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Nicci Daly has announced her retirement/
Wave Goodbye

After 200 caps and a World Cup silver, Ireland star Daly retires

The 33-year-old has earned 200 caps since making her debut in 2010.

NICCI DALY will retire from hockey, it has been confirmed.

The 33-year-old has earned 200 caps since making her debut in 2010, with her final appearance coming against Great Britain earlier this year.

The Dubliner’s career highlights include winning a 2018 World Cup silver medal, and competing at five European Championships and this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“When I reflect on my career, there were definitely an even share of highs and lows both personally and collectively with the team,” Daly said in reaction to today’s news.

“There are so many things I could talk about over the 12 years but I think one of the most important things I can take away is how much sport can teach you about yourself. It forces you to discover who you really are.

“You learn to understand how you behave when you’re challenged, how you deal with your emotions under pressure and how you choose to approach those challenges.

“You have to be honest with yourself; you have to be willing to have a growth mindset so that you’re always learning and always growing not just as a player but as a person.

“That’s one of the biggest takeaways I can take from my career. How it forced me to discover who I really am and why I was doing it.

“It wouldn’t have been the journey it was without the group and the team of players around me. The different coaches provided something different and I either learned something about myself or my hockey from each of them.

“I have made some of the best friends over the 12 years and I couldn’t have kept going without them pushing me and supporting me along the way.

“My family and very close friends have been the backbone of my support system. I could not have done it without them, especially my mother who shows me what resilience really is.

“I like to think I get my drive from my dad and my strength and resilience from my Mum. My uncle Derek was hugely influential, having had a career at the top level himself, I trusted him and looked up to him. He helped transform the mental side of my game and I am so grateful for his support. A special mention to my nana, an unrelenting energy and inspiration.

“A massive thanks to all our sponsors and individual sponsors who supported and continue to support me.

“It has been a special journey and I feel so lucky to have been part of such a great team for as long as I have. I won’t miss the sore body and aching joints, but I will miss the team and the feeling of walking out to represent my country. 200 appearances and every single time I got butterflies when the national anthem played.

“It’s been special, it’s been emotional, and it’s been a dream come true.   

“Thank you.”

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