Ireland Under 18 men’s head coach, Paul Kelleher, has today announced a 16-player squad.

"In many ways this is the most difficult of all the selections as the last 16 is essentially the last chance to get the balance of the team right,” Coach Kelleher said. “From here, the dynamic of the selection changes, as sometimes the best chemistry within the 12 comes from here, not just the best players.

“Because of this, it was a very hard decision. Every player was and is more than capable of representing their country and the minute details of the selection process can tip it one way or the other.

“We have played a number of internationals now with this group, and all the players have done really well. From here, we hope to get some more international games before we select the final 12 that will represent Ireland at European Championships in Kosovo in July. For that, we will now engage in extensive and more detailed preparations.”

The squad will train on Sunday, March 4^th, in Dublin with time and venue to be confirmed.

The selected players are:                                                                                                  

Aidan Harris, Lawrence Woodmare Academy, USA          

Cian Heaphy, Colaiste An Phiarsaigh, Neptune BC

Cillian O'Driscoll, Gaelcholaiste Reachrann, Malahide BC

Conor Liston, Belvedere College, Tolka Rovers

Darragh O'Sullivan, Colaiste Choilm, Neptune BC

David Murray, Presentation Brothers, Neptune BC

Eoin McCann, Mount Temple, KUBS BC

Eoin Nelson, Oatlands College, Marian BC

James Connaire, St. Joseph's, The Bish, Moycullen BC

Jay Kavanagh, De La Salle, Waterford Vikings

Matt Harper, Templeogue College, Templeogue BC

Nate Moore, Cresent Comprehensive, Limerick Lions

Oisin Rice, Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore, Dublin Lions

Paul Kelly, St. Mary’s, Moycullen BC

Ronan Cregan, Cresent Comprehensive, Limerick Lions

Sanmi Fajana, Manchester Magic