Revington to leave the Green Machine

Irish hockey yesterday lost one of its crown jewels with the resignation of Paul Revington as senior men’s coach.

The South African led Ireland to a record-equalling fifth place in Europe last August and to the brink of Olympic qualification in March, only having their hearts broken with mere seconds to go in the final against Korea.

During his three-and-a-half-year tenure, Revington oversaw a rise in world ranking from 18th to 16th — which will rise to 15th after the Olympic Games — becoming joint-winner of the FIH Men’s Coach of the Year honour.

“I will look back on the past few years having shared so many great moments with many players, staff and supporters involved with the Ireland senior men’s team,” said Revington yesterday.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of such an amazing squad of people.”

Revington has yet to publicly outline his reasons for departing.

The Irish Hockey Association’s high performance director Dave Passmore said Irish hockey was sad to see him leave: “His departure is of great disappointment to all but he has left a legacy which must now be built upon.”

Revington will remain with Irish hockey until July 2012.