Features

Raw materials there to make major Olympic push, says new boss Tumilty
September 19, 2019 | 646 views | Leave a commentNew coach Mark Tumilty says it is crucial to get the Irish men’s side back playing with a smile on their face for the helter-skelter six-week preparation phase for the Olympic qualifiers in west Vancouver against Canada.

Blood, sweat and tears: Jackson eye still on the prize after 250 caps as sixth Euro campaigns beckon
August 15, 2019 | 1,340 views | Leave a comment“I’ve just got to be grateful Bruce has such a soft forehead!” Eight years ago, as his eye slowly made its way back into place over the course of three weeks, it is unlikely John Jackson could have envisaged playing his 250th international cap in the lead-up to the 2019 EuroHockey Championships. He became just […]

Apprentice Dancer looks to get one over former master as Green Army face down England
August 15, 2019 | 932 views | Leave a commentNew Irish coach Sean Dancer says there will be a “couple of tricks up our sleeve” when the Green Army take on England and his long-time mentor on Sunday in his first world ranking game in charge.

Barbour retires after a quarter century in red
July 1, 2019 | 518 views | Leave a commentCookstown legend Andy Barbour has called time on his time with the first team after 25 seasons playing at the top level for the Coolnafranky club.

Hartes go back to where it all began as vital cogs in the Green Machine
June 14, 2019 | 891 views | Leave a commentLe Touquet will always hold a special place for the Harte household as the French coastal venue brought international debuts for David, Conor and Emer all on the same weekend; the twins are back this week looking to make their mark again

Evolving tactical approach to serve Green Machine well in Le Touquet
June 14, 2019 | 635 views | Leave a commentAlexander Cox is hoping the evolving tactical approach he is looking to implement with the Irish senior men will serve the side well at the FIH Series Finals in Le Touquet.

Wilson’s Olympic vision comes into focus at Banbridge
June 6, 2019 | 912 views | Leave a commentThe sight of Antrim woman Zoe Wilson wearing a broad smile and proudly peering through a pair of goggles while clutching her silver medal was among the many unforgettable images at the women’s World Cup in London last August, writes John Flack.

O’Flanagan says Grundie’s calming effect a perfect match for Green Army
May 30, 2019 | 1,132 views | Leave a commentAnna O’Flanagan says Gareth Grundie’s calm, composed demeanour will complement the Green Army’s exuberant outlook for the FIH Series Finals in Banbridge next week.

Bacchus closes current Green Army chapter of long-term Irish love affair
May 23, 2019 | 1,610 views | Leave a commentAfter four summers with the Irish women’s squad, Colin “Bacchus” Stewart has decided this “chapter was over” as he looks forward to new challenges.

Dancer enjoys “weird” induction after Shaw information-swap
May 23, 2019 | 898 views | Leave a commentSean Dancer says he had a “weird” induction to the Irish women’s hockey team as the man taking over his old job, Graham Shaw, was the man showing him the ropes.

Jacob points to “the hard bits of life” that helped find her Hidden Strength
February 4, 2019 | 1,035 views | Leave a commentLisa Jacob is embarking on a new venture to help “develop hidden strength in young people”, using her experiences form a diverse sporting career in hockey, rugby and ultra marathons

Rising Star Tice in “total shock” at FIH nomination despite medals on four fronts in 2018
January 16, 2019 | 861 views | Leave a commentLena Tice says she “never even considered” she would be nominated for the FIH Rising Star despite one of the most spectacular years by anyone’s standards, winning medals in four separate jurisdictions.

No time to rest on laurels as Softco support brings Tokyo 2020 firmly into focus
December 20, 2018 | 815 views | Leave a commentAnna O’Flanagan says there is no time for the Green Army to rest on their laurels as the World Cup silver medalists gear up for a Christmas Day training session as Tokyo 2020 comes firmly into view.

McFerran looking forward to Living Like a Legend again in 2019
December 20, 2018 | 640 views | Leave a commentAyeisha McFerran will make her return to the Ireland squad for the first time since her World Cup heroics in August for next month’s trip to Chile as BBC2 set to look back on epic World Cup journey with Live Like Legends documentary on December 27

Irish senior teams to get new training base in Abbotstown
December 14, 2018 | 904 views | Leave a commentThe National Sports Campus in Abbotstown is set to become the new training centre for the Irish senior hockey teams following news a new water-based hockey pitch will be laid there.

Ireland left empty after devastating World Cup exit
December 8, 2018 | 1,349 views | Leave a commentWith emotions still raw in the wake of their World Cup departure, the Irish squad attempted to put into words their feelings following their departure from the competition.

Conor Harte and Green Machine to summon fighting Irish spirit
December 7, 2018 | 492 views | Leave a commentConor Harte says today’s showdown with England is Ireland’s “World Cup final” with a draw or better required against the world number seven side.

Billy Pollock’s Letter from Bhubaneswar
December 5, 2018 | 899 views | Leave a commentA small but vocal Irish supporter’s group has made the lengthy trip to Bhubaneswar to cheer on the boys in green; chief among them – in his customised shamrock suit – is Billy Pollock who has penned this letter from the World Cup for the Hook!

Green Machine hail defence to go into China tie in upbeat mood
December 2, 2018 | 901 views | Leave a commentIn the wake of the Irish game with Australia game, the Irish players reflected on a strong performance against the world number one side that ultimately ended in a 2-1 defeat. Here is what David Harte, Shane O’Donoghue and Matthew Nelson had to say:

Shane does not have to look far for World Cup inspiration
November 30, 2018 | 510 views | Leave a commentShane O’Donoghue says he does not have to look too far to draw inspiration as he looks forward to the Hockey World Cup in India this week, getting underway on Friday against reigning champions Australia.