Irish hockey squad selected for Olympics

The Olympic Federation of Ireland has officially named the men’s hockey team that will compete this summer at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Captained by Sean Murray, the team clinched qualification in Valencia earlier this year when they defeated Korea 4-3 in their final match.

Having narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, the men’s team last competed at the Rio Olympics, with two of that squad returning for the Paris in goalkeeper David Harte and Shane O’Donoghue.

Competition runs from 27 July to 9 August with Ireland competing in Pool B where they face Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. Their first match will be against Belgium on the opening day.

The team captain Murray said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for us as players, and it’s an honour to be able to represent this team and our country at the highest level of our sport.

“The team and the wider group have worked so hard to get here. No doubt the experience will stay with us forever but right now, we just want to get out there and compete.”

Head coach Mark Tumilty admitted picking the squad was difficult: “We’re delighted to announce the team today, those selected have earned this opportunity and it’s a moment for them and their families that they deserve.

“I’ve always said the toughest part of my job is selecting only 16 to compete, and our thoughts are also with those members of the group who have missed out on selection.

“I am proud of them all for getting us to where we are today.”

Irish hockey squad: David Harte (GK), Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle Marshallm, Peter McKibbin, Tim Cross, Daragh Walsh, Nick Page, Sean Murray (captain), Michael Robson, Peter Brown, Johnny McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Matthew Nelson, Ben Walker, Ben Johnson.

The three reserves are: Jonny Lynch, Alistair Empey and Jamie Carr (GK)