and big goals from Kendra Harris and Ava Connaughton, England pulled away in the second quarter, ultimately defeating Ireland 13-8. This loss meant Ireland would compete in the 9th through 12th place bracket.
Gritty Win Against Mexico
Ireland faced Mexico in their first match in the placement bracket, and it turned out to be an intense battle. The team was heavily penalized, with seven yellow cards and the loss of Bridget Valentine due to fouls, which meant she would miss the final game of the tournament. Despite these setbacks, Ireland staged a dramatic comeback from a seven-goal deficit, tying the game with just two minutes remaining. The winning goal came from an incredible Kendra Harris assist to Ava Connaughton with just three seconds left, securing a 14-13 victory. Bridget Valentine’s outstanding performance earned her the MVP award.
A Tough Battle for 9th Place Against China
In the final match for 9th place, Ireland faced a strong Chinese side. Despite a valiant effort and keeping the game within two goals for most of the match, China eventually pulled ahead to win 16-11. The game featured excellent saves from Naoise Howley and strong performances from Abigail Nolan and Kate Loughney. Although Ireland didn’t secure the victory, their 10th place finish marks a historic achievement, representing the largest jump in rankings in the tournament.
Off the Field: Bonding and Exploring Hong Kong
Beyond the matches, the team had the opportunity to explore Hong Kong, enjoying local cuisine, shopping at the Night Market, and visiting heritage sites. The Nike outlet store became a team favorite, along with the popular Din Tai Fung for soup dumplings and the familiar comforts of the Cheesecake Factory. These experiences helped the team bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Irish Lacrosse
Under the interim leadership of head coach Meghan Smith, the Ireland Women’s U20 team has shown tremendous promise. The team’s historic finish in Hong Kong is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they look ahead, there will be a focus on the Sixes style of play—the Olympic version of lacrosse—and developing the player pool with opportunities in North America and Europe. The future is bright for Irish lacrosse, and this team has laid a strong foundation for continued success on the world stage.
The Ireland Women’s U20 National Team’s journey in Hong Kong was more than just a tournament; it was a story of resilience, community, and historic achievement. Here’s to the continued rise of Irish lacrosse and a heart felt thank you to all those who made it possible. Without our friends, family, coaches, staff and sponsor Cemalt, none of this would have happened.
#Together As One
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