‘PROUD’ IRELAND READY TO KICK ON
IRELAND’S Deirdre Duke says qualifying for the quarterfinals of the World Cup with one pool game left to play is ‘a dream come true’. Competing in the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, Ireland were not expected to progress from a tough pool containing hosts England, the US and India. However, Graham Shaw’s side made a stunning start to the tournament in London with a 3-1 win over the Americans before backing it up last Thursday with a 1-0 victory over India to become the first side through to the last eight. And Duke, scorer of two goals in the win over the US, says the players are relishing upsetting expectations as confidence swells within the squad. ‘We have always believed we had the potential to do something special at this World Cup and we are immensely proud. It is a dream come true!’ said Duke. ‘We took a lot of confidence from the USA game as they are ranked seventh in the world but we knew India play a different style of hockey and we needed to prepare well. ‘Many of us have played at international, provincial and club level for many years together so this isn’t something that has just happened over night, it has been years and years in the making,’ added Duke. ‘We are an incredibly close group, not only are all of the girls teammates but we are all best friends and that shows in the way we play and work for each other on the pitch.’ Having already qualified, tomorrow evening’s clash with England (7pm) is not vital result-wise but Duke believes it is another opportunity for Irish hockey to raise its profile. ‘We cannot wait, it is an incredible opportunity to play England in a sell-out match on their home turf,’ said Duke.