Hockey Ireland proudly honoured 18 legendary players at its 2025 Hall of Fame inductions, hosted in Banbridge, Cork, and Dublin in May and June. These athletes have each made an enduring impact on Irish hockey through their skill, leadership, and commitment at the highest level.
Meet the 2025 Inductees
Men:
Joey O’Meara – Charismatic defender and Irish captain, O’Meara earned 52 caps and led Ireland to 1972 8-Nations gold and 1977 Intercontinental silver.
Alvin Carson – Fearless goalkeeper with 91 Irish caps, Carson was named best keeper at the 1978 World Cup and starred in the 1977 Intercontinental Cup.
Kenny Morris – A prolific striker with 24 goals in 66 caps, Morris featured in four major tournaments and scored five more times for Great Britain.
Martin Sloan – Long-serving captain with 149 caps, Sloan led Ireland in four European Cups and to the 1990 World Cup in Pakistan.
Paul Cooke – A dynamic midfielder-forward, Cooke starred in five major tournaments and was a key part of the 1990 World Cup squad.
Ger Burns – Powerful defender with 76 caps, Burns played in three European Cups and the 1990 World Cup.
Alan Dowd – Composed and pacey at the back, Dowd earned 101 caps and helped Ireland to 5th in Europe in 1995.
Robbie Taylor – Competitive midfielder with 30 international goals, Taylor played in two European Cups and the 1991 Olympic Qualifier.
Dan Clarke – Talented forward with 100 caps, Clarke lit up three European Cups and played twice for Great Britain.
Ivan Bateman – Dominant goalkeeper and 1995 European Cup best keeper, Bateman featured in three Euros and two Intercontinental Cups.
Women:
Joan Channing – Legendary forward and 1952 Irish captain, Channing led Pembroke to four Senior Cups and dazzled with her scoring flair.
Eileen “Johnnie” Lambert – Fearless 1950s goalkeeper, Lambert helped win the Triple Crown and inspired generations with her bravery and poise.
Jackie McWilliams – Olympic bronze medallist and dual international, McWilliams earned 98 combined caps and remains a coaching figure.
Jacqui Potter – Prolific forward and Irish captain, Potter’s legacy lives on through the Jacqui Potter Cup and her coaching success.
Mary Logue – Ireland’s first female centurion, Logue captained her country and became a leading coach and mentor.
Sarah Kelleher – Inspirational captain and coach, Kelleher led Ireland in the 1994 World Cup and succeeded at club level in England.
Rachael Kohler – Ireland’s most-capped woman in her time with 166 caps, played in two World Cups, Kohler captained the side to 6th in Europe in 2003 and dominated Munster hockey.
Lynsey McVicker – Clinical striker with 69 goals and 150+ caps, McVicker captained Ireland, played in two World Cups, and was awarded an MBE.
Honouring Excellence
Re-launched in 2025 after a decade-long pause, the Irish Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates those who have achieved international distinction and demonstrated the highest standards of play and sportsmanship. The Class of 2025 joins an esteemed group whose contributions continue to inspire generations of players and fans.
