Butler and Shaw call time on international careers

Ireland’s senior men’s squad is more than 300 caps lighter in terms of experience following yesterday’s decision by Glenanne duo Stephen Butler and Graham Shaw to bring the curtain down on their international careers.

While Butler in particular had previously indicated a desire to stay on to help Ireland attempt to reach the 2012 Olympics, the increasing commitment required for international hockey has seen both decide to bow out. Midfielder-turned-sweeper Butler departs as Ireland’s most capped player of all time — making 163 appearances — and the country’s top goalscorer, with a remarkable 79 strikes since making his debut against Japan in 1999. Shaw’s career in green was similarly chequered, the midfielder and Ireland vice-captain amassing 151 caps. Butler said: “After lengthy discussions with family and close friends I have decided to draw a line under my international hockey career. “This has been an extremely difficult decision for me and one that I have thought about carefully since the World Cup Qualifiers in Argentina. “The commitment needed for international hockey is growing each year and I have decided after 11 years of commitment that it is time for me to focus on other aspects of my life.” Shaw added that his decision was partly motivated by the desire to see some of the country’s younger talent brought on in his midst. “Given the natural break in the international competition calendar, I believe that now is the right time to call an end to my international career,” said Shaw. “There is a wealth of young talent coming through the system and it is essential that they are given the opportunity to experience hockey at the highest level while they have the time and energy to put that experience to good use.” For more quotes and detail on this story and the careers of Butler and Shaw, click here.