It’s unlikely that David Harte and CJ Stander have ever met, but these two very different sportsmen share an unusual distinction.

Irish hockey fans have long claimed national captain David Harte as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and extra validation came yesterday as he was named as hockey’s top netminder for 2015.

As Irish hockey puts to bed one of the most memorable years in its history, the men’s national team will hope to break even more new ground in 2016.

Ireland goalkeeper David Harte’s reputation has been further enhanced after he was unveiled as the eighth most expensive player in the Hockey India League.