Irish men's hockey squad confirmed for Olympics

The Ireland men's hockey squad in attendance during the team announcement at Banbridge Hockey Club. Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

The Irish men's hockey squad for the Olympics Games has been confirmed.

The men’s team last competed at the Rio Olympics. Two squad members from those Games, Cork goalkeeper David Harte and Dublin's Shane O'Donoghue, are again part of the team. 

Ireland sealed its Paris place at the final qualification event in Valencia earlier this year, defeating Korea 4-3 in a thrilling playoff.

“This is a hugely exciting moment for us as players, and it’s an honour to be able to represent this team and our country at the highest level of our sport," said Ireland captain Sean Murray.

"The team and the wider group have worked so hard to get here. No doubt the experience will stay with us forever but right now, we just want to get out there and compete."

Head coach Mark Tumility added: "Those selected have earned this opportunity and it’s a moment for them and their families that they deserve. I’ve always said the toughest part of my job is selecting only 16 to compete, and our thoughts are also with those members of the group who have missed out on selection. I am proud of them all for getting us to where we are today.”

The tournament runs from July 27 - August 9. Ireland are in Pool B where they face Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand. Their first match will be against Belgium on the 27 July.

The venue for the hockey tournaments is the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, which was the main arena for the 1924 Paris Olympics. 

Men’s Olympic hockey squad

David Harte (GK) Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle Marshall, Peter McKibbin, Tim Cross, Daragh Walsh, Nick Page, Sean Murray (captain), Michael Robson, Peter Brown, Johnny McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Matthew Nelson, Ben Walker, Ben Johnson, Jonny Lynch (R), Alistair Empey (R), Jaime Carr (R GK).