Ireland unveil squad for 2026 European Mixed Slo-Pitch Championship

Ireland have revealed their squad for the European Mixed Slow Pitch Championship 2026with the national team ready to compete at Farnham Park, LondonSince July 14-18. The Irish squad features a strong mix of experienced internationals and players coming into the tournament with recent high-profile competition behind them. After finishing fourth in 2024, Ireland will travel with the realistic hope of returning to the European podium for the first time since 2019.Several members of the team also recently competed in the European Men’s Slo-Pitch Championship, which should leave Ireland stronger than many of their rivals when the tournament gets underway.

Ireland’s proud European record

Ireland is traditionally one of the strongest nations in European slow-pitch mixed softball. Since the competition began in 1998, Ireland has won 10 European medalscomposed of three silver and seven bronze.

• Money: 2002, 2004 and 2008
• Bronze: 1998, 2000, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015 and 2019

Ireland finished fifth in 2022 before returning to medal contention with a fourth place in 2024. This recent record suggests another podium challenge is within reach.

Ireland management team

The team will be led by Aideen Ltdwith Peter Mullen as head coach.Jonathan Barry And Dermot McManus are part of the coaching team, while Eoin O’Connor And Serena Costelloe complement the behind-the-scenes staff.Norma McIntyre will captain Ireland, while the bowling duties are expected to be shared by Simon Lewis, Wayne Cullen And Brian Hehir.

Ireland Team

All-Ireland clubs represented

The team reflects the strength and breadth of the Irish national slow-pitch scene, with players selected from clubs in Dublin, Galway and further afield.Donkeys of Dublin have the largest representation with five players: Katie Doyle, Merilin Neiland, Pearse Newman, Simon Lewis and Wayne Cullen.BatPak contributing captains Norma McIntyre and Jenny Ó Buachalla, while Dodder Dynamos are represented by Kerry Keegan and Niall Lavery.Galway Softball Club providing Mary Carroll-Smith and Cathal Creaven, giving the West of Ireland a strong presence in the team. Elsewhere, Hazel Kilduff represents Castleknock, Katie Flynn comes from Kegs, Brian Hehir from Chromies, Brodie Alexander from the Tigers, Chris Barr from the Cubs and James Calow from BSC. Ruth Concannon is the team’s overseas-based player and currently represents the Linz Softball Club in Austria. The number of clubs represented is a positive sign for Irish softball, showing that the national team relies on a broad and competitive player base rather than relying on one or two dominant clubs.

Ireland’s calendar

Tuesday July 14

• 08:45 – Ireland vs Norway
• 3:00 p.m. – Ireland vs Czechia

Wednesday July 15

• 10:45 a.m. – Ireland v Guernsey
• 2:45 p.m. – Ireland vs Germany

Thursday July 16

• 09:00 – Ireland vs. Lithuania
• 3:00 p.m. – Ireland vs Austria

Friday July 17

• 09:00 – Ireland vs Belgium
• 3:00 p.m. – Ireland vs Poland
• 6:45 p.m. – Ireland vs Great Britain

Friday could decide the Irish championship

Friday promises to be the most important day of the Irish tournament from a progression point of view. Ireland begin the day against Belgium before taking on Poland later in the afternoon. These are two games they expect to win if they want to stay firmly in the medal race. The final round robin match against defending champions Great Britain at 6:45 p.m. could then become extremely important. At this point Ireland should know exactly what is required. Depending on results earlier in the week, they could be playing for a place in the European final, a place in the bronze medal match or a vital place heading into the final day of the tournament. This makes the two matches on the previous Friday absolutely essential. Ireland cannot afford to make a mistake against Belgium or Poland if they are to arrive at the match against Great Britain with their medal hopes intact.

Germany and Czechia are also crucial

Although Friday will attract much of the attention, Ireland’s matches against Czechia and Germany could have a major impact on the standings. Germany beat Ireland in the 2024 bronze medal match, making Wednesday afternoon’s encounter one of the most important fixtures of the week. A victory there would not only boost Ireland’s medal chances but also provide major psychological support against one of their closest rivals. The opening encounter against Czechia will provide another early test and should provide a clear indication of Ireland’s place among the main contenders.

Seasoned players

One of Ireland’s biggest advantages might be the amount of recent international softball already played by team members. Several players, including Cathal Creaven, took part in the recent European Men’s Slow Pitch Championship. This experience should allow them to play with precision and comfort with the intensity of tournament softball, especially during a demanding schedule that includes nine games in four days.

Hazel Kilduff chasing another medal

This will be Hazel Kilduff’s fourth European Mixed Slow Pitch Championship.

• 2019: Bronze medal
• 2022: Fifth place
• 2024: Fourth place

Having already experienced the podium in 2019 and narrowly missing out on it two years ago, Kilduff is hoping Ireland can take the final step towards the medals in London.

Can Ireland return to the podium?

Great Britain remain the team to beat, but the battle behind them is much more open. Ireland have the experience, pitching depth and recent international preparation to mount a significant challenge. If they can win the games they are expected to win and achieve a major result against Germany, Czechia or Great Britain, a return to the podium is a realistic goal. The team has been selected. The lights are fixed. Ireland now have the opportunity to turn another competitive European campaign into a medal-winning campaign.

Connection Rapparées

Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club has a unique connection to the tournament, with three of its player rounders involved in two countries.Cathal Creaven And Hazel Kilduff were selected for Ireland, while Katie Jessop will represent Great Britain. With Great Britain as reigning champions and tournament favorites, Jessop has a strong chance of returning home with a European gold medal, while Creaven and Kilduff hope to help Ireland get back on the podium.

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