Hobbs and Jermyn land Irish leadership team roles

Ronan Gormley has been named as Irish senior men’s captain for the foreseeable future as part of a five-strong leadership team installed by Paul Revington. The Pembroke Wanderers man retains the armband first worn on a temporary basis last summer under David Passmore, but Revington — who took over in January — has employed a similar support structure used in the previous regime. Gormley heads up the quintet with David Hobbs and Graham Shaw sharing the vice captaincy role while John Jermyn and Stephen Butler are to provide support and leadership through their performances.

Revington had some kind words for each of his new leaders as he announced their appointments earlier today. “Irish hockey has a proud tradition of player leaders, and it is time for the next generation of players to continue the outstanding work done by Paddy Brown and his team, especially Mark Irwin and Jason Black, from previous years.” “As the leader of the team, Ronan will bring a determined and experienced approach toward driving our team forward. He matches this approach with fundamental leadership values of integrity, honesty and on-field performance that builds great teams. “Graham Shaw is entering the prime phase of his international career and therefore brings a degree of experience and playing quality to our process that is so critical. His hunger and effort to push the team forward and up will be an important factor in the months ahead. “David Hobbs epitomises the qualities crucial to wearing an Irish jersey. He is a selfless team member who has a deep respect for the Irish jersey and matches this with a resilient character that represents the strength of the Irish culture.” “In John Jermyn and Stephen Butler, our team has two outstanding international hockey players with a great deal of experience behind them. I am extremely fortunate to coach such terrific players. “Both John and Stephen are at a wonderful phase of their personal development where they can find a balance and purpose to their hockey and lives in general.”