Sport is a constantly moving and changing shape. Ten days ago we anticipated that the weekend just passed would have been all about a Rugby World Cup semi-final and the heroics of Sexton, O’Connell and O’Mahoney.
Instead the ending of hope on that front allowed others to blossom in the spotlight of publicity and turn our attention towards next August instead. Always looking forward.
The irish men’s hockey team became the first irish team to qualify for an Olympic Games since the founding of the Republic, breaking a gap in all sports that stretched back to 1948 and in their own to 40 years further.
Results elsewhere confirmed what they had dared to dream was possible after earlier success this year and they will now join Brazil, India, Germany, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Great Britain, Argentina, Netherlands, Australia and one remaining qualifier in Rio between the 5th and 21st August.
They came within a hairs breadth of making it to the London Olympics but while missing out in cruel fashion might have knocked the will out of lesser groups they bounced back and have made it this time around.
In terms of publicity and awareness they will move to another level entirely now, and that will bring advantages for the growth of the sport beyond it’s current strongholds and its appeal to sponsors.
The Men’s team have been without a primary sponsor since the departure of BAM Construction Group but will now have a compelling story to tell. It may be that EY who came on board for the National League will see this as an opportunity to step up their involvement or it could be a new brand that is attracted.
There will be no branding at the Olympics themselves, and there will be a negotiation between the needs of Electric Ireland as Olympic Partners to team Ireland and any new supporter for Hockey, or it may be that Electric Ireland itself will renew a long standing association with the sport.
Whatever the outcome these are exciting days for the sport and we wish it well.
Image Credit: Inpho.ie / Cathal Noonan
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