From farm to the field of play

Irish women’s hockey captain Katie Mullan’s farming experience has had a positive impact on her sporting career, writes Ray Ryan

Irish Olympic hockey player Katie Mullan with Royal School, Cavan, students Rachel Alexander, Lloyd Hastings, Kelvin McNally, Sophie Reilly, and Barry Stratford, overall winners of the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition 2020 at an awards ceremony in Croke Park. The students organised a ‘Walk in my Wellies’ fundraising event in aid of Pieta House. Picture: Chris Bellew/ Fennells

THE inspirational captain of Ireland’s hockey team, Katie Mullan, was back in Croke Park last week — but not to speak about the day she helped Eoghan Rua GAA club from Coleraine, Co Derry, win the 2010 All Ireland Intermediate Camogie title at the iconic stadium.