Ireland earned its spot at The World Games 2025 through the Women’s European Sixes Qualifier, held in March in Portugal. Twelve teams competed for the final two berths, with only the top two finishers advancing to Chengdu.
Ireland went 2-1 in pool play, picking up wins over Norway and Austria before falling to Czechia in its final group-stage match.
The defeat to Czechia set up a dramatic playoff run. In the quarterfinals against the Netherlands, Ireland surrendered a late tying goal with five and a half minutes remaining. Great defense in the final quarter, a Margaret Egan goal, and her assist on Kendra Harris’ fourth and final score captured a 15-13 win. Egan finished with three goals and three assists.
The semifinal against Israel was a back-and-forth classic. Israel led most of the way, but Ireland tied the game five different times before taking its first lead with under six minutes to play. Israel tied the game again just a minute later, setting up the game-winner from Mairead Durkin. Goalie Haley Crosson was the standout, making 12 saves with a 55% save percentage.
With qualification for the World Games secured, Ireland was set for a rematch against Czechia in the final. The rematch turned into a thriller, with Ireland one more close victory in overtime, 12-11. The heroes of the quarterfinals saved the day again. Harris tied the match with 52 seconds left in regulation. Egan stepped up again to score the game-winner a minute into overtime.
Gabby Rosenzweig led Ireland in total points with 13 goals and six assists. Crosson led all goalies in saves with 73 and ranked second in save percentage among starters with 57%.
Ireland’s recent international play includes a 13th-place finish at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, highlighted by a double-overtime win over Germany. The team also placed 10th at the 2024 Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong, finishing 3-1 in pool play and just missing the quarterfinals.
Ireland will make its World Games debut in 2025 in Chengdu, China, with a history of clutch wins.
At The World Games, Ireland will compete in Pool B with Australia, Czechia and the United States. Ireland opens tournament play on Aug. 7 against the United States at 9 a.m. China Standard Time.
