The 16 strong national squad, under the direction of team leader Dave Passmore of Irish Hockey, will challenge for Olympic gold against nations such as New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa at what will be a mini-Olympics Games, with over 200 nations participating in a wide range of sports.
“This is the perfect opportunity to develop a group of talented young athletes, many of whom have been through Irish Hockey’s talent ID system. Whilst the tournament will be a challenging one in difficult climatic conditions it is the best way to test our young stars against the world’s best nations”said Dave Passmore.
Ireland will also be represented in athletics with Mark English (1,000 metres) and Kate Veale (5K walk). Two boxers have also qualified: Joe Ward (75kgs) and Ryan Burnett (48kgs), and the team is completed by Denise Walsh (rowing) and Sophie Murphy (sailing).
The Olympic Council of Ireland’s sports director, Martin Burke, has been appointed Chef de Mission while Cormac O’Muircheartaigh, (son of broadcaster Michael) and currently medical director of the Singapore Institute of Sport will provide medical and physiotherapy services to the team.
