World Cup appearance 'special moment for everyone involved' with Irish hockey
Ireland men’s head coach Mark Tumilty insists competing in the country’s first FIH World Cup since 2018 is “a special moment for everyone involved”.
Tumilty has named a 20-player squad – captained by Kyle Marshall – which will travel to Belgium later this month for fixtures against Australia (August 16), South Africa (August 18) and Spain (August 20).
A top-two finish would see Ireland progress for a shot at a place in the semi-finals, while a third or fourth-placed finish would mean Tumilty’s side progress to Pool H, where they will begin their final classification matches.
“This is a special moment for everyone involved in Irish hockey, especially this group of players,” said Tumilty. “The chance to play at only our fourth FIH Hockey World Cup, against the best teams in the world and on the biggest stage in our sport, is something we’re all looking forward to.
“We know what lies ahead will be a tough challenge, and we have great respect for every team in the competition.
"Although we haven't played any international matches since the Nations Cup, the players are ready for the opportunity.
"We're clear about how we want to play, excited to test ourselves against the world's best, and proud to represent Ireland at the World Cup.”
Ireland Women’s head coach Gareth Grundie has also named his squad for the World Cup with fixtures against Spain, New Zealand and Belgium awaiting the Irish.
“There is no denying that the World Cup is a competition that has a special significance for the team," said Grundie. “For this group, this year’s FIH Hockey World Cup is an opportunity to leave a legacy of their own.
"The last few months, between the Qualifiers and the FIH Hockey Pro League, have given us lots of opportunities to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the World.
"We have learned first-hand, and also shown the world, that we can go toe-to-toe with these teams, something we intend to continue doing in this World Cup.”
Ireland men’s squad: Jaime Carr, Luke Roleston, Kyle Marshall (C), Peter McKibbin, Mark McNellis, Sam Hyland, Gregory Williams, Fergus Gibson, Lee Cole, Luke Witherow, Sean Murray, Johnny McKee, Peter Brown, Adam McAllister, Matthew Nelson, Benjamin Walker, Jeremy Duncan, Ali Empey, Louis Rowe, Jonny Lynch.
Ireland women’s squad: Elizabeth Murphy, Holly Micklem, Roisin Upton, Hannah McLoughlin, Caoimhe Perdue, Lena Neill, Sarah McAuley, Ellen Curran, Lisa Mulcahy, Sarah Hawkshaw, Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Mia Jennings, Katie Mullan, Sarah Torrans, Aisling Utri, Mikayla Power, Niamh Carey, Emily Kealy.