It has been described as an inspiring gesture and Ireland Lacrosse is being praised around the world today for stepping aside to allow a team of Iriquois National compete in the World Championships in 2022 in their place.
Confirmation was recently provided by the International World Games Association that the Iroquois Nationals are eligible to compete but the eight-team line up had already been finalised.
Ireland Lacrosse informed the world governing body last night that we would voluntarily vacate our position in the tournament and so play a critical role in making it possible for the Iroquois Nationals to compete.
“It’s simply the right thing to do,” said Michael Kennedy, CEO of Ireland Lacrosse after discussing the issue with player, management and members of the Board at the National Governing Body.
“We are a proud member of World Lacrosse and we recognize the importance of The World Games to the continued growth of our sport.”
“As much as our players would have been honoured to compete, we know the right thing is for the Iroquois Nationals to represent our sport on this international stage.”
Ireland finished 12th in the 2018 World Championship, while the Iroquois Nationals finished third.
“Once World Lacrosse received the welcome news from the IWGA that the Iroquois Nationals are eligible for selection, we knew it was time to play our part and voluntarily step aside,” added Kennedy.
“It is through the contributions of leaders such as Michael Kennedy, along with the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers of Ireland Lacrosse, that this wonderful game will continue to grow,” said World Lacrosse Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr.
“Some of the most inspiring gestures in international sport are when athletes from one team reach across and lend their support to athletes from another. That’s exactly what Michael and the membership of Ireland Lacrosse have done, and we should all be inspired by their example.”
Ireland will host the postponed World U23 Lacrosse Championships at the University of Limerick next summer. Following on from this gesture they deserve for it to be an outstanding success.
