In a world of restricted travel, you have to use your imagination. So when it came to a backdrop announcing the Irish Women’s Hockey Team for the European Championships in Amsterdam, it was off to Skerries Mills for Inpho photographer Morgan Treacy and members of the team.
The Championships will represent the first full competitive action for the team since securing qualification for the Olympics at Energia Park in November 2019.
It will be the first phase of a huge summer that culminates in the Tokyo Olympic Games. The Euros double up as a key preparation tournament for the Games while also providing three potential 2022 World Cup tickets.
For World Cup qualification, Ireland will only be absolutely assured of a ticket if they finish in the top three positions. Currently, Spain and the Netherlands are already pre-qualified as hosts; should either or both finish in the medal positions in Amstelveen, fourth or fifth place could provide the golden ticket. The minimum aim from the eight-team tournament though will be to get to a semi-final spot and then who knows.
Head Coach Sean Dancer’s 18-player panel features 12 of the 2018 World Cup silver medal-winning side and 13 of the team that won qualification to the Olympic Games in November 2019.
Heroes like Ayeisha McFerran, Lizzie Colvin, Nicci Daly, Nikki Evans, Megan Frazer Hannah Matthews, Shirley McCay, Katie Mullan, Anna O’Flanagan, Lena Tice, Roisin Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Chloe Watkins bring a wealth of talent to the table.
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the European Hockey Federation has allowed a further two players to join the panel as “travelling reserves” in addition to the initial panel of 18.
Deirdre Duke will offer cover for midfield and forward lines while uncapped Muckross player Sarah McAuley waits in the wings defensively.
The squad was announced in Skerries at a joint event run by primary sponsors SoftCo and Park Developments.
“Congratulations to the players that have been selected for the Irish women’s hockey squad for the European Championship today,” SoftCo co-founder Susan Spence said.
“Since achieving a World Cup silver medal, this group have continued to drive forward with Olympic qualification and the recent historic victory over Great Britain. We are extremely proud to be their main sponsor as they go in search of European and Olympic glory this summer and wish them every success.”
“Our journey with this team is built on support, and we are so proud of this group’s unique ability to inspire so many young sportspeople and fans alike,” added Park Developments CEO Sean O’Neill.
Irish fixture schedule
June 5th, 2021: Ireland v Netherlands, 2.30 pm
June 7th, 2021: Ireland v Scotland, 11.30 am
June 9th, 2021: Ireland v Spain, 11.30 am
June 11th 2021: Semi-finals/relegation pool
June 12th/13th: Medal matches/relegation pool
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