Alan Giles Announces Retirement

International Hockey Player, Alan Giles, has today announced his decision to step down off the international platform. Giles, now 30 made his debut against France just over two years ago and went on to secure another 26 senior caps representing his country.

Despite a relatively short period at senior level, Alan made a big impact on his team and country something which Coach Paul Revington was keen to recognise "Alan has made a significant impact on our Ireland Squad in the 2 and ¾ years I have been coaching in Ireland - on and off the playing field. He contributed significantly to Ireland wins at the Celtic Cup in 2009 and 2010; Euro Nations Trophy in 2009 and then at the Champions Challenge II in 2011. Alan also set a great example to the squad in regard to the value of perseverance and ability to evolve with the game, having played for Ireland U21 in 2001 at the Junior World Cup in Hobart and then making his Ireland senior debut in 2009 at age 28. We have appreciated Alan's contribution to our Ireland Team and wish him well in the years ahead."

Making the decision to retire has obviously not been an easy one for Giles who said "The decision to hang up my stick and retire from the Irish Team was an extremely difficult one. I have enjoyed every minute over the past few years and it is not something I found very easy to let go of. The experiences and memories I have playing at this elite level has engraved something very special deep inside of me that will stay with me forever.

Representing my country is something I am very proud of and it has been a real privilege to be part of such a talented team that has already changed the mould of Irish Hockey and will continue to do so in the future. I wish the squad the very best of luck in the upcoming tournaments and their journey towards the Olympics. I look forward to supporting them all in London 2012."

Manager Peter Jackson was also keen to pay tribute to the midfielder "On a personal level I would like to thank Alan for his commitment, maturity and sensibility he brought to the squad and tournaments. Attributes which earned peer and management respect alike, as well as those within the greater hockey community."

Giles will continue to play club hockey with Pembroke Wanderers and all in Irish Hockey would like to wish him well and thank him for his contribution at an International level.