Ireland’s National Women’s Team will be spending just over two weeks in Argentina before Christmas with thanks to support from their sponsors ESB Electric Ireland and hosts, the Argentinean Hockey Federation.
This trip will see Ireland compete in two four nations taking place back to back against, South Africa, India and Argentina. While neither event holds world ranking points, it does hold an opportunity for valuable match practice as Ireland continue their preparations for the Olympic Qualifiers which will take place in the first quarter of 2012.
Commenting on the upcoming event Liam Malloy, General Manager from ESB Electric Ireland said “ESB Electric Ireland recently announced its sponsorship of the Irish Olympic Team. We are fully supportive of the drive to have as many top class Irish athletes as possible at the Olympics in London 2012. As the sponsor of Irish Women’s Hockey we want the team to have the best possible preparation for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers and we wish them the best of luck with their matches in Argentina”
Sally Ann Fanagan said “Irish Hockey are most appreciative of the support being provided by ESB Electric Ireland to enable the Women’s team accept the invitation of the Argentina Hockey Federation to compete in these two tournaments. The players are keen to avail of any opportunities they can get to test themselves in international competition, not only in preparation for the forthcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but also at a time when it is difficult to guarantee even quality training with the threat of frozen pitches in Ireland in December”.
Coach Gene Muller was no doubt pleased about the upcoming event “Our team is very grateful to ESB Electric Ireland for making this event happen. It is a big boost to our Olympic Qualification preparations. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Padraig McManus and ESB Electric Ireland. We are very fortunate to have them in our corner.”
Gene Muller, National Women’s Coach will not select the Squad until nearer the time.
EVENT SCHEDULE
1st Four Nations
Buenos Aires, Argentina
7th December South Africa v India
Argentina v Ireland
8th December South Africa v Ireland
Argentina v India
10th December India v Ireland
Argentina v South Africa
11th December Classifications
2nd Four Nations
Parana, Argentina
14th December South Africa v India
Argentina v Ireland
15th December India v Ireland
Argentina v South Africa
17th December South Africa v Ireland
Argentina v India
18th December Classifications
