Glenanne star Shane plays key role for Ireland in qualification

“WE ARE absolutely thrilled to get to the Olympics Games, it was my goal and I’m thrilled for all the players and management,” said a delighted Ireland player Shane O’Donoghue.

The Glenanne player from Knocklyon, who is Ireland’s alltime record goal scorer, played a key role on Sunday in helping Ireland qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer Ireland became the 12th and final team to qualify for the Men’s Olympic Hockey tournament by virtue of their 4- 3 win over Korea.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand had beaten Pakistan in Oman to become the 11th team to make it and the winner of this game was thus going to be the 12th and last team to make the games.

This amounted to a win or bust match for the Irish Men’s senior hockey team.

Anything other than outright victory would mean no Irish team in the Olympic Hockey tournament this summer in Paris.

Glenanne’s Shane O’Donoghue converted the penalty corner to make it 4-2 in the 38th minute but Ireland had to withstand a period of sustained pressure after Korea pulled a goal back, but the boys in green remained disciplined and defended well to secure the result.

“We knew we had to beat them.

“It was nail-biting but we got there in the end.

“It was physically demanding but all the training we did before the matches last weekend paid off.

“Four years ago, we were in a different position but to bounce back with these players and qualify for Paris is brilliant.

“I think we played a blinder on the day.

“The hard work we put in before the games last week was incredible and the lads went the extra yard to secure the win.

“Our players and management got it right on the day and it’s great to look forward to the games in Paris.

“We had the belief we could win, and we showed that against Korea with everyone defending well in the closing stages.

“We have a good mix of youth and experienced players in the squad, and they all stood up and were counted particularly against a good Korea side.

“Everyone has played their part in getting the team to the finals.

“We have a lot of experienced quality players, and the lads worked so hard for this win.

“On scoring Ireland’s fourth goal Shane said: “It was nice to get a goal.

“But it was a team effort and we had worked a lot on the penalty corners in training.

“I have not scored that much so it’s great to see the other lads get on the scoreboard also”.

Qualifying for the games is a major boost for hockey in Ireland and in particular for his club Glenanne.

“It’s a big boost for hockey that we secured a place in the Olympics.

“Both nationally and locally it’s great for the game and hopefully we get plenty of support behind us for the finals.

“It’s great for my club Glenanne.

“I’m a player/coach with the club and Glenanne has given so much to me over the years.

“Glenanne are my boyhood club.

“I have played with them since I was six-year-old, and they have been great to me over the year’s.

“It means a lot for me and the club to reach the Olympic Games”.

It’s a family feel at Glenanne with Shane’s parents Rory and Paula both involved with the club along with his cousins.

Having played in the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, Shane will bring with him plenty of experience when they go to the biggest games in the world in Paris.