Ireland accept ‘incredibly special’ Para World Cup invite as August marks inaugural international tournament
Ireland will compete at the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup next month – with a late invite celebrated as ‘incredibly special’.
The tournament from August 21-25 across Belgium and the Netherlands marks the first-ever World Cup for athletes with Intellectual Disabilities, with Ireland offered the opportunity following the withdrawal of Paraguay.
"We are absolutely thrilled that the Ireland HockeyID Team will have the opportunity to compete at the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup,” said Hockey Ireland CEO Richard Fahey. “To be part of the first edition of what will undoubtedly become a landmark event for our sport is incredibly special, and it is a fitting reward for a group of players and staff whose commitment, passion and pride in representing Ireland continues to inspire everyone involved in our Hockey4All programme.
"We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Park Developments for their incredible support in making this opportunity possible.
"Their long-standing commitment to Hockey Ireland and, in particular, to our Hockey4All programme continues to have a meaningful impact on the lives of our participants.
"Their generosity in stepping forward to support the team's participation ensures our players can realise their dream of competing on the world stage, and we are immensely grateful for their partnership."
Ireland – across Pool A –will meet Pakistan, Belgium, France, Germany, Zambia, Italy and the United States.
Park Developments director Jilly Cotter said: “Having sponsored the National Hockey ID team for the past three years, we have witnessed the programme go from strength-to-strength.
"Reaching the Para Hockey World Cup this August is a testament to the commitment and hard work of the players, their families and everyone involved.
"Park are very proud to extend our sponsorship and support the team to compete at the highest level of international competition.
"We look forward to cheering them on alongside our senior women's and men's teams.”
The tournament will run alongside the FIH Hockey World Cup, resulting in Ireland men and women international squads competing at the same time as the ID panel.