Ashley Givan, Ashley Robinson and Stephen Slater have been selected for Ireland to play in the European Youth Championships in Prague, Czech Republic from 9th–18th July.

The three Irish teams are:

Junior Boys - Paul McCreery, Sam Hanley and Ashley Robinson.

Junior Girls - Claire Nelson, Rebecca Kenny and Ashley Givan.

Cadet Boys - Stephen Slater and Declan O'Brien.

Commenting on the squad announcement, ITTA Technical Director John O'Donoghue stated: "This year, the selection process for the coaches was very tough, the players who made it on to the squad are to be commended for their commitment, work rate and ability.

"The aim in 2009 is to continue to improve our standing at this level. Indeed, it is a measure of our progress that we have decided to enter all players into both the team and the individual events. A good draw is key, but we would certainly hope for a top half finish, particularly from the Junior Boys who are very strong."

The draw for the team event has taken place and is as follows:

Junior Boys: Slovenia, Switzerland and Azerbaijan.

Junior Girls: Estonia, Netherlands and Belgium.

Cadet Boys: Norway, Portugal, Cyprus and Finland.

Check out the ITTA website for further updates on the tournament. This event will be covered on ETTU TV.

ROBINSON CLAIMS GOLD

As the build-up to the European Youth Championships, a large Irish squad consisting of many members of the European squad travelled to Largs, Scotland for the Senior Schools International.

It was a successful weekend in the team event for Ashley Robinson, who claimed gold with Dubliner Sam Hanley after two fantastic victories over the favourites, England, in the semi-finals and then Scotland in the final.