National Mens & Womens Olympic Qualifying Squads Announced

Irish hockey have today announced the two squads of eighteen who will represent both the National Men and National Women's hockey teams at their respective upcoming Olympic Qualifiers.

Firstly looking at the men's squad it shows one change from the European squad that competed in Germany last August, defender Joe Brennan is ruled out of selection due to injury which has given way for the 21 year old Stuart Loughrey. Ireland will compete against Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Chile and the Ukraine for the final spot at the London 2012 Olympics but in doing so will enjoy a home crowd as Ireland host this event the Electric Ireland FIH Road To London from the 10th - 18th March at the National Hockey Stadium in UCD.

Speaking at the team announcement today Coach Paul Revington said "It is a big honour to be hosting this 2012 Olympic Qualification Event and I know this Team will do their best to make Ireland and their fellow Irish Squad mates proud."

The women's side sees two changes from the recent Europeans as Nicci Daly and Nikki Evans come in for Niamh Small and Julia O'Halloran to make up the eighteen. Ireland will travel to Belgium to compete in their tournament from the 17th - 25th March and will face Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Russia and France.

Commenting today Women's Coach Gene Muller said "We have worked hard for this tournament and our team is ready. We will need to be at our very best to qualify for the Olympics. Our main threats are Spain and Belgium. Spain have been at every Olympic Games since 1992 and Belgium are a rising force in world hockey. There were some very difficult selection decisions, and we are leaving some quality players behind. Our team is sincerely grateful to our supporters and especially the Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland, The Irish Sports Institute, the Olympic Council of Ireland, the Sports institute of Northern Ireland, and Electric Ireland. Their support has put us in a position to qualify for London 2012."

High Performance Director Dave Passmore highlighted the diligent preparation both teams have undertaken in the lead up to these qualifiers "Both squads, despite their different paths have prepared extensively and diligently for their forthcoming tournaments. Whilst both have demonstrated progress and some good results along the way each has a challenging task ahead with tough opposition to over come even to make the finals of these events. I am sure the Irish sporting public will get behind the teams, support which will be invaluable especially in Dublin."