Ireland has officially named its national squad for the 2026 European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship, marking a significant step in the team’s preparations for the tournament scheduled to take place at Farnham Park in London from 14–18 July. After securing a fourth-place finish in 2024, the Irish side is targeting a return to the podium for the first time since 2019, drawing on a roster that blends seasoned international veterans with players who have recently competed at the highest levels of the sport.
The management team, led by head coach Peter Mullen and manager Aideen Teo, has selected a squad that reflects the depth of the domestic softball scene in Ireland. The coaching staff is rounded out by Jonathan Barry, Dermot McManus, Eoin O’Connor, and Serena Costelloe. According to the team announcement, captain Norma McIntyre will lead the squad, while pitching duties are set to be shared by a trio of experienced players: Simon Lewis, Wayne Cullen, and Brian Hehir.
Squad Composition and Club Representation
The selection process highlights a broad geographical and club-based reach, with players drawn from across Dublin, Galway, and international leagues. The Dublin Donkeys club holds the highest representation in the squad, contributing five players: Katie Doyle, Merilin Neiland, Pearse Newman, Simon Lewis, and Wayne Cullen. Other key contributors include BatPak Softball Club, which provides captain Norma McIntyre and Jenny Ó Buachalla, and the Dodder Dynamoes, represented by Kerry Keegan and Niall Lavery.
The west of Ireland is represented by Mary Carroll-Smith and Cathal Creaven of the Galway Softball Club. The squad also features players from a variety of other organizations, including Hazel Kilduff (Castleknock), Katie Flynn (Kegs), Chris Barr (Cubs), Brodie Alexander (Tigers), and James Calow (BSC). Ruth Concannon, currently playing for Linz Softball Club in Austria, provides an important international perspective to the lineup.
Tournament Fixtures and Medal Ambitions
Ireland’s campaign begins on Tuesday, 14 July, with an opening match against Norway, followed by a game against Czechia. The schedule intensifies throughout the week, with matches against Guernsey and Germany on Wednesday, followed by Lithuania and Austria on Thursday. The final day of the round-robin stage on Friday, 17 July, is expected to be decisive, featuring games against Belgium, Poland, and a high-stakes encounter with defending champions Great Britain.
The team’s recent history in the competition suggests a strong competitive position. Since the tournament's inception in 1998, Ireland has accumulated 10 European medals, including three silver and seven bronze. Several members of the squad, including Cathal Creaven, recently participated in the Men’s European Slowpitch Championship, providing them with critical experience in the high-intensity environment required for a nine-game, four-day tournament format.
Cross-Sport Connections
The tournament also highlights the intersection of different sporting disciplines in Ireland, particularly with the Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club. Three players associated with the club will be present at the championship: Cathal Creaven and Hazel Kilduff, who are competing for Ireland, and Katie Jessop, who is representing Great Britain. As the team prepares for the opening pitch in London, the primary objective remains securing a podium finish, with the squad looking to build upon their recent momentum and tactical depth.
