The first Irish team into action in 2012 is our Junior and Cadet Boys and Girls who are today preparing with a training session in Grantham College for this weekend’s Bribar East Midlands 4 Star Junior Open. Play begins tomorrow and much is expected of this Irish team, many of whom have been preparing at a camp organised by Club Donic in Lucan this week.
The Junior Boys are Declan O’Brien(pictured) and Ryan Farrell. O’Brien will really fancy his chances this weekend – he is seeded number 2 behind England’s Lewis Gray. Farrell has had a really good domestic season to date and will face 10th seed Laurence Gray in the Group stage.
The Cadet Boys are Zac Wilson and Kevin Hutchinson – Hutchinson in particular has been in good form this year and tops the National rankings with wins at the Irish Junior Classification and Ulster Junior Open. Wilson also recorded a tournament victory at the recent Ulster Junior invitational and will look to impress this weekend on international duty. Both players will also play in the Cadet Banded, Junior and Junior banded events, ensuring lots of table time.
The Cadet Girls are Elayna McGlone and Hannah Lynch-Dawson. Hannah has had some excellent results in England this year and is also undefeated domestically with three tournament wins from three this season. She is seeded fourth and will look to progress to the knock-out stages. Elayna McGlone has also been consistent this year across the ranking events and is gaining experience at international level. This tournament is another step in the long-term development of these players.
Sunday afternoon sees Edel O’Reilly and Ashley Givan play the Junior Girls event – both have fine pedigrees at this level and would also have hopes of making the knock-out stage.
Best wished to the entire Irish squad led by NPCs John Murphy and Louise Long. Check back on Monday for an event review. Also best wishes to Katie McGlone who on this occasion is not on the Irish squad, but is top seed in the Under 13 Girls event and will look to bring home some silverwear.
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