Meredith: Ireland need big stars to stay at home

Andrew Meredith believes Ireland’s wild geese must come home if they are to challenge at world hockey’s top level.

The recommendation came in the wake of Ireland’s seventh place finish, a couple of slots outside of the probable World Cup qualification cut-off, in the World League semi-final at Rotterdam.

Limited job opportunities in Ireland and the chance to play in Europe’s best leagues have seen many of the country’s best ply their trade with clubs abroad in recent years. Nonetheless, Meredith believes the creation of “an elite environment” in Ireland is required to thrive in the current economic climate.