For most athletes, reaching a World Cup represents years of preparation, sacrifice and determination. This year for Grays Hockey athlete, Lena Neill, it represents all of that and so much more.
Just six months after giving birth to her daughter, Flora, Lena has been representing Ireland at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. It is a remarkable return to the international stage, made all the more meaningful by the fact that Flora has been there alongside her through the training camps, match friendlies and now the World Cup tournament itself – can you get a better roommate on tour?
Lena has been a familiar face within the Grays Hockey family for many years. Spearheading our Grays Hockey PB Collection, and a loyal ambassador for the brand and an accomplished international hockey player, we have followed her journey on and off the pitch as she continues to help put Ireland on the global stages. Lena’s return to the Ireland Hockey squad is perhaps one of the most remarkable chapters yet.
This incredible story isn't simply about returning to hockey, it’s about finding a new balance, accepting what you cannot control, surrounding yourself with the right people and discovering that becoming a mother doesn't necessarily mean putting your ambitions on hold. It can mean redefining them!
1. From Olympic Heartbreak To New Beginnings
Lena's journey to this World Cup has not been straightforward. In January 2024, Ireland narrowly missed out on Olympic qualification after a close defeat to Great Britain. For Lena, it remains one of the most difficult moments of her career. She then missed the 2025 European Championships during her pregnancy before giving birth to Flora in January 2026.
Looking back, Lena admits the disappointment of missing Paris was difficult to process, but the experience has ultimately made reaching this World Cup that even more special.
“I think missing out on Paris was definitely the hardest disappointment I have faced in my career. To come so close and lose out is fairly brutal but I think with how close Olympic qualification is, you’ll always win or lose by incredibly fine margins. It’s truly a dream to now be at this World Cup as a Mum. I have always wanted to be a Mum, so to get to be one and to get to experience this huge tournament with my little girl, is wonderful.”
2. Taking It Week By Week
At the beginning of 2026, making the Ireland World Cup squad was far from guaranteed. The idea was there somewhere, but it wasn't until Flora was around three months old that Lena’s focus turned into something more serious.
“It was always in the back of my mind, that I might try and go for this World Cup, but it wasn’t until Flora was about 3 months that I started to really consider having a go. I took it week by week from the beginning, as I had no idea how it was going to go. So, I’m very grateful that I’m now here!”
3. The Road Back
Returning to elite international hockey just six months after giving birth has required an enormous amount of physical and mental work. Lena's journey back has been gradual, but strategic. Throughout it all, the support of her mum and husband has been invaluable, from bringing Flora to training to now joining Lena on tour.
“It has been incredibly hard work, to get to this point. It’s involved a huge amount of support from my family, especially my Mum and my husband. They have come to a lot of training with Flora and now my Mum is rooming with Flora and I on tour. It’s very special. I’m breastfeeding, so that adds another dimension to it too! I suppose at the beginning I just had to run and gym wherever and whenever I could. And from there I gradually built up to full pitch sessions and eventually games. The sleep deprivation has been the biggest challenge, as my little girl would be the best sleeper. But with the help of my family, we have been able to do it!”
4. Back On The Pitch, Just With A Different Perspective
Becoming a mother has inevitably changed Lena's life, but it has also changed the way she views hockey. With priorities shifting away from performance alone, she has found a new freedom in being able to step onto the pitch and simply enjoy playing.
“I think becoming a Mum changes everything in your world. Obviously your priorities become so different and you spend most of your day thinking about them! But that’s very freeing in so many ways and means when I get on the pitch I can just enjoy and express myself. I know when I come home or get Flora put in my arms after a session or a game, she doesn’t care how many bad passes I have made, she just needs her Mum.”
Perhaps one of the most powerful reflections of Lena's journey. International hockey still matters greatly, but motherhood has given her a perspective that allows her to separate the outcome of a game from the person she is away from the pitch.
5. You Don’t Have To Change
There can be a perception that having a child during an athlete's prime means putting sporting ambitions on hold. Lena's experience offers a different perspective, while recognising that every athlete's journey through pregnancy, childbirth and recovery will be different.
“I mean I think when you have a baby you have to probably accept that you can’t control how it’s going to go. You pray for a healthy baby and after that you pray that you can recover and adapt to your new life well. It’s the most special thing in the world. I think with the right support, the chances of you getting back to the level you were at before are much higher. It definitely can be done.”
6. A World Cup To Remember
Ireland's World Cup campaign has already provided plenty of moments to savour. From their opening defeat to Spain to their victory over New Zealand and a narrow loss to hosts Belgium, Lena has now experienced the tournament she had once only hoped might be possible.
“It will mean the world to me to be out there. I don’t take for granted, for a second, this amazing opportunity. I feel so incredibly blessed to get to play at this World Cup. I don’t know how many games I have left and so I intend to enjoy every one and soak it all in. Playing for Ireland is always a dream come true for me, but even more so knowing I have Flora on sideline watching.”
After the disappointment of missing Paris. After stepping away from international hockey during pregnancy. After giving birth to Flora. After sleepless nights, early mornings, gym sessions whenever and wherever they could happen, and the countless hours of support from her family, Lena is back where she always wanted to be - wearing green, playing for Ireland, and now with her daughter watching from the sidelines.
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