Ireland announce training squad

Ireland have announced a 20-player winter training squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan in November.

Captain Heather Whelan will continue to lead a squad which includes her sister Jill. It's a bit of a family affair: their brother Roger plays for men's senior squad, while Ed Joyce's sisters also play for Ireland. Isobel and Cecelia Joyce are in prolific form with the bat; once in sync they're a hard act to follow.

The opener Caitriona Beggs has recently moved to New Zealand and will train with Northern Districts in the build-up to the qualifiers. Marianne Herbert has had a good season with the ball and will be looking to book her seat in the final travelling 14.

Miriam Grealey is in her second term as national women's coach and hopes to bring her squad to World Cup qualification ahead of the 2009 tournament in Australia. Many of the players have World Cup experience, from the 2005 competition in South Africa, which will stand them in good stead as they face a stiff challenge from Pakistan and South Africa for the two available spots.

The squad will be reduced to 14 players (and management team) on October 2. A month's intensive training - beginning on October 9 then follows before the travelling party will depart for Pakistan on November 9.

Squad Amy Kenealy, Anne Linehan, Caitriona Beggs, Carole McGuire, Cathy Murphy, Cecilia Joyce, Ciara Metcalfe, Clare Shillington, Eimear Richardson, Elaine Nolan, Emma Beamish, Heather Whelan, Isobel Joyce, Jean Carroll, Jill Whelan, Jillian Smythe, Jo Day, Marianne Herbert, Melissa Scott-Hayward, Nicki Coffey.

Management Miriam Grealey (coach), Thinus Fourie, (assistant coach), Sandra Dawson (manager).