ORLA RYAN and Pamela Orr were yesterday dropped by Irish ladies hockey coach Riet Kuper, as she announced her squad for the forthcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Auckland, New Zealand from March 19 to 28.

IRISH ladies hockey coach Riet Kuper has named a squad of 20 to travel to America next month as preparations intensify ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland from March 19-28.

The Irish men’s hockey team begin their European Championship campaign in Barcelona on Monday against Spain in a game that could shape their ultimate destiny in the competition.