Cleland calls time on international career

IRELAND’S bid to secure Olympic qualification was dealt a significant blow yesterday, after vastly experienced defender Bridget Cleland (McKeever) announced her retirement from international hockey.

The demands of combining full-time employment as a teacher in Dalriada School in Ballymoney, Co Antrim with the ever-increasing commitment required for international hockey has prompted Cleland to end her career in a green jersey after wining 150 caps.

A tenacious and brave defender, the 27-year-old made her international debut against Japan in 2003 and became vice-captain in 2009, wearing the skipper’s armband on a number of occasions in the absence of Eimear Cregan.