Hockey Ireland delights in to approve an invite from the International Hockey Federation, FIH, for the Ireland Men’s Senior Squad to sign up with the FIH Hockey Men’s Pro League following period.
Ireland completed runners-up to South Africa in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup event last November, shedding a thrilling last 4-3.
It indicated South Africa got promo to the Pro League for 2023-2024 changing the country that will certainly complete base at the end of the existing period.
However South Africa have actually made a decision not to occupy their area and also as runners-up in the Nations Cup, Ireland have actually been welcomed by the FIH to change them and also have actually picked to do so. The 2023-2024 Pro League period will likely obtain underway in October and also Ireland can anticipate video games versus the lately crowned World Champions Germany and also Olympic gold medal champions Belgium in addition to various other hockey giants such as Australia and also India and also closer to residence Great Britain.
Before that Ireland will certainly hold Division 2 of the EuroHockey Championships in July at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, aiming to assert an area in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Paris 2024.
Commenting on the statement, Hockey Ireland CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ronan Murphy claimed: “This announcement comes at a very exciting time for Irish Hockey, as we look to grow participation in the game and compete at the highest level on the international stage. The fact that our Senior Men are now competing in World Hockey’s Pro League against eight top Hockey teams from around the world is a testament to all the hard work to date and is aligned with our High-Performance strategy and objectives”.
“As we continue our Olympic qualification campaign, we have a very busy year ahead with the EuroHockey Championships in Abbotstown in July offering a perfect opportunity for Irish Hockey fans to come along and watch the team in full international action.”
Mark Tumilty, Ireland Men’s Head Coach can not wait to start in thePro League “We are delighted this has come about. It’s a big opportunity for us and for men’s hockey in Ireland. It’s a massive challenge for us but I’ve said many times before that for Ireland to move forward in world hockey we need to be playing competitive games against the top nations. To have the chance now to play sixteen games against the top countries in the world will give our programme added purpose and focus.”
Hockey’s globe regulating body the FIH additionally commented: “Whilst we will miss South Africa in the next season, we know that the South African Hockey Association firmly intends to join the FIH Hockey Pro League as soon as possible. Therefore, this is just a matter of time. Meanwhile, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome the Irish men’s team and we can’t wait to see them perform in the League next season!”
WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK
