High-flying Ireland are the envy of their rivals
AS the final hooter sounded on Thursday to rubberstamp Ireland’s historic progression to the Women’s World Cup last eight, Shirley McCay cast her eyes across the fervent Green Army support.
‘I had to ask my boss for more leave,’ said the 30-year-old midfielder. ‘She was in the stands so I had to ask her for a bit more time off.’
Approaching 270 caps, McCay is set to retire from international hockey after the World Cup to become a full-time coach in Ulster.
And not even Ireland’s most experienced player could have forecast they would be heading into today’s clash against England with the hosts needing a win the most.
‘We know England are a top, top side and we will give it everything, but we can go out there with freedom knowing we are through,’ said McCay.
‘We always knew we were capable of something special and coming in as underdogs we were always going to give it our best.’
After victories over USA and India ‘real belief’ is now surging through a nation which has seemingly connected with London’s Olympic Park venue.
Three years ago, Ireland’s men beat England to bronze at the EuroHockey Championships. But the women’s heroics have undoubtedly trumped that achievement.
McCay said: ‘We never thought we would finish top. We have caused a few shocks and we love the underdog tag and all know our strengths.’
The semi-professional squad had only trained full-time for six weeks leading up to prepare for their first World Cup in 16 years, which included two warm-up camps in Dublin, Germany and Cork.
It is a decision which proved pivotal against India. Anna O’Flanagan’s first-half goal was then backed up by spirited one versus one defending and a fine all-round team display as they held out to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
Moreover, with no hockey pitches in seven counties – including Mayo, Kerry and Clare – Ireland women’s achievements have come to the fore.
McCay added: ‘We are all semi-professional. We don’t get paid to play and most of us have full-time jobs or at college and it brings us together. We are playing under adversity all the time and that only helps us.’
Today, against an England side which has yet to hit top gear in front of two 10,000 sell out crowds and show their world No2 status, Ireland may have one eye on Thursday’s quarterfinal.
‘It is a surprise,’ said McCay. ‘They maybe haven’t taken the chances and have under-performed compared to their expectations.
‘But they can perform under pressure and we are looking forward to the fight.’
England midfielder Susannah Townsend concurs: ‘We would like to be where Ireland are now,’ she said. ‘But we have got better with every game.
‘The plan doesn’t really change for us, we go into every game to win and pressure isn’t a bad thing.’
‘We’ve had opportunities and it’s about scoring. That’s what wins hockey games, it’s not about sitting back, it’s about taking the game to them.’
In a tournament which has produced a plethora of shocks, world No16 Ireland could be joined in the last eight by Italy, the lowest-ranked side in London. And for Ireland’s captain Katie Mullan, a biomedical engineer, the prospect of more upsets is on the cards.
‘In World Cup hockey anything can happen,’ said Mullan. ‘It’s been fine margins for us and nothing in this tournament has surprised me. I’m really enjoying it and I have no doubt that England will come out and apply themselves.’