Minister celebrates Ireland Women’s Hockey Team Olympic Qualification

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, MLA today held a reception to recognise the recent successes of the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team which culminated in the team qualifying for their first ever Olympic Games.

Ireland's Women's Hockey Team

The Minister invited the team, their support staff and management to a reception in Belfast to congratulate them on their recent achievements and to hear about their preparations for the Tokyo Olympic Games to be held in Japan from 24 July to 9 August 2020.

In recognising the contribution that the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team has made to raising the profile of women’s sport, the Minister said: “I congratulate the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team on them  qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.  The team has enjoyed an outstanding period of success in recent years and it is important to recognise the dedication and commitment from everyone in delivering those achievements.”

The Minister added:  “It is one of my priorities to ensure we are promoting and encouraging greater participation to under-represented groups including women and girls, those with disabilities and those from areas of greatest need.  I have no doubt that the successes of the Ireland Women’s Hockey Team will continue to inspire more young girls and women to get involved in hockey as well as attracting more women back into sport.”

Ireland will play five matches in the Olympic Games against South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, India and Great Britain – the current Olympic champions.

Notes to editors: 

1. Photo caption: Ireland’s Women Hockey Team players Zoe Wilson, Serena Barr, Shirley McCay, Beth Barr, Lizzie Colvin, Megan Frazer and Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA
2. The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in November 2019 when they beat Canada 4-3 in a shootout. 
3. Ireland Women’s Hockey Team is organised by Hockey Ireland and represents hockey clubs from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
4. Sport NI provided funding totalling £408,116 to Hockey Ireland in 2019.
5. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3512 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
6. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI

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