Tuesday, August 4: Eire Males’s Head Coach Mark Tumilty has introduced his 20-player squad to journey to Wavre, Belgium to compete within the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, the Eire Males’s first look within the competitors since 2018.
Having certified in emphatic vogue in March of this yr, securing their place on the World Cup with a complete semi-final win over Wales earlier than coming from behind to beat France within the closing, Tumilty has chosen an unchanged facet from the squad that travelled to Santiago.
In nets, Jaime Carr will take his place between the sticks as he closes in on 100 senior worldwide appearances for his nation. He will probably be supported by Banbridge’s Luke Roleston, who carried out properly in Carr’s absence through the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
Kyle Marshall will occupy the centre of Eire’s defence alongside Mark McNellis, and Peter McKibbin. Within the fullback areas, Banbridge’s Fergus Gibson will line-out, together with one of the skilled gamers within the facet in Lee Cole and latest addition Gregory Williams, each of which can even look to threaten in entrance of aim from penalty corners. The backline is accomplished by YMCA stalwart Sam Hyland.
In midfield, Sean Murray and Peter Brown would be the focal factors, with Johnny McKee, Adam McAllister, and Luke Witherow linking up with them as Eire transition from defence to assault.
Up entrance, Lisnagarvey’s Matthew Nelson will lead the road alongside Monkstown’s Jeremy Duncan who will make his a hundred and fiftieth senior look throughout Eire’s pool stage. They’re joined by Ben Walker, Louis Rowe, and Jonny Lynch who all scored throughout Eire’s qualification marketing campaign, and Ali Empey who discovered the web throughout his time with the squad on the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
Talking after the announcement IRL Males’s Head Coach Mark Tumilty stated:
“This can be a particular second for everybody concerned in Irish hockey, particularly this group of gamers. The prospect to play at solely our fourth FIH Hockey World Cup, towards the very best groups on the planet and on the largest stage in our sport, is one thing we’re all wanting ahead to.
We all know what lies forward will probably be a troublesome problem, and we now have nice respect for each crew within the competitors. Though we haven’t performed any worldwide matches for the reason that Nations Cup, the gamers are prepared for the chance. We’re clear about how we need to play, excited to check ourselves towards the world’s greatest, and proud to characterize Eire on the World Cup.”
Eire (World #10) have been drawn in Pool C of the competitors and can tackle Australia (World #4) of their opening match on Sunday, August 16 earlier than dealing with South Africa (World #12) and Spain (World #6) on August 18 & 20, respectively. A prime two end within the Pool would see Eire progress to Pool E for a shot at a spot within the Semi-Finals, whereas a 3rd or fourth place end would see the facet progress to Pool H the place they are going to start their closing classification matches.
Jaime Carr
Luke Roleston
Kyle Marshall (C)
Peter McKibbin
Mark McNellis
Sam Hyland
Gregory Williams
Fergus Gibson
Lee Cole
Luke Witherow
Sean Murray
Johnny McKee
Peter Brown
Adam McAllister
Matthew Nelson
Benjamin Walker
Jeremy Duncan
Ali Empey
Louis Rowe
Jonny Lynch
August 16 – 10:30 Irish Time – Eire vs Australia
August 18 – 16:00 Irish Time – Eire vs South Africa
August 20 – 16:00 Irish Time – Eire vs Spain
Hockey Eire
