Ballymena Academy duo selected to represent Ireland at Netball Europe event

(L-R) Eva Lilly Beckett and Taleen Eldris, pictured with Ballymena Academy Principal Mr Stephen Black, and school netball coach, Julie-Anne Cairns

Two Ballymena Academy pupils are set to step onto the European stage this week — and they are doing it in an Ireland dress.

Taleen Eldris and Eva Lilly Beckett have been selected to represent Ireland at the upcoming Netball Europe event in Aberdeen, taking place from Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026.

The international tournament will feature teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the UAE, offering a high-performance environment and a significant opportunity for emerging athletes to compete at elite European level.

For both players, this moment has been years in the making.

Over the past five years, Taleen and Eva Lilly have balanced demanding school fixtures, club training several evenings per week and additional weekend performance sessions.

Their selection reflects the resilience, consistency and commitment that has defined their journey through school and club netball.

Taleen with Ballymena Academy and Seven Towers Netball Club coach, Julie-Anne Cairns

Taleen competes at the highest Under 19 level with Seven Towers Netball Club, who take part in the Under U19 A division. Seven Towers Netball Club has wished Taleen every success as she prepares to represent Ireland in Aberdeen.

Eva Lilly is a member of Antrim Ladies Netball Club and continues to progress impressively within her defensive position.

Eva Lilly with Antrim Ladies Coach Amy Stewart

Both players are experienced defenders. Eva Lilly is recognised as a strong and intelligent circle defender, while Taleen operates primarily at Wing Defence through the midcourt, bringing energy and tactical awareness to her role.

Unbeaten season and national progression

Their international call-up comes against the backdrop of a standout season for Ballymena Academy.

The pair are key members of the Ballymena Academy Intermediate 1st team, who competed in the Netball Northern Ireland North Eastern District Division 1 and finished the season undefeated to secure the district title.

Building on that success, they have helped Ballymena Academy progress to the semi-final stage of the Northern Ireland National League, where they will meet Methodist College.

The school has also reached the quarter-finals of the Netball Northern Ireland School Cup.

The success has not stopped there. Taleen and Eva Lilly also played a pivotal role in winning the Netball Northern Ireland Shield with the Ballymena Academy Intermediate squad — further underlining the depth and high-performance standards within the school’s programme.

In recognition of their achievements, the Ballymena Academy Intermediate 1st team has been shortlisted for School Sporting Achievement of the Year at the upcoming Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards, which take place in March at Galgorm.

‘The standards they are setting are exactly what is required’

Ballymena Academy coach Julie-Anne Cairns paid tribute to both players’ dedication and discipline.

“I am incredibly proud of Taleen and Eva Lilly. I have coached both girls since Year 8 and have supported them closely throughout their performance journey. I also coach Taleen at Seven Towers Netball Club, which allows me to work with her across both school and club environments.

“In addition to their regular team training, I deliver bespoke performance sessions at Ballymena Academy that are specifically tailored to support their individual development and prepare them for international trials and selections.

“These girls have committed fully to the performance lifestyle. If you want to achieve international selection at this level, the standards they are setting are exactly what is required.

“Even during the summer months, they continue to attend performance sessions at the Academy to ensure they are fully prepared for every opportunity. They work exceptionally hard, they are disciplined, and their selection to represent Ireland is thoroughly deserved.

“We are very proud of everything they have achieved and will continue to support them on their journey.”

As they travel to Aberdeen to compete against some of the strongest youth netball talent in Europe, Ballymena Academy’s message is clear: this is only the beginning.

The school has wished Taleen and Eva Lilly every success as they prepare to represent Ireland on the international stage.