‘An honour and privilege to have played for my country’

IRISH Hockey legend and long-time Glennane Hockey Club clubman Shane O’Donoghue brought the curtain down on a glittering career on Sunday August 25, scoring in a 4-0 win against Chechia at the Sport Ireland Campus.

This win ensured that Ireland secured bronze in the Euro Qualifying Finals as a strong Polish team took the gold reports Ken Doyle.

With only the tournament winners advancing to the A Division European Championships next summer, both these sides are now facing the prospect of B Division European Championships in 2025 regardless of result of the bronze medal play off.

Having opened the scoring in the sixth minute and wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Sean Murray, Shane put in a typically strong performance, leading the team to an impressive win.

Alastair Empey, Lee Cole and Louis Rowe completed the scoring for the Irish team.

When the final hooter went however, all eyes turned to Shane.

After a magnificent international career spanning fourteen years and featuring a record 124 goals, scored in 242 caps, Shane addressed the assembled press, looking back on his illustrious spell in the green jersey.

A spell which included a World Cup campaign, a European bronze medal and appearances at two Olympic Games.

“It was nice to get the win today.

“Obviously we came in with a goal to win gold and get that ticket.

“That wasn’t to be, but it’s been a long year with the Pro-League and obviously straight back into camp after the Olympics.

“Mentally not easy but it shows the character we have in this group.”

“It’s been a journey. It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to have played for my country over 200 times and met people who I now consider friends for life” “It’s been great to finish here at home in front of family and friends.

“My wife Emma and my Mam and Dad and so many others.

The people who have picked me up in the bad times and enjoyed celebrating the successes with me.”

“There’s a mountain of people who played a big role in my career who I have to thank.

“I’m sure I’ll get to them all in the next few days and weeks.”

As he makes the difficult transition from player to spectator, Shane remarked, “I wish nothing but success to this team going forward.

“I think we have a really special group and I’ll be on this side of the fence with a beer in hand, getting quite animated, cheering them on.”

“I’m excited to see where this group goes over the next few years.” “All I can hope is that I’ve left that jersey in a better place.”