Loughrey sisters named in Ireland U-19 squad for Euros

Jodie and Keri Loughrey could become the first sisters to represent the Republic of Ireland at a major tournament after the Donegal pair were included in the squad for the 2024 Women's Under-19 European Championships in Lithuania later this month.

Ireland will face Spain, Germany and Netherlands in Group B, with their opening game taking place against defending champions Spain on Monday, 15 July.

Head coach Dave Connell masterminded victories over Iceland, Austria and Croatia to top Group A2 in Round 2 of qualifying.

Eighteen players in the squad have already featured in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this season, while Katie Keane, Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy and Ellen Dolan have previously trained with the Ireland WNT.

"We are looking forward to the challenge of testing ourselves against the best teams in the world at this level," Connell said. "This is what tournament football is all about.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for the players to grasp this opportunity and we are ready to do our country proud.

"The team spirit that we have built throughout qualifying can be a strength for us and we will be fully prepared going into each game."

The tournament will be played in Jonava, Kaunas and Marijampole, with the semi-finals taking place on Wednesday, 24 July ahead of the final on Saturday, 27 July.

Ireland Under-19 squad:

Goalkeepers: Katie Keane (Athlone Town), Jayne Merren (Wexford)

Defenders: Meabh Russell (Wexford), Aoife Turner (MVLA Soccer), Kate Thompson, Eve Dossen (Galway United), Aoife Kelly (Shamrock Rovers), Mary Phillips (Athlone Town)

Midfielders: Hannah Healy (Shelbourne), Sophie Morrin (University of Texas), Jess Fitzgerald, Freya Healy (Peamount United), Jodie Loughrey, Keri Loughrey (Sligo