Heroes’ welcome promised for new silver medallists’ homecoming in capital as up to 5,000 expected to turn out ahead of civic reception
THE Irish women’s hockey team will receive a heroes’ welcome when they return home today after their unprecedented silver-medal finish at the Hockey World Cup in London yesterday.
Graham Shaw’s side lost to favourites the Netherlands yesterday, but still managed to achieve their highest-ever civic reception,” the Lord Mayor said.
The team are expected in City Hall about 2pm, before the reception gets under way at 3pm.
Tributes have been paid to the team by the President and the Taoiseach. President Michael D Higgins congratulated the team on their “fantastic accomplishment” and said they had broken new ground as a result.
“I wish to offer my warmest congratulations to the Irish women’s hockey team on their historic achievement of winning the silver medal at the World Cup,” the President said in a statement.
“To reach the final was a
fantastic accomplishment and to do so with such skill, dedication and team spirit is truly inspirational.
“This team has broken new ground for Irish hockey and Irish sport and their momentous achievement will encourage young women and men all around the island of Ireland to take up sport.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (inset) described their performance in the tournament as “truly amazing” and backed them for success in the 2020 Olympics in Toyko.
“Getting to a World Cup final ranks among the greatest moments in Irish sport and their feats will inspire young players all over the country. serious benchmark for other Irish teams, and it shows what Ireland can do on the world stage. It’s a momentous achievement, and has rightly grabbed all the headlines over the last week and will keep grabbing the headlines for a while to come.”