Hockey: Ireland Summer Match Series Announced

Ireland will face Korea, Canada and the Netherlands in no fewer than ten fixtures during May, June and July.

The matches offer the opportunity to see two Olympic-bound teams, Canada and the Netherlands, as well as world number nine Korea.

The home-fixtures are part of several match series the Green Machine will take part in before the Rio Olympics. The side will meet Germany in a 3 match-series in Hamburg on May 12th, 13th and 15th.

They will also compete in a six nations (Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, India) tournament in Valencia from June 27th to July 3rd.

Speaking about the upcoming home fixtures Coach Craig Fulton said “It’s great for the public to see these top teams but equally important to give them a chance to come and support the Green Machine.

“These matches will be very competitive; the Netherlands are world number 2 and current European champions”.

Fulton continued, “Playing Canada in Ireland will be great competition for both teams. We are very closely ranked (Ireland 12th & Canada 14th) and the games will have a nice edge to them. We are still in selection phase which will allow us to play different players throughout the 4 game series.

“Korea will be competing in the Champions Trophy in London in June and they will give us a real challenge.

“We will be very focused on achieving our training and playing team goals against a very attacking Korean team.” Fulton concluded.