Dutch show class in Cork

The Irish men completed a two game series against world number 2 The Netherlands this week in the Mardyke Sports Grounds in UCC. The men were coming straight off the back of a six team tournament in Valencia, Spain. Close to 3,000 supporters turned up for the two games to see the Green Machine in action in Munster for the first time in nearly 10 years.

The Dutch showed why they are Gold Medal contenders in Rio winning both games by 5 goal margins (7-2 & 5-0). The Irish men never gave up throughout despite obvious signs of fatigue leading to a number of unforced errors.

Irish coach Craig Fulton will pick his final 16 (and 2 reserves) for Rio on the 11th of July. There are 3 Munster men in contention for places – David Harte, Conor Harte and John Jermyn. Best of luck to all three players and indeed all other players involved.

Thank you to all the volunteers that made this event such a great success. We now look forward to the Eurohockey Championships to be held in Cork. After that all eyes will be on Rio.