‘Their achievement was getting to final...it was phenomenal’

THE atmosphere in Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club, in Dublin’s Sandymount, was nothing short of electric as the crowds gathered to watch Ireland battle it out against the Netherlands in the Women’s Hockey World Cup final. And while they may have missed out on the gold, the Irish team did their country proud.

They eventually lost 6-0 against the Dutch team, and former president of Pembroke Hockey Club Deirdre Mackay paid a

glowing tribute to the Irish team.

“It was absolutely fantastic. The girls played brilliantly. The Netherlands have been number one for years. There was no shame whatsoever in finishing 6-0. To win a silver medal in a World Cup is just amazing,” she said.

Among the crowd were friends Olwen Scally from Co Westmeath and Deirdre Waters from Dublin. “Their achievement was getting there,” Ms Waters said. “They put their hearts on the line and they play like lions. It was phenomenal,” she said.

“Regardless of win or lose, I just thought it was an amazing performance from Ireland. They did tremendously well,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sandra Ryan and Helen Walsh, both from Pembroke, were thrilled with the performance the Irish team put in.

“I do think it’s funny over the last couple of days how everyone has become an expert on hockey. I was in a pub just passing by yesterday and everyone was gathered around the telly,” said Helen.

“Last week, no one even knew what girls’ hockey was. It’s terribly exciting. It’s put us on the map. We are all proud.”

Dundrum woman Hannah Watchorn (20) plays at Pembroke and was thrilled with the performance. She noted Ireland were underdogs at the beginning of the World Cup and were ranked 16th. “I just think it’s incredible. They have beaten so many teams that are ranked above them.

“It shows that just because you are ranked 16th doesn’t mean you’re worse than the top teams.

“There’s so many people getting behind the girls now,” she said.

Pembroke’s Gillian Pinder, Aisling Naughton and Emily Beatty are all members of the Ireland team.