Irish Women Bound for Double Tournament Header in Argentina

Ireland’s National Women’s Team will be spending just over two weeks in Argentina before Christmas with thanks to support from their sponsors ESB Electric Ireland and hosts, the Argentinean Hockey Federation.

This trip will see Ireland compete in two four nations taking place back to back against, South Africa, India and Argentina. While neither event holds world ranking points, it does hold an opportunity for valuable match practice as Ireland continue their preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers which will take place in the first quarter of 2012.

Commenting on the upcoming event Irish Manager Sally Ann Fanagan said “Irish Hockey are 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.  The players are keen to avail of any opportunities they can get to test themselves in international competition, not only in preparation for the forthcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but also at a time when it is difficult to guarantee even quality training with the threat of frozen pitches in Ireland in December”.

Liam Malloy, General Manager from ESB Electric Ireland also commented on the announcement “ESB Electric Ireland recently announced its sponsorship of the Irish Olympic Team.  We are fully supportive of the drive to have as many top class Irish athletes as possible at the Olympics in London 2012.  As the sponsor of Irish Women’s Hockey we want the team to have the best possible preparation for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers and we wish them the best of luck with their matches in Argentina”

High Performance Director Dave Passmore was also pleased about the upcoming trip“This trip will provide two quality events and some warm weather training after a long stretch of training in the cold damp conditions in Ireland.  It is a timely opportunity to assess the development of the team moving forward to the Olympic Qualifiers.”

Gene Muller, National Women’s Coach will not select the Squad until nearer the time.

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

1^st Four Nations

Buenos Aires, Argentina

7^th December               South Africa     v          India

Argentina        v          Ireland

8^th December               South Africa     v          Ireland

Argentina        v          India

10^th December             India                v          Ireland

Argentina        v          South Africa

11^th December             Classifications

2^nd  Four Nations

Parana, Argentina

14^th December             South Africa     v          India

Argentina        v          Ireland

15^th December             India                v          Ireland

Argentina        v          South Africa

17^th December South   Africa               v          Ireland

Argentina        v          India

18^th December             Classifications

 

Source: Irish Hockey Association