Post Europeans for Irish Women

After what can only be described as an extremely intense eight days for the Irish Women's International Hockey team, both physically and mentally, they are now back in Ireland on a compulsory 'hockey free' month.

The Irish women achieved their initial goal to retain their 'A' European status by taking sixth place in the tournament. Ireland's pool was no easy feat coming up against the Mighty Dutch, England and Italy. Ireland's opening game got off to a shaky start when they conceded their first match to hosts, England losing 3-0. Ireland's next match was an even bigger mountain to climb when they took on the World number 1's, the Netherlands, conceding six goals and going into their third and final game knowing the only option to survive was to win their next match against Italy.

The key to their success was focussing on the games where they realistically felt they could secure points and convert goals namely against Italy (3-0) and then the Ukraine (2-1) which enabled them to finish in sixth spot to retain their A status.

This was Gene Muller's first major tournament at the helm of the Irish Women's Team and it has given him some insight into his team in a tournament environment "Most importantly it gives us a benchmark performance under pressure. Six months before the Olympic qualifier this is probably the best thing that could happen to us and give us a chance to address aspects of our play."

Gene has given the players a four week break from hockey (both internationally and at club level) although it is not all rest as the players will begin their physical preparation for the next milestone, The Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2008.