Under 18 Girls Win Plate At European Sevens

The Ireland Under-18 Girls squad came away from last weekend’s inaugural FIRA/AER Under-18 European Sevens Championship as Plate winners (fifth place overall).

Led by Carrigaline's Jayne Pennefather, the side won four of their six games in Enkoping, Sweden.

Commenting on the girls' achievements, Ireland team manager Shannon Reid said: "We ended up winning the Plate without conceding a point on the second day. Spirits were high after the emphatic wins on Sunday and the girls left Sweden knowing that they can most definitely compete at international level.

"Winning four out of six matches in our first ever international competition is a brilliant result and the tournament gave the girls valuable experience which can only benefit their future development in the game."

The Irish squad was coached by Stan McDowell and included seven girls from the Ireland Under-18 side who were Bowl winners at the recent UK School Games in Manchester.

For a full recap of Ireland's European campaign in Sweden, please visit the following links which include match reports, videos and photos:

Day 1 – Pool Stages

Day 2 – Play-Offs (Plate Semi-Final/Final)

FIRA/AER U-18 European Sevens Championship – Results/Tables

IRELAND UNDER-18 GIRLS SEVENS Squad (2014 FIRA/AER U-18 European Sevens Championship, Enkoping, Sweden, September 12-15):

Chloe Blackmore (Carrick-on-Suir/Munster)
Erin Caughey (Malone/Ulster)
Meabh Donohoe (Tullow/Leinster)
Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster)
Kathryn Dane (Enniskillen/Ulster)
Jessica Hunt (Wicklow/Leinster)
Shannen Lane (Cavan/Ulster)
Mairead Hopkins (Ballina/Connacht)
Meabh O'Brien (Naas/Leinster)
Kayleigh Hopkins (Ballina/Connacht)
Jayne Pennefather (Carrigaline/Munster) (Capt)
Fiona Tuite (Railway Union/Leinster)

RESULTS:

Pool B –

Ireland 19 (3 tries) Portugal 7
Ireland 31 (5 tries) Sweden 5
England 43 Ireland 0
Ireland 5 (1 try) Wales 12

Plate Semi-Final: Italy 0 Ireland 36 (6 tries)

Plate Final: Portugal 0 Ireland 31 (5 tries)