Róisín Upton: Ireland can’t take eye off the ball before Olympics

Tokyo represents the pinnacle of the sport for the Limerick woman but, in terms of long-term consequences, next week’s European Hockey Championships could have far greater impact on the health of the sport in Ireland

Róisín Upton at the launch of Circle K’s To Team Ireland initiative, giving the Irish public the chance to show off their creativity by drawing or writing a picture or message on a postcard in support of Team Ireland. Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

With next week’s European Hockey Championships in Amsterdam separated from the Olympic Games by just six weeks, Róisín Upton says there is a “lot to be lost” if Ireland start thinking too far ahead.

Tokyo represents the pinnacle of the sport for the Limerick woman but, in terms of long-term consequences, the Euros could have far greater impact on the health of the sport in Ireland.