Ireland’s national Women’s hockey team to participate in two four-nation tournaments in Argentina
The Women’s national hockey team of Ireland is to participate in two four-nation tournaments to be played in Argentina, first in Buenos Aires from December 7 to 11 and second in Parana from December 14 to 18.
The Irish Women athletes will face the challenge of South Africa, India and the hosts, reigning World Champions and the current World Number one on FIH (International Hockey Federation) rankings Las Leonas. The Irish team will have their work cut out for
them as top teams like Argentina have a brilliant track record at home.
Although, both of the events do not have any World rankings points yet, it will provide the Irish with an ample opportunity to prepare themselves for the qualifying round of 2012 London Olympic Games which will be conducted in the first quarter of next year.
All of the teams are looking to put in decent performances and get warmed up for the important Olympic Qualifiers.
“Irish Hockey is most appreciative of the support being provided by ESB Electric Ireland to enable the Women’s team accept the invitation of the Argentina Hockey Federation to compete in these two tournaments,” Sally Ann Fanagan, the manager of the Irish
national Women’s hockey team, stated her comments about their upcoming assignments in Argentina.
Meanwhile, Gene Muller, the head coach of the Irish Women’s national hockey team, also looked pleased about their next assignments. The coach also viewed the two tournaments as a big opportunity for his team to prepare themselves for the Olympic Qualifying
tournament to be held next year. However, the coach has not selected the team for the Argentinean tour as there is still a lot of time for the action to take place. Although the team line-up has not been announced, the Irish squad will be looking to get some
of their younger players some valuable playing time in the tournaments.
General Manager of the ESB Electric Ireland, Liam Malloy, also shared his views and stated that being the sponsor of the Irish Women’s national hockey team they wish that the squad may further strengthened their preparation for the Olympic Qualifiers by
playing in the four-nation tournaments in Argentina and they also wish them the best of luck in their upcoming assignments. Liam Malloy also stated that they will always be in support for Irish hockey so that a well shaped and well balanced team can be prepared
before the London Olympic Games.
It will be interesting to see how well Irish team performs during the exciting tournaments in Argentina. With some of the top Women’s hockey teams participating in the tournaments, the Irish team will be looking to get some good playing time on the field
to help prepare for the all important Olympic Qualifiers.
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