Sean Murray will captain the Irish hockey team as they make their third appearance at the Olympic Games.
Ireland clinched one of the coveted places at the final qualification event in Valencia earlier this year. Where they beat Korea 4-3 in a scintillating final match.
Having narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, the men’s team last competed at the Rio Olympics. Two of that squad return for the Paris Olympics; goalkeeper David Harte (Cork) and Shane O’Donoghue (Dublin).
“This is a hugely exciting moment for us as players” explained captain Sean Murray. “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.”
“We’re delighted to announce the team today” said head coach Mark Tumilty. “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 sixteen 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” added Tumilty.
The venue for the hockey tournaments is Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, which was the main arena for the eighth Olympiad in 1924. In this stadium, Team Ireland first walked out as a competing nation at the Olympic Games 100 years ago. It is the only stadium in France that will host events from two separate Olympic Games and will stage the hockey competitions in Paris 2024.
Whereas, competition for the hockey runs from 27 July to 9 August 2024. Ireland competes in Pool B where they face Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. Their first match will be against Belgium on the 27 July.
Team Ireland Paris hockey announcement:
Men’s Hockey Team: David Harte (GK), Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle Marshall, 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, Jonny Lynch (R), Alistair Empey (R), Jaime Carr (R GK)
Staff: Lisa Jacob – Performance Director. Mark Tumilty – Head Coach. Raymond Geddis – Team Manager. Neville Rothman – Coach. Cameron Steele – Physio. Ross Willis – Performance Analysis. Eoin Cunniffe – Head of Athletic Performance. David Fitzgerald – AP GK Coach.
