Ireland's women's hockey team will compete in the forthcoming World Cup without their distinguished goalkeeper, Ayeisha McFerran, who has been ruled out due to injury. McFerran was previously named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup, where Ireland secured silver medals.
Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 20-player squad for the tournament in Wavre, Belgium. In McFerran's absence, Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem have been selected, potentially offering them their first opportunity to represent Ireland in goal at a major hockey event.
The Ireland women's team, ranked 12th globally, will make their third consecutive World Cup appearance. They are drawn in Pool C and are set to open their campaign against Spain on 16 August, followed by matches against New Zealand two days later and Belgium on 20 August. A top-two finish in their pool would advance them to Pool E for a chance at the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Ireland men's coach Mark Tumilty has also named a 20-strong squad for their first World Cup appearance since 2018. The men's team, ranked 10th, are in Pool C and will play Australia on 16 August, then South Africa and Spain on 18 and 20 August respectively.