Buttimer bows out of international hockey

NIGEL BUTTIMER has announced his retirement from international hockey at the age of 28.

The Cork Church of Ireland player collected 51 caps since his debut in 1998 against Scotland. His last game was in 2003 at the European Nations Cup in Barcelona against Switzerland, where Ireland won 5-2.

Ireland manager Steven Hiles said: "Nigel is a model professional and a perfect role model for all young hockey players today. He will be sorely missed on and off the pitch."

Meanwhile, Ireland women's coach, Riet Kuper, has announced a squad of 23 to travel to Spain at the end of January for a seven-day training camp in Barcelona. The camp will include training matches against Holland.

Kuper has excluded experienced internationals Lynsey McVicker (Ballymoney) Jenny Burke (Hermes) and Linda Caulfield (Hermes) to give experience to new playersas she prepares for the European Nations Cup in Dublin in August.

Deirdre Casey (Cork Church of Ireland) was not considered due to exam commitments, nor was Jill Orbinson (Portadown) who is in Australia.

The squad in alphabetical order is: S Beaney (Belfast Harlequins), H Bowe (Armagh), E Bromell (Catholic Institute), F Connery (Hermes), E Cregan (UL), K Farrell (Waterford), M Goode (Pembroke W), L Healy (Loreto), J Hodgins (Hermes), K Maybin (Pegasus), N McCaughren (Ballymoney), J McDonough (Belfast Harlequins), K McCollum (Pegasus), B McKeever (Ballymoney), C McKean (Loreto), C Murphy (Old Alex), C O'Brien (Railway Union), L O'Neill (Loreto), C Parkhill (Randalstown), A Platt (Ballymoney), N Symmons (Loreto), E Stewart (Armagh), O Ryan (Loreto).