O’Brien departs international stage

Irish senior women’s vice-captain Ciara O’Brien has announced her retirement from the international game, having amassed 156 caps over nine years. The Chelmsford centre-back yesterday revealed she has been suffering a degenerative arthritic condition in both knees for the past year, and has based her decision on medical advice. “This has been an extremely difficult decision to make, especially as I was determined to overcome my injuries and play a role with the squad at the upcoming Europeans in August,” she said. “However, I have had to consider the long-term implications of continuing to train and compete at international level and unfortunately have been forced to make the decision to retire.”

Irish coach Gene Muller described O’Brien, one of the most capped players in Irish women’s hockey history, as “enormously influential”. “She was a very consistent and effective international performer,” he said. “Her attitude and approach was always professional and her service to Irish hockey is greatly valued.” O’Brien has been involved in Irish squads for 15 years, from U16 to senior level. She took part in the 2002 World Cup in Australia and three European championships, including a fifth-place finish in front of a home crowd in Dublin in 2005. The Leinster native added that she felt the future was bright for Irish hockey, as Muller and his charges continue to build towards qualification for the 2012 Olympics in London. “I wish Gene, Eimear (Cregan, captain) and all the squad the very best of luck. Irish women’s hockey has come a long way over the past number of years,” she said. “It is an exciting time and there’s a lot of talent in the squad. I fully intend to support the girls wherever and whenever I can.” O’Brien’s departure is likely to present an opportunity for a number of players to fill the centre-back berth. Cork Harlequins’ Cliodhna Sargent has the most experience of the contenders and is the likely front-runner, though Ballymoney’s Lauren Barr, UCC’s Audrey O’Flynn and Michelle Harvey of Pegasus will also be hopeful of making the step up from the Ireland A squad.