~ Caroline O’Hanlon, Niamh Cooper and Fionnuala Toner will represent Northern Ireland for the fourth successive Commonwealth Games after being named in their nation’s 12-strong netball team for Glasgow 2026.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.05.2026) :: The trio were each part of the history-making line-up at Glasgow 2014, where Northern Ireland made s Commonwealth Games debut in the sport.
O’Hanlon has gone on to make 131 international appearances and after being chosen as the Flag Bearer for Gold Coast 2018, she went on to skipper the side at Birmingham 2022.
Versatile defender Michelle Magee, who will make her third Commonwealth Games appearance this summer, has been chosen to lead the side at Glasgow 2026. As in Birmingham 2022, she will be joined in the team by older sister Emma Magee.
The line-up is boosted by the return of goal shooter Lisa Bowman, who has come out of retirement in the hope of leading her nation to a best-ever placement at the multi-sport event.
To date, that was the seventh-place finish achieved in Scotland 12 years ago, which is an event Cooper remembers fondly.
“I was here at the 2014 Games so to have the opportunity to come back here was something I was really excited about, because there’s always a fantastic buzz around the place,” Cooper tells Glasgow 2026.
“Glasgow is a city really close to my heart because I’ve had quite a few major competitions here and the crowd always seems to crowd in for the netball which creates an incredible atmosphere.
“Obviously most are there to support the Thistles (Scotland), but with us being Home Nations and it being so close to home, hopefully we can have lots of family and friends over and support us too and cheer on the (Northern Ireland) Warriors.”
Head coach Sheonah Forbes has also named Birmingham 2022 debutants Frances Keenan, Georgie McGrath and Maria McCann in the side, while Evelyn McCagherty, Laureen Walshe and Orlaith Rogers are make their Commonwealth Games bow.
“It’s a massive event in the calendar and for us to have been able to qualify is a massive achievement in itself because this is a young new group,” continues Cooper.
"We’ve had a lot of retirements over the last couple of years of really key important players and we’re in what we would probably say is a bit of building phase, but I think the atmosphere is going to be electric and it will be an amazing event to watch.”
Northern Ireland have been drawn in Pool A for Glasgow 2026, which means they will face Australia, England, South Africa, Malawi and Tonga.
Their opening fixture, on Saturday 25 July, will see them take on Gold Coast 2018 champions England.
“Glasgow 2014 witnessed Northern Ireland’s debut in Commonwealth Games netball so it’s only appropriate that they’re heading back to the city again for the 2026 edition,” says TeamNI Chef de Mission Conal Heatley.
“We look forward to supporting all the players and staff during what will be a challenging competition, featuring all the world’s best teams.
“Netball is always a Games highlight and the Hydro will no doubt be buzzing during this summer’s epic tussles.”
Cr-Glasgow2026
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