Hockey heroes hailed at home
Festive mood as huge crowds turn out to welcome home history makers
Players Anna O’Flanagan and Chloe Watkins proudly show off their medals during the Ireland hockey team’s homecoming at Dame Street in Dublin. They were greeted by thousands of jubilant supporters impressed by their stunning performance in the Hockey World Cup.
CHRISTMAS came early for the Irish women’s hockey team who celebrated their historic World Cup silver medal finish with a rousing festive song that brought Dame Street to a standstill.
Although the Yuletide celebration is more than five months away, the team broke into an upbeat ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ as thousands of well-wishers gathered outside Dublin City Hall yesterday for the homecoming celebrations.
The unseasonal choice of song was inspired by the excitement the team felt on the eve of the final.
They said it generated the same butterflies-in-the-stomach sensation as Christmas inspires in children.
They sang it before the historic showdown with the Netherlands at London’s Lee Valley Stadium.
Even though they were defeated 6-0, their David and Goliath struggle has made them the underdog heroes the world over.
Arriving at Dublin Airport to a hero’s welcome, team captain Katie Mullan said getting to the final meant the world to the team.
“We wanted to make an impact – and boy did we make an impact.
“We were ranked 15th and to be standing here with a silver medal, we exceeded all expectations,” she told the Irish Independent.
“In terms of leading the girls, it was a great privilege to run down the tunnel first and wear the armband but we have an incredible number of leaders in this group and everyone leads the team in their own right,” she said.
“I’m just the lucky one who gets to wear the armband.
“They’re a very easy group to captain, everyone listens, everyone cares so much.
“When you get a group of people with a common goal, it is very easy to bring them together because they’re prepared to do whatever it takes,” she added.
Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring, who hosted a private reception at Dublin City Hall for the players and their families ahead of the street party, said the team more than deserved the accolades and celebrations.
“What a boost for the country. What a boost for women’s sport. What a boost for Mná na hÉireann,” he said.
“It’s been a hundred years since women got the vote and look how far they’ve come in all fields, and on the hockey field now.
“The best achievement by any field team in the history of Irish sport and they’re here today.”
Among the throng of supporters at the
homecoming was Jess Whelan (17), who plays hockey for the Avoca Hockey Club in Blackrock, south Dublin.
“Obviously the result didn’t go our way,” she said of the team’s defeat in the final.
“But we’re so proud of what they’ve done.”
Jess, who has been playing hockey since she was 10, said the team’s success “will definitely put hockey on the map”.
She also believes their success will go on to inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport.
“I’ve had friends texting saying they want to pick it up already,” she said. Joan Feeham (53) is a member of the Loreto Hockey Club in Rathfarnham, which produced three players for the Irish squad – Hannah Matthews, Ali Meeke and Nicci Daly.
“It’s just a phenomenal experience to see what’s happened with this amateur team,” she said.
“And to see them play against the Dutch and give them a run for their money and to fight so hard.
“They’re such a great bunch of girls.
“Tokyo here we come!” she added, referring to the team’s quest to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.
Caoilin Dunne (13), who plays for the Corinthians Hockey Club in Rathfarnham, was also among the very patriotic crowd. She said she was inspired by the team.