The Leinster Under-19 Girls will embark on a historic first ever tour of England when they take part in the Colwall Cricket Festival in late August. The high profile competition will see Ireland playing against sides of the quality of Middlesex, Surrey, Wales, Warwickshire, Dorset and Gloucestershire.
Coach Nigel Pyne explained the main focus of the decision to tour: "This is the first time we have sent a Leinster U19 Girls team on a tour, and that in itself is a reflection of the growing commitment both Cricket Ireland and the LCU are placing on girls' and Women's cricket.
"Our participation in the competition has two main aims. Primarily to provide opportunities for players who are not yet established at International level, and secondly to give players that are currently involved internationally the chance to develop themselves in key roles within a squad environment."
Captain, Shauna Kavanagh added: "I'm really delighted to be asked to captain the team on this trip. It's an excellent opportunity for me to be involved with a great group of players. Everyone in the squad really wants to push for a senior team place and I'm certain we will all be determined to prove ourselves against good opponents.
"I've not captained on a tour before, and I'm a bit nervous, but really looking forward to the challenge too."
Colwall Cricket Festival - Girls U19 Cup (Malvern College, Worcestshire)
Date: August 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th
Teams: Leinster, Wales, Warwickshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Middlesex, Surrey
The squad in full is as follows:
Laura Boylan
Jane Butterly
Claire Carthy
Niamh Conway
Pia Diepman
Julie van der Flier
Kim Garth
Jenny Gray
Shauna Kavanagh (Captain)
Keara Pyne
Alison Smith
Elena Tice
Hannah De Burgh Whyte
Coach: Nigel Pyne
Manager: Amy Kenealy