We’re on top of the World
Irish hockey players through to play Holland in today’s final
CONGRATULATIONS are pouring in for the heroines of the Irish women’s hockey team, as they play in the World Cup final for the first time today.
But when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took to social media yesterday straight after Ireland’s historic penalty shootout win against Spain, he faced a barrage of calls to back his sentiments of support with real funding for the team. The players on the international women’s squad are obliged to pay €550 a year to supplement their funding, and most of the team are students or are in fulltime jobs.
Sport Ireland granted just €260,000 to the entire sport of hockey in funding last year, a small fraction of the €10.81m awarded to 58 Irish sports.
Sports Minister Shane Ross also faced a volley of criticism about this lack of funding when he sent a message of congratulations after the game.
In London yesterday, Ireland’s head coach Graham Shaw was over the moon after his side’s win. ‘I’m just overwhelmed. What an effort,’ he said after the Green Army held Spain to a one-all draw, before winning 3-2 on penalties.
Emotions ran high during RTÉ’s coverage of the win and tears filled the eyes of pundits Lisa Jacob and Kate Dillon, both former international players as they struggled to hide their joy.
The final will be screened at 4.30pm today by RTÉ, which advised viewers to check online for station information.