The Ulster Under 18 girls will travel to Cork this weekend (22nd and 23rd November), in an attempt to lift the 2008 ESB Interprovincial title.

The girls lost who out to Leinster last year will be led by experienced coach Alison McNeil and will be hoping to bring the trophy back to Ulster.

The 16-man squad is sponsored by Bank of Ireland and includes girls from schools across Northern Ireland, including, five Royal School Armagh girls, two Belfast Royal Academy, Lurgan and Carrickfergus Grammar and one from Friends, Grosvenor, Ballyclare, Victoria and Coleraine.

McNeil said, "This year's squad is a relatively young side with only five players back from last year Sammy Jo Greer, Claire Warnock, Jenna Watt, Ruth Millar and Sarah McClure. There are three new caps, Julie Allison, Jenna McQueen and Nicola Monaghan with Joanne Orr stepping up from Under 16's."

"Training commenced in the summer in preparation for the UK School Games in Bath, where the team won the silver medal which was a fantastic result for an Ulster squad."

"After a few weeks rest preparation began for the interpros. Like any interpro tournament winning it will be tough. Leinster and Connaught both have strong squads and are currently joint favourites to win the tournament. "

The girls will kick off the tournament with an opening match against Munster on Saturday morning, they then play Connacht, while on Sunday they face South East and Leinster.

Helen McConnell
UWHU

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