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Róisín Upton and Naomi Carroll named in Irish squad ahead of crucial Olympic Qualifiers

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Róisín Upton has been named as part of the Ireland squad travelling to Spain for Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers along with Limerick-based Naomi Carroll. Pic left: Will Palmer. Pic Right: WorldSportsPics/ Frank Uijlenbroek

Limerick native Róisín Upton and Limerick-based Naomi Carroll named in Ireland squad travelling to Spain for Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers

Limerick native Róisín Upton and Limerick-based Naomi Carroll named in Ireland squad travelling to Spain for Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers
EuroHockey Championship 2023 Ireland line-up. Pic: WorldSportsPics/ Frank Uijlenbroek

Limerick native Róisín Upton and Limerick-based Naomi Carroll have been named as part of the Irish Senior Women’s Hockey squad travelling to Spain this month for the Olympic Qualifiers.   

Ireland Senior Women’s National Team Head Coach Sean Dancer has announced the Women’s squad which will contest the Olympic Qualifiers this January 13 to 21.

The tournament will take place in Valencia, Spain and is the final opportunity for nations to reach the Summer Olympic Hockey Tournament in Paris. Eight nations from all over the world have reached this qualification tournament in Valencia.


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Upton and Carroll are the only two Munster representatives in the squad made up of 11 Leinster players, 5 Ulster players, with Carroll and Upton.

Ranked 13 in the world, the ‘Green Army’ find themselves in a strong Pool A alongside world number 4-ranked Belgium who they play on January 13 at 5.30pm, Ukraine ranked 28 who they play on January 15 at 12 noon, and Korea ranked 12 who they will play on  January 16 at 6:15 p.m.

In Pool B, hosts Spain, World Ranked 8, are in with Great Britain* (*England are World Ranked 7), Canada ranked 16, and Malaysia ranked 18.

With just 3 qualification places available from this tournament it is essential Ireland finish second at least in the pool and preferably win their semi-final to ensure a spot in Paris next summer. 

A place could still be secured by the losing semi-finalists were they to win the 3rd place play-off.

Head Coach Sean Dancer said the group have used the break following the EuroHockey Championships in August “to prepare differently”. 

“Trying to use development opportunities to make specific gains for individuals,” he said, adding, “This has not only provided a change of stimulus, but also helped challenge the group in different ways.

“We have seen an increase in competition for places, which is credit to the group’s progress and individuals’ determination to succeed.”

Hockey Ireland High Performance Director Lisa Jacob said, “There has been steady and consistent preparation over several years for this tournament, significantly supported by Sport Ireland. 

“As a result, the 18 selected players will represent the squad that is now demonstrating high competition for places. Olympic Qualification is an exciting opportunity, and the team are very well prepared to perform when it matters most.”

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