Men 3rd place EuroHockey Indoor Championships III

The Irish Men had a successful return to the EuroHockey Indoor Championships in Santander earlier this month having not taken part in an international tournament since 1987. A tie to Wales in the opening match was followed by losses to both Scotland and Spain, however a strong showing against Slovenia granted the Irish side a bronze medal play off.

With Wales leading 1 – 0 from 7 minutes, Jackson and Canning put one each in the goal in the final minutes of the game to claim bronze in the first international tournament for the side in over 30 years.

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Chris Cargo retires from International Hockey

Cargo made his debut in the 2009 Celtic Cup scoring on debut as Ireland defeated France 3-1 in Edinburgh. 11 years, 195 matches and 28 international goals later he has decided to call time on his international career.

Performance Director Adam Grainger congratulated Chris on his career on behalf of Hockey Ireland, saying “Congratulations on your Hockey Ireland playing career, you have a lot to be proud of. We have no doubt you’ll be successful in everything you undertake off the pitch.

Please do keep in touch with Hockey Ireland, the experiences retired internationals can put back into our system is invaluable.”

Chris came through the ranks of Bangor Grammar and played for the seaside club whilst also having played in England and Europe during his illustrious career.

He was part of the Irish side who made history winning the first senior European medal when they defeated England 4-2 in London in 2015 to win bronze at the Europeans and then made history again to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Chris played all 5 matches and unfortunately the side were not able to repeat the feat when the lost on penalties to Canada in their bid to qualify for Tokyo.

In all he played in 3 European A division championships alongside the Olympic games winning 77 of the 195 matches he played for Ireland. He finishes his Irish career 8th on the all-time caps list, with 28 goals and captaining the team twice against Pakistan in Lisburn in 2017.

“I have loved wearing the green shirt for 10 years in countries all over the world and making history with this group,” said Cargo.

“I would particularly like to thank Paul Revington for giving me my first opportunity to wear a green shirt. I had given up on that dream so I will always be truly grateful to him for giving me that chance and changing my life. He made me, and the whole group, believe that we could make history and instilled in us a huge drive and determination. To Ned, for galvanising the team after the disappointment of 2012, you pushed us on again through our “No excuses” mantra. Finally, to Tum for coming in and making this group enjoy their hockey again.

I have been very lucky to have been playing in an Irish shirt during a period when, in my opinion, some of the best players in Irish history were playing alongside me. To all the lads I have shared a pitch with over the years; Thanks! It was an amazing journey and I was lucky enough to forge some enduring friendships, whilst making history with this team and having a great laugh along the way. There have been many low points on the journey, but they make the successes so much sweeter.

To my parents, thank you for all your support along the way and for trusting and backing me in all the decisions I have made. To Sarah, my fiancée, thank you for being so understanding and allowing me to chase my dreams with unconditional support. Furthermore, thank you to all the families in Dublin, especially the Loughreys, who have welcomed me into their homes.

I look forward to wearing my green shirt as a supporter of Irish Hockey in future years. Irish hockey is in rude health with the ladies representing us in Tokyo next summer and I believe that the correct support for both teams will mean that we will see both in Paris and for many more Olympics to come.”

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Ireland Women’s Squad announced for South Africa Tour Jan 2020

Head Coach Sean Dancer has selected the squad which will be travelling to South Africa in January. The squad leaves on the 16th of January with matches against Germany and South Africa arranged during the trip, although exact match dates are yet to be confirmed. The trip will provide the squad with good experience of competing in warmer climates as they prepare for Tokyo later in the year.

1 Ayeisha McFerran GK

2 Emma Buckley GK

3 Roisin Upton Def

4 Nikki Evans Str

5 Kathryn Mullan (Captain) MF / Str

6 Shirley McCay Def

7 Elena Tice Def

8 Emily Beatty Str

9 Beth Barr Def / MF

10 Serena Barr Def

11 Chloe Watkins MF

12 Lizzie Colvin MF

13 Hannah Matthews Def

14 Sarah Hawkshaw MF / Str

15 Anna O’Flanagan (Vice Captain) Str

16 Deirdre Duke Str

17 Ellen Curran MF

18 Elizabeth Murphy GK

19 Hannah McLoughlin Def

20 Sarah Torrans Str

Members of the wider squad who are not travelling will continue training as usual in Ireland.

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Tokyo 2020 Match Schedule Announced.

The full match schedule of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic hockey tournaments as well as the pools – which were confirmed last month – can be viewed here.The matches will be staged in the brand-new Oi Hockey Stadium, in Japan’s capital city.

The Green Army will face South Africa in their opening match on Saturday the 25th of July.

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Irish Women’s Indoor play South Africa as European Prep.

The Irish Women’s Indoor team competed in 6 test matches over in South Africa, for the first time since 1990, in preparation for their return to competing on the EuroHockey Championships in January 2020. The opening game saw Orla Fox with the first goal for Ireland in Durban finalizing in a 2-1 defeat. The second game in Durban saw Orla Patton scoring the goal for Ireland but unfortunately South Africa came back in the last quarter to take the win.

The second part of the tour took place in Cape Town with a fantastic atmosphere where the event joined with the Pro Series Indoor nationals. The next four games saw South Africa besting Ireland in each meeting, however Ireland still managed to put away a couple of goals from Amy Benson and Sophie Barnwell.

These matches were vital preparation for the Indoor Europeans which take place in early 2020.

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Hockey Ireland Announce Squad for Men’s Indoor Tournament

It’s an exciting time for Irish Indoor Hockey with the re-establishment of the Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams after a 30+ year hiatus. The last tournament the Ireland Indoor Men’s Team played in was at home at Loughlinstown Leisure Centre in Co. Dublin in 1987.

“I would like to compliment all players involved in the preparation period so far on their commitment,” said Head Coach, Kenny Carroll. “Selecting the final squad was difficult due to the high standard of players who were in contention. The 12 players selected to represent Ireland, the 2 non travelling reserves, the players on the Training Panel and all players playing domestic club Indoor hockey this season are all part of the journey we are on to compete at the top level and also to build and improve the base of Indoor hockey in Ireland. Both of these aims are mutually inclusive and reliant on each other, and will improve and develop Hockey in Ireland, there is no doubt.

“I am very happy to have in our squad an array of talented athletes who I believe will prepare diligently for and play exciting and clinical Indoor hockey while representing Ireland in Santander in January. The team will be lead on the court by our captain John Jackson , who has been part of the many International successes of the Green Machine over the last decade. Throughout the squad we have a nice blend of current and previous International experience, exciting young talent and ambitious athletes. We have tough and experienced opponents in hosts Spain, Scotland , Slovenia and Wales. I know our squad are relishing this challenge.

The supportive management team are also looking forward to assisting the playing group in the next stage of the preparation phase and the Tournament.”

Ireland Men Indoor Squad – Santander January 17th- 19th 2020 EuroHockey Indoor Championship III

The Selected Squad is as follows:

1. Ross Canning (Three Rock Rovers)

2. Mark English (Three Rock Rovers)

3. Neal Glassey (Crefelder THC – Germany)

4. John Jackson – captain (Team Bath Buccaneers – England)

5. Jason Lynch – vice captain (Monkstown)

6. Harry Morris (Three Rock Rovers)

7. Stephen O’Keeffe – GK (Railway Union)

8. Brendan Parsons (Railway Union)

9. Rowland Rixon Fuller (Glenanne)

10. Callum Robson (Crefelder THC – Germany)

11. Michael Robson (Crefelder THC – Germany)

12. Stephen West – GK (Team Bath Buccaneers – England)

Non travelling Reserves

13. Eoin MacArthur (Railway Union)

14. Mark Crooks (Cookstown)

Management Team

Kenny Carroll – Head Coach

Craig Stewart – Assistant Coach / Analyst

Rob Abbott – Manager

Huw Rees – Physio

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Training Panel

15. Neil Byrne (Glenanne )

16. Richard Couse (Avoca)

16. Ben O Grady (YMCA)

17. Stu Ronan (Glenanne)

18. Stu Smyth (Cookstown)

21. Jakim Bernsden GK (YMCA)

20. Euan MacKay GK (Corinthians)

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Ireland’s Women’s Hockey Team make History to Qualify for Tokyo

Wilson, Duke and Colvin started off strong in the second quarter to get things going, however Duke was on the receiving end of a Green Card shortly after. Canada appeared to have more chances throughout the second quarter, however none prevailed. A bounce over Mullan’s stick skimmed the back of it before she circled it expertly around her opponent and found a Canadian foot. The awarding penalty corner awarded to Ireland was overturned by the video umpire for a back-stick.

Canada failed to convert a huge chance in the third quarter to put themselves on the scoreboard. A penalty corner for Ireland failed to convert in the final quarter, and the sides remained level going into the final minute. Canada were awarded two consecutive penalty corners in the final minute of the game. The final hooter went with level sides still. A penalty shoot-out was to decide the fate of both teams.

Penalty shoot-out saw Ireland down 3 – 1 at one point. However, the team held their nerve with Bethany Barr bringing them back up to 3 – 2 down. Chloe Watkins brought the equaliser and Canada’s Johnston was denied by McFerran, taking them to sudden death. The packed house in Energia Park held it’s breath.

Roisin Upton slipped by Williams and put the ball across the line for Ireland, surviving a video referral. Woodcroft failed to take her shot before the 8 seconds were up, and Ireland secured their ticket to Tokyo. The first Irish Women’s Hockey team to do so ever.

Canada NORLANDER S McFERRAN Ayeisha Goal 0 – 1

Ireland PINDER G WILLIAMS Kaitlyn No Goal 0 – 1

Canada WOODCROFT A McFERRAN Goal 0 – 2

Ireland DALY N WILLIAMS Goal 1 – 2

Canada WRIGHT K McFERRAN Goal 1 – 3

Ireland UPTON R WILLIAMS No Goal 1 – 3

Canada STAIRS B McFERRAN No Goal 1 – 3

Ireland BARR B WILLIAMS Goal 2 – 3

Canada JOHNSTON S McFERRAN No Goal 2 – 3

Ireland WATKINS C WILLIAMS Goal 3 – 3

Ireland UPTON R WILLIAMS Goal 4 – 3

Canada WOODCROFT A McFERRAN No Goal 4 – 3

Ireland: A McFerran, R Upton, K Mullan, S McCay, L Tice, B Barr, C Watkins, L Colvin, N Daly, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson

Subs: S Barr, N Evans, G Pinder, H Matthews, S Hawkshaw, D Duke, L Murphy

Canada: K Williams, K Wright, D Hennig, R Donohoe, K Johansen, N Aourissea, S McManus, A Woodcroft, B Stairs, S Johnston, S Norlander

Subs: A Lee, E Wong, K Leahy, H Haughn, N Woodcroft, M Secco, R Harris

Umpires: Y Makar (CRO), M Meister (GER)

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Hockey Ireland Announce Women’s Squad for Olympic Qualifiers

Irish Women’s Head Coach, Sean Dancer, has announced the squad which has been selected for the upcoming Olympic qualifier in Energia Park on the 2nd and 3rd of November against Canada. The team confirmed their place in the Olympic qualifier last June in their FIH Series Finals outing in Banbridge which saw the team reach the final of the tournament, narrowly missing out on the overall win to Korea.

After a busy period of training and practice matches, following a positive Euro Hockey Championships in Antwerp last August, the squad are good form heading into their final week of preparations leading into their home Olympic qualifiers.

The squad is as follows:

1 Ayeisha McFerran Ulster
2 Roisin Upton Munster
3 Nikki Evans Leinster
4 Kathryn Mullan (C) Ulster
5 Shirley McCay Ulster
6 Elena Tice Leinster
7 Gillian Pinder Leinster
8 Beth Barr Ulster
9 Serena Barr Ulster
10 Chloe Watkins Leinster
11 Lizzie Colvin Ulster
12 Nicola Daly Leinster
13 Hannah Matthews Leinster
14 Sarah Hawkshaw Leinster
15 Anna O’Flanagan (VC) Leinster
16 Zoe Wilson Ulster
17 Deirdre Duke Leinster
18 Elizabeth Murphy Leinster
Speaking on the selection, Head Coach Sean Dancer said “I’m very happy with the squad we’ve chosen to represent Ireland in this Olympic qualifier.

Canada are a good side, when you get to this level everyone is, you can’t underestimate any team you come up against. We’ve been working hard the past few months and I’m confident in this team’s ability to be successful.”

The Irish Women’s Olympic qualifier matches will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of November in Energia Park, Donnybrook. The winner on goal aggregate will seal their spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. These matches mark the only Olympic qualifier, for any sport, in Ireland this year.

Seated tickets have sold out however there are still terrace tickets left for both days. Come out and support the Green Army. Be part of their journey as they strive to be the first Irish Women’s Hockey team to qualify for an Olympic Games. Tickets available at www.irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

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‘Our dream is still on the line’ – Match Report IRL v CAN

Eoin Lúc Ó Ceallaigh in Vancouver on behalf of Hockey Ireland

Ireland will take a two goal lead into the second leg of their Olympic qualifier against Canada tomorrow after beating the hosts 5-3 in Vancouver today.

A goal from Chris Cargo and two each from Shane O’Donoghue and Sean Murray gave Ireland the win in an impressive performance.

Man-of-the-match O’Donoghue attributed the win to the fighting Irish spirit that the Green Machine traveled with.

“It’s a good win. It’s one from two. And that’s all it is”, he said. “Obviously there was a lot of fighting spirit out there and that was one thing we said before we came to these games: that we would play that Irish fighting spirit. And we did.

“We had a couple of sucker-punches during the game. Bounced back. Showed the resilience of this group.

“But listen, the job is only half-way done.”

Ireland drew first blood early in the game after Chris Cargo found space to get through the Canadian defenders and duly finished the chance.

Canada then found their feet and brought the game to Ireland a bit more. They equalised through a penalty corner chance before the end of the first quarter. Irish goalkeeper David Fitzgerald, in for the injured David Harte, got a hand to the shot, but the force behind it finished the job.

Canada’s confidence continued to grow in the second quarter, and they went 2-1 up mid-way through, again through a penalty corner. Ireland entered a referral plea, but the decision on the pitch was upheld and Ireland lost their referral privileges for the rest of the game.

Encouraged by a strong finish to the first half, Ireland came out all guns blazing and equalised two minutes into the third quarter through a penalty corner, all-time leading goalscorer O’Donoghue adding the finishing touch to make it 2-2.

Ireland kept the pressure on and were rewarded eight minutes later when Sean Murray put the visitors a goal up, giving Ireland a 3-2 lead into the final quarter.

The Canadians found another gear then in the fourth, which eventually paid off when they equalised 3-3 with 12 minutes to go.

Canada had a chance to take the lead again minutes later, earning another penalty corner for their efforts, but after taking too long to get set, saw a yellow card and were down to 10 players.

This gave Ireland the chance to really get a foothold on the game, and a quick attack saw Sean Murray put Ireland back in the lead, before O’Donoghue sealed the win.

“We did our homework obviously”, O’Donoghue said after the game. “We negated their strengths for most of the game.

“They got a couple of chances that went astray or cut across the back post, but I think in general we kept them at bay. Kept their key players under control and I think from there we flourished.

Ireland now look to recover and regroup ahead of the second leg, with Canada needing to win it by at least two goals to reach the 2020 Olympics.

“Our dream is still on the line”, O’Donoghue continued. “Nothing is a given here and we’re only 50% of the way there. So we’ll do whatever we have to do individually.”

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Hockey Ireland Announce Squad for Men’s Olympic Qualifier

Head Coach Mark Tumilty has announced the Irish squad which will travel to Vancouver for Olympic qualifier double header at the end of this month. The team confirmed their place in the Olympic qualifier last June by beating Korea to reach the final match of their FIH Series Final in Le Touquet.

Having recently returned from a two-series test match against France in Bordeaux, securing two wins from two, the squad is in positive form. The men will travel to Belgium this weekend for final preparations ahead of their Olympic qualifier in Vancouver.

The squad is as follows:

David Harte

David Fitzgerald

Lee Cole

Conor Harte

Jonathan Bell

Stuart Loughrey

John Jackson

Tim Cross

Daragh Walsh

Sean Murray

Chris Cargo

Shane O’Donoghue

Michael Robson

Eugene Magee

John McKee

Matthew Nelson

Jeremy Duncan

Peter Caruth

Both Stephen Cole and Ben Walker will travel with the team as reserves.

Speaking on the announcement, Mark said, “This squad has a good mix of experience and youth. We’ve seen good progress over the last three weeks. I’m confident this group of players has the ability to be successful in the Olympic qualifiers.”

The Irish men’s Olympic Qualifier will take place in Vancouver on the 26th and 27th of October. The winner on goal aggregate will seal their spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

For those travelling to support the Green Machine, tickets for the qualifier in Rutledge Field in West Vancouver can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fih-olympic-qualifier-canada-vs-ireland-tickets-74056120851?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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