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Money Talks

Irish hockey team set for Argentina as fundraiser nets €55k

Ireland’s men are set to travel to the Champions Challenge I tournament following an overwhelming response to their public appeal.

THE IRISH HOCKEY Association has until later on Tuesday to decide if it will send the men’s national team to a tournament in Argentina after a massive fundraising effort netted more than €55,000.

The “Get Green Machine Going” appeal was launched last Friday after the IHA confirmed that it would stand by its decision to withdraw from the Champions Challenge I unless it could raise enough money make the trip financially viable.

Overwhelming public support and individual donations raised in excess of the €45,000 target within five days. Four unnamed companies have also pledged their assistance.

The IHA now has until this evening to inform the International Hockey Federation (FIH) if it will take its place in the eight-team tournament, which takes place in Quilmes from 24 November – 2 December.

In a short statement, the Association and team said that they have been “bowled over” by the response to the appeal. The fundraising website will remain open until close of business on Tuesday, and any additional funds will go towards the national men’s team budget.

The decision to pull out of the high-profile tournament last week came as a shock to the national team which has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and is currently ranked sixth in Europe and 15th in the world.

The IHA initially said that the squad would not be prepared to properly compete following the departure of head coach Paul Revington and team manager Peter Jackson, both of whom are yet to be replaced.

The Association then clarified on Friday that financial constraints and an impending deficit in the annual budget were also factors in the decision to withdraw, leading to the launch of the successful public appeal.

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