McCay remains hopeful after successful series in Spain

SHIRLEY McCay remains hopeful that this year’s European Hockey Championships and Olympics Games will go ahead.

The global coronavirus pandemic has cast doubts over both international tournaments but the Drumquin woman insisted that for her and her Ireland team-mates it was full steam ahead in terms of preparations.

On Monday McCay returned from a five-game series against Spain in Murcia with Ireland recording two wins, two draws and one defeat against a team ranked just above them in the world rankings.

It was the first competitive fixture for the Irish team in nearly a year and the 32-year-old said it had been a positive experience and encouraging return to action.

“It was very valuable, a useful experience because we hadn’t played an international match against another team since last January,” said the former Omagh Academy pupil.
“It was really beneficial to get that, a change of scenery and some nice weather. We have had loads of inter-squad matches against each other but there is only so much of that you can do to try and replicate a full blown international game.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S ULSTER HERALD