Irish softball squad's success celebrated in Mayo

THE Irish national Under 18 softball team have created history, which is being celebrated in Mayo.

The squad secured a bronze medal at the Under 18 Women's Softball European Championship this week, qualifying for the World Championships next year as a result.

The team included a player with strong Mayo links - Emily Gleeson, who is granddaughter of Norah Devaney and the late Michael Devaney of Spencer Park, Castlebar.

Emily wore the No. 3 jersey at the championships, which were held in Prague.

Ireland defeated some of the top teams to earn their bronze finishing spot, including two wins over Great Britain.

In an intense bronze medal game, they came up against the Dutch team in an edge-of-the-seat encounter.

The win not only earned the Irish team the European bronze medal but secured their place at the next WBSC World Cup.