Ryan Bailey reports from the Lee Valley Stadium, London
THE MAGNITUDE OF the achievement may take some time to fully sink in, but the Ireland women’s hockey team will get a first taste of the public’s pride when they’re welcomed home with a civic reception tomorrow afternoon.
Graham Shaw’s side made history in London by becoming the first Irish senior team — in any sport — to qualify for a World Cup final and while they suffered defeat to Netherlands in this afternoon’s gold medal match, that should not detract from one of the greatest Irish sporting achievements.
A sensational, and unexpected, run to the final saw Ireland make their mark on what was their first World Cup appearance in 16 years, while firmly putting themselves and hockey in the hearts and minds of the nation throughout a memorable campaign.
Shaw’s side — ranked 16th in the world pre-tournament — defied all odds to record wins over higher-ranked nations such as USA, India and Spain en route to a famous silver medal.
And the team will be given a hero’s welcome back to Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday after it was confirmed the Lord Mayor Nial Ring and Dublin City Council will host a special homecoming event in the capital.
The World Cup silver medal winning squad will arrive into Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 at 12.30pm tomorrow, before making their way into the city centre for a civic reception.
On behalf of Dublin City Council, the team will be welcomed onto the stage on Dame Street at 3pm by the Lord Mayor and other dignitaries, with members of the public given the opportunity to help mark the momentous accomplishment.
There will be access to Dame Street from 2pm, with organisers recommending members of the public wishing to attend to use public transport to and from the event.
President Michael D. Higgins said the team’s achievement would help ‘young women and men all around the island of Ireland to take up sport and for that the team and support staff deserve all our thanks.’
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Would have been the most watched program only a lot people watched it in the pubs ! Great day it was ! One sore head following morning!!
@Nightowl: very good point
What was so special about that 1 episode of room to improve that landed it in 5th place?
@Gary Lyons: Don’t think that’s just for one episode, I think it’s the average no. of people that watch it weekly? I could be completely wrong there though lol
@Gary Lyons: Wasn’t that the one when yer wan did the lovely job on her living room and yer man fell out with the other lad over the price of everything?
@Armchair Follower: nah it was the one where dermot went way over budget and the blonde surveyor lady gave out to him. And he threw a fit about people not understanding his artistic genius. The couple ended up taking out a second loan for a tiny conversion, but everyone got locked at the party at the end and said they loved dermot really.
Oh the memories, think iv watched 20 times
Thought nobody watches the Eurovision anymore?
Move on lads ,move on
Nothing beats a big football game in terms of viewing figures
@tubbsyf: except the Toy Show and two rugby games you mean?!!
@Joe Kennedy: no, the irish team had no big games last year
@tubbsyf: How dare you take such a blasé attitude to the UEFA Nations League
Nearly 1 million watched Croatia v England. #rivals
More people watching England play soccer than the All Ireland’s, GAA is not as popular as some people think it is