Dromore girl Kerri gets Irish call up

The news caps off a fine year for Kerri who, in January 2009, helped the Ulster U16 squad claim the inter-provincial title in Dublin.

Irish coach Richard Malone, when announcing the squad, praised all the girls for coming through the selection process: “I’m delighted with the final squad chosen. It brings to an end a very tough and rigorous selection process where by we have gathered together the cream of Irish talent,” he said.

“Since it’s a non- European year, it affords us an opportunity to look at players in a greater depth. In having a large training squad it means competition across all positions will be high, there by allowing us to create a unique training environment.”

In March 2009 Kerri gained a place in the Ireland U16 squad who played a series of matches v Belgium at Easter and England at the end of June, all in preparation for the Home Nations Tournament in July at Largs in Scotland.

Here the Irish girls took silver after drawing with Scotland 2-2, losing to England 1-0 and beating Wales 2-0.

In September, Kerri also travelled to Cardiff to compete with the Ulster U18s in the UK School Games and just recently played in the U18 Interpros where Ulster took the interprovincial title. Kerri plays for Dromore Ladies Firsts who are currently in Senior One and is the first member of the Dromore club to represent Ireland.

Dromore Ladies Hockey Club firsts have enjoyed a series of league promotions and cup success over the last five years.

The ongoing development which commenced a number of years ago has resulted in a number of their players representing Ulster at Junior, U21, U18 and U16 levels and Dromore won the All-Ireland May Costly Cup in 2008.

The hard work and dedication of the Dromore coaches, Geoff Colligan, Jonny McBride and Ashley Ward and supported by senior players within the club ensures Dromore Ladies will continue to develop young players, as they strive to gain promotion to the Premier League.