Cathy retires from international hockey

Oct 22, 2009

Cathy McKean today announced her retirement from international hockey after nine years playing at the highest level. The Loreto striker amassed 130 caps throughout her Irish career since first pulling on the green jersey in June 2000 against Scotland and was to become an integral part of the Irish set-up.

She earned her 50th cap against the USA in Argentina in 2006 and two year’s later she became a centurion at the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers in Victoria when she lined out against Canada.

McKean marked both occasions in style, netting a goal in each fixture. Speaking about her international career, she said “The experience has given me moments of heart bursting pride, stomach tingling excitement, and crushing disappointment. “But yes it has absolutely been worth it. I have no regrets, I loved it.

[pullquote style=”left”]“Irish hockey has been a fantastic experience for me and I would like to thank the Coaches, Supporters, our Sponsors ESB, the Irish Sports Council, OCI and Sport NI and especially my team mates over the last ten years.[/pullquote]

“Although I am sad to be leaving it all behind I have no regrets. The future is bright for Irish hockey and I look forward to supporting the girls in green from the sidelines”

Gene Muller, her Ireland coach of three years, said of McKean’s decision: “Cathy has been a powerful presence on and off the field for Ireland. Over the course of her international career, she has always been a brave and intensely committed hockey player. There is nothing ambivalent about her as a player or as a person.

“She will leave a powerful legacy especially to the younger forwards who were fortunate enough to play with her. She is a true character and will be missed in our team”.

She will continue to play for Loreto for the foreseeable future as the Beaufort club bid to retain the ESB Irish Hockey League title.

Courtesy of “The Hook”