IRELAND CAPTAIN DAVID Harte made history this afternoon as he helped SV Kampong to Euro Hockey League glory for the first time.

Harte becomes the first Irishman to win hockey’s equivalent of the Champions League after Sunday’s grand final victory over AH&BC Amsterdam in Barcelona.

The Cork-born goalkeeper played an integral role in Kampong’s success and winning the most prestigious club competition in the sport is perfect build-up for this summer’s Olympics.

Harte, who was named world goalkeeper of the year in 2015, has played professionally with Kampong since 2010 and has flown the flag for Ireland around the world.

He led Ireland to Olympic qualification last October and victory today has capped a remarkable season for the 28-year-old.

His attention will now turn to preparing for Ireland’s first appearance at the Games with the Green Machine set to face Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, India and Canada in Rio.

As Harte was away on club duty, Craig Fulton’s side suffered three heavy defeats in their series with Germany in Hamburg.

Ireland slumped to their heaviest defeat since 1979 on Thursday, losing 9-0 to the hosts, before being on the wrong end of 6-0 and 6-1 scorelines on Friday and Sunday.

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