CAPTAIN RONAN GORMLEY says the Irish men’s hockey team has been “truly inspired” by the success of fundraising efforts to send them to an international tournament in Argentina next month.
The Irish Hockey Association confirmed on Tuesday that the squad will compete at the Champions Challenge I tournament as donations to the “Get Green Machine Going” fund neared the €60,000 mark.
IHA bosses said last week that budgetary constraints were a major factor in their decision to pull the squad from the eight-team tournament, a move which stunned the hockey community and would have set the development of the sport back significantly.
Rondo Foods, DCC and Uniphar were among the corporate benefactors who lent their support to the public fundraising effort, which raised well in excess of its €45,000 target since it was launched last Friday noon.
All surplus funds will do directly to the men’s squad in accordance with the wishes of a majority of contributors, the IHA said in a statement on Tuesday.
“What has taken place over the last week is simply remarkable,” Gormley said. “On behalf of the Irish men’s team I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have contributed.
“We have been told that we have inspired people through our performances… right now we are truly inspired by you!”
IHA chairman Dennis Millar added: “The Board are thrilled that through a team effort and support from the community and benefactors that the team is now partaking in the Champions Challenge.
“We look forward to supporting them at this upcoming ranking event.”
