A sensational achievement.
If we weren’t already cheering for the Aussies in the rugby, then it might be time to reconsider after the Kookaburras did Ireland a huge favour overnight.
Their victory over New Zealand in the final of the Oceania Cup means Ireland’s men’s hockey team will be competing at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the first time an Irish hockey side has made it to the Games since 1908, when they won silver.
With Australia already assured of their place in Rio, their 3-2 victory over the Black Sticks handed qualification to Craig Fulton’s men, who were next in line after their superb fifth-place finish at the World League event in July.
The team subsequently came third at the Eurohockey Championships in August and will be the first team in any sport to compete at an Olympic Games since 1948.
After what was surely a tense wait, coach Fulton said: “It probably hasn’t sunk in yet but we’re over the moon. It’s testament to what the guys have achieved this year on and off the field.”
There is one spot still available in the 12-team field, but Ireland are safely through, joining Brazil, India, Germany, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Great Britain, Argentina, Netherlands and Australia.
