Hockey Ireland has secured hosting rights for the men’s World League Round 2 in 2017, a stage in the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup in India.
Ireland has been chosen as 1 of just 3 countries to host the men’s Round 2 and the only one in Europe. The award follows on from hosting a similar level high profile tournament in the Women’s game in March of this year.
“We’re delighted to have been selected as a host of World League Round 2 in 2017,” said Irish Hockey CEO Mike Heskin.
“It is a credit to the all those who were involved in the running of the World League Round 2 in Dublin earlier this year that the FIH are prepared to award Ireland with back to back World tournaments.”
“The tournament will offer the public a chance to see the record breaking Green Machine in action at home as they bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.”
“Dublin will be the only venue in Europe to host Round 2 of the men’s competition so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming teams from around the world and showcasing high quality hockey.”
The teams, support structures and fans that travel to the tournament will provide another boost to the growing reputation of Ireland as a serious option for hosting World class sporting events.
In the same year UCD in Dublin, Queens University and the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup for the first time and it is also hoped that the European Paralympic Swimming Championships will be held in Dublin in 2018.
Four matches in the UEFA Euro 2020 Finals have already been secured for Dublin by the FAI and Dublin City Council and the bidding process for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2023 is also hotting up.
Sport for Business and the Irish Greyhound Board will host a Members’ Round Table on Sport and Tourism this evening in Dublin with input from operators like Experience Gaelic Games, Abbey Tours and Corporate.ie; The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; Dublin City Council and the National Sports Campus.
