Head Coach Mark Tumilty names Ireland Men’s Hockey team for January’s Olympic Qualifiers

Dublin, Dec 18: Ireland Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach, Mark Tumilty, has announced his squad which will contest the Olympic Qualifiers next month. The tournament which will take place between January 13th and 21st in Valencia, Spain is the final opportunity for nations to reach the Summer Olympic Hockey Tournament in Paris. Eight nations from all over the world have reached this qualification tournament in Valencia.

Ireland ( World Ranked #13) are drawn in Pool A alongside Belgium (WR #2), Japan ( WR #15) and Ukraine (WR #29). In Pool B hosts Spain (WR #8), are in with Korea (WR #10), Austria (WR #19), and Egypt ( WR #20). There are only 3 qualification places available from this tournament, so it is essential Ireland finish at least second in the pool and preferably win their semi-final to ensure a spot in Paris next summer. A place could still be secured by the losing semi-finalists were they to win the 3rd place play-off.

Commenting on the squad announcement, Ireland Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach, Mark Tumilty said:

“It has been a tough selection process, and I feel for those players that have not been selected.”

“I am very pleased with the squad selected and feel that if we can produce our best hockey we have an opportunity to achieve our objectives. This is the most experienced squad selected in recent years and I feel that experience will be vital in Valencia. I look forward to finalising our preparation over the next few weeks, before flying to Valencia for a week’s training before the tournament starts. It is a great challenge for this group of players but one I look forward to seeing them embrace.”

Adding comment Hockey Ireland’s High-Performance Director, Lisa Jacob, said:

“There has been steady and consistent preparation over several years for this tournament. As a result, the 18 selected players will represent the squad that is now demonstrating great strength and depth, with high competition for places. Olympic Qualification is an exciting opportunity, and the team are very well prepared to perform when it matters most.”

The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team will also compete at the Olympic Qualifiers in January in Valencia, with the squad planned for announcement end December. All games can be viewed on FIH’s streaming platform Watch.Hockey.