Coleraine’s Kia McCartney named in Ireland’s T20 World Cup squad

COLERAINE cricketer Kia McCartney has been called up to the Ireland Under-19s Women’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025.
Kia will travel to Malaysia in the new year with the 15-player squad, alongside local teammate Jennifer Jackson from Limavady.
Both players have already experienced playing in the inaugural event in January 2023 in South Africa, reaching the Super Six stages before being knocked out. The eventual champions were India.
The Irish squad will travel to Dubai for a preparation camp on January 3 where they will play friendly fixtures against UAE and Scotland, before arriving in Malaysia on January 11.
They will play two official warm-up matches against South Africa U19s and Malaysia U19s women prior to the T20 World Cup.
The 16 teams will be divided across four groups in the opening stage of the tournament which bats off on 18 January.
A total of 41 matches will be played within 16 days.
Ireland will be looking to put in some good performances against group opponents USA, Pakistan and England, runners-up in 2023.
Ireland kick off the tournament on January 18 against England, playing USA on January 20 and Pakistan on January 22.
Talking to The Chronicle about her call-up to the U19 team, Kia said: “I’m delighted to be selected for the tournament in Malaysia, it’s very exciting to play against some of the top teams and players in the world, and showcase what Ireland can do.
“I’m proud to represent Coleraine Cricket Club and hopefully inspire more girls to play cricket, with the opportunities that can come along representing your country!”
The Ireland Under-19s Women’s squad: Amy Hunter (Instonians/Malahide) captain, Abbi Harrison (Waringstown), Jennifer Jackson (Eglinton), Niamh MacNulty (Merrion) vice-captain, Aimee Maguire (The Hills), Lara McBride (The Hills), Kia McCartney (Coleraine), Ellie McGee (Rush), Julie McNally (Clontarf), Lucy Neely (Fox Lodge), Freya Sargent (Clontarf) vice-captain, Millie Spence (Bready), Annabel Squires (Merrion), Alice Tector (Phoenix), Alice Walsh (Clontarf).