IRELAND HAVE NAMED a thirty man squad to play in this year’s European Cup, where they face Scotland, Wales and France.

Many of the players are household names in the European Super League, with Scott Grix of Huddersfield Giants captaining the side and two players (Mick McIlorum and Eamon O’Carroll) from league leaders Wigan also included.

Three players from Ireland’s domestic Carnegie League have been named in the team: Paddy Barcoe of the Carlow Crusaders, Joseph Taylor of the North Dublin Eagles and Adam Aigbokhae of the Irish student squad.

Should Ireland win the European Cup, a lucrative place in the 2011 Four Nations competition alongside England, Australia and World Champions New Zealand awaits.

Brother of captain Scott Grix, Simon of the Warrington Wolves, also features in the side alongside his brother for the first time. Head coach Andy Kelly said that Ireland will aim to be in the mix for the European Cup. “We are targeting three out of three and plan on springing a few surprises like we did in the World Cup [in 2008].”

Ireland finished top of group C in the 2008 World Cup, and finished in seventh place overall after losing to Fiji in the semi-final qualifier . “The games will be physical challenges, we know that, but like the 2008 World Cup we have the right spirit and attitude to make people sit up and take notice” said Kelly.
Ireland face France and Wales away before hosting Scotland in Tallaght on 24 October.