Ireland captain Kohler retires from international arena

RACHEL KOHLER, Ireland’s most capped hockey player and the captain of the side which claimed sixth place at the recent European championships in Barcelona, has announced her retirement from the international side.

The 29-year-old Cork Harlequins player said last night that she felt the time was right for her to step back “after ten wonderful years with the Irish international side.”

Kohler’s decision came as something of a surprise. The Irish ladies team will next year attempt to qualify for the Olympic game in Athens at a qualifying tournament and it had been anticipated that the Irish captain would at least continue until then.