Waterford-native Ben Johnson has been named as a member of the Ireland Men’s Hockey team slated to compete in the forthcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The team’s participation in the esteemed event was confirmed following a remarkable victory over Korea, securing a 4-3 score in their final match.
After narrowly missing out on a spot in the Tokyo Olympics, the Irish team is eager to represent the country in a sport that last saw Irish presence at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Excitement is building as the team prepares to face Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand in Pool B, with their opening match against Belgium scheduled for July 27 at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, the same venue that hosted the Olympics in 1924.
At the age of 24, Ben Johnson has already accumulated 21 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2017. He has been a vital player for Ireland, currently playing in the Irish Hockey League for Three Rock Rovers.
Team Ireland Hockey captain Sean Murray expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s selection, stating, “This is a tremendously exciting moment for us as players, and it is an honour to represent this team and our country at the highest level of our sport. The team and the wider group have worked tirelessly to get here.” Echoing his sentiment, Team Ireland Hockey Team Coach, Mark Tumilty, expressed his delight in announcing the team, acknowledging that each member has rightfully earned their place.
As the nation celebrates a century of competing in the Olympic Games, the Irish hockey team is eager to make their mark at the Paris Olympics, which will take place from July 24 to August 11. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26 at the Jardins du Trocadero on the Seine River in Paris.
The selected members of the Ireland Hockey Team for the Paris 2024 Olympics include David Harte (GK), Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle Marshall, Peter McKibbin, Tim Cross, Daragh Walsh, Nick Page, Sean Murray (Captain), Michael Robson, Peter Brown, Johnny McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Matthew Nelson, Ben Walker, Ben Johnson, Jonny Lynch, Alistair Empey, and Jaime Carr.