Craig Fulton unleashed Irish potential, says shocked David Harte

Dubbed the “catalyst” for the Irish men’s huge rise on the world stage, Craig Fulton’s decision on Thursday to resign from the role six months out from a first World Cup appearance in 28 years has sent shockwaves through the local hockey community.

Hockey Ireland chief executive Jerome Pels told the Irish Examiner “this came as a complete surprise” as Fulton had only extended his agreement to stay on until Tokyo 2020 earlier this year.

It follows four years of unprecedented success, encompassing a first Olympic qualification in over a century, a maiden European championship medal in 2015, as well as a ticket to November’s World Cup in India.