Bridget Cleland retires from International Hockey
Ballymoney player and vice-captain of the Irish Women’s hockey team, Bridget Cleland has retired from international hockey after eight-year successful career citing increasing work commitments, family and travelling as main reasons behind the decision.
Legendary defender of the Ireland’s hockey team, Bridget Cleland has proclaimed her retirement decision on Thursday, who is one of the most capped players of the country. Cleland started international hockey in 2003 against Japan and displayed impressive
game throughout the eight-year career. She became vice-captain of the Irish Women’s hockey squad in 2009 while she also captained the squad on many occasions which included her last game in July this year against Hockeyroos.
Bridget Cleland, who acquired 150 caps in the international career, was most dedicated, unyielding, and determined performer of the Irish team.
Cleland explained her decision of retirement saying that it was quite difficult for her to quit the game; however she has taken the decision due to extensive travelling, family and increasing work commitment. She said, “I am unfortunately unable to meet
the demands of international sport due to increasing work commitments, family and travelling.”
Bridget Cleland expressed thanks to all those who supported her in the game of hockey particularly her family and her employer, Dalriada School, which gave her opportunities to make her career more bright and successful. She also expressed gratitude for
the Sports Institute of Northern Ireland and High Performance Manager of Ulster Hockey, Steven Watt for their acknowledgement and encouragement.
Cleland was of the view that the hockey in Ireland is enrolling into new phase with the start of central programme and she completely supports this, adding that it was great change and would improve the level of the game in the country.
Coach of ESB Ireland senior Women’s hockey team, Gene Muller was of the view that Cleland was an excellent and outstanding hockey player, who played significant role in the successes of the squad for past several years. Cleland was a hard defender, reproducible
and mature performer and her retirement will be a loss to the team, he added.
Captain of the ESB Senior Team of Ireland Eimear Cregan said, “It has been a great pleasure playing alongside Bridget over the last 13 years. Since her Senior International debut in 2003, she has become one of the most consistent, determined and tenacious
players to have ever worn an Irish shirt. She has been a fantastic leader both on and off the pitch and has always encouraged all players to strive for success."
Hockey lovers and fans from Ireland must say thanks to Bridget Cleland for her brilliant part in the hockey of the country for last several years.
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