Congratulations on your call up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Squad, how does it feel to be representing your country at what is quite possibly the biggest international stage? Has this been the vision for your hockey career with the international set up?
It is a huge honour to represent Team Ireland at the Olympic Games in Paris. The Olympic Games really is the pinnacle of our sport, so to get the opportunity to play at the games in Paris is really special.
In terms of my hockey career I would say I like to try and just take it one step at a time and just focus on the next tournament with Ireland as they come. That being said, I think the thought of playing at the Olympics one day has always been in my head and has been a real driving force and motivating factor over the years to keep putting in the hard work on and off the pitch.
What's one change you've made to your preparation or training in recent times that you feel gives you an extra 1% going into Paris?
I’d say over the last few months I’ve put real emphasis on my sleep. The intensity of training has been very high so I have been focusing on getting enough good quality sleep to make sure I’m physically recovered and ready to give 100% to each training session or match.
Coming off the back of a tough Pro League campaign, how are you and the squad feeling ahead of the games? Has this experience helped shape the team/tactics?
I would say there is a real excitement around the squad currently, despite the pro league results we are feeling very positive ahead of the games. 16 games against the top teams in the world has been great preparation and has definitely helped us to develop and identify the style of hockey we want to play at the games and going forward.
I think the main question all hockey fans want to know is, will the Green Army be there in big numbers once again? Has that passion always been shown to the national hockey team or is the select group inspiring a nation back home?
Yes there will definitely be a lot of Irish support in Paris. It is always pretty evident how well supported we are as a team at all tournaments over the years so I would say that passion has always been there. Qualifying for major tournaments like the Olympics however does create an extra buzz around the hockey community in Ireland which is great for the sport.
Ireland’s Call is hitting Paris, do you think the opposition fans will be ready to compete?
I’ve no doubt opposition teams will bring lots of support to the games but they will have a hard time competing with the Irish Fans.
What message would you like to send to those back home, out there supporting you and those competing against you?
I think I’d just like to say a massive thank you to everyone for the support and messages wishing us well it is greatly appreciated. We can’t wait to get going in Paris and put in some performances to get the crowd cheering.
