HOCKEY Clare Parkhill Announces Retirement from International Hockey
Irish defender, Clare Parkhill, 27, today announced her retirement from the international hockey scene after earning a total of 70 senior caps in just a three year period.
Parkhill whose decision comes shortly after the team’s return from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament comes at natural break in the international cycle. Parkhill pulled on the green jersey for the first time against Korea in 2005 and since then she has been a regular in the senior line up most recently competing for Ireland in the European’s and the Olympic Qualifiers where they took bronze.
Coach Gene Muller will no doubt miss her in his set up especially as she doubled her international goal count to four off set pieces in Victoria,” I want to thank Clare for her contribution to the team. She played very well for Ireland recently and was one of our most consistent performers at the Olympic qualifier. She will be especially missed in our set pieces in which she contributed enormously. I wish her well in her career aspirations - she is entering a very challenging field in which I am sure she will excel.”
On announcement of her retirement Parkhill commented “I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Senior Ladies squad for the past three years and would like to thank my coach Gene, the IHA and ESB for all the opportunities and occasions they have afforded me during my career. I have had the pleasure of working with several coaches and would like to take this opportunity to thank also Denis, Riet & Graeme Francey”.
Despite the fact that she will now be focussing on her legal career Parkhill will still be keeping an eye on the team’s progress “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been part of such a successful and professional organisation. During my hockey career I have been fortunate to experience the development of Irish hockey and given the level of expertise throughout the IHA and coaching staff I have every confidence that Ireland will continue to achieve at the highest level in the future.”
“I now look forward to concentrating on my legal career and life in Manchester but will be avidly following Ireland’s successes in the future.” She continued.
ENDS.
For more info:
Katie Roche
Marketing Manager
Irish Hockey Association
Ph: 00353 1 2600028