Revington departure rocks Irish hockey

Irish hockey yesterday lost one of its crown jewels with the resignation of Paul Revington as senior men’s coach. The South African led Ireland to a record-equalling fifth place in Europe last August and to the brink of Olympic qualification in March, only having their hearts broken with mere seconds to go in the final against Korea. During his three-and-a-half-year tenure, Revington oversaw a rise in world ranking from 18th to 16th — which will rise to 15th after the Olympic Games — becoming joint-winner of the FIH Men’s Coach of the Year honour. He also guided Ireland to two Champions Challenge II finals, winning one, earned promotion from the European B division, won the INSEP Five Nations — which featured world number one side Australia – and annexed three Celtic Cups.

He will also be remembered for expanding the Irish panel to over 40 players while maintaining consistency of results against top tier nations; Spain, Korea, Argentina and Malaysia were among those beaten by the ‘Green Machine’. “I will look back on the past few years having shared so many great moments with many players, staff and supporters involved with the Ireland senior men’s team,” said Revington yesterday. “Through an amazing collective response by players to perform for the good of a squad we developed the  ‘green machine; identity that has motivated and inspired so many people to support men’s hockey in Ireland and across the world. It has been a privilege to be a part of such an amazing squad of people.” Revington has yet to publicly outline his reasons for departing although an Irish Hockey Association spokesperson yesterday said that while they wanted him to stay on, “unfortunately he feels the time is right for him to go now”. The IHA’s high performance director Dave Passmore said Irish hockey was sad to see him leave: “His departure is of great disappointment to all but he has left a legacy which must now be built upon to ensure the squad fulfil their potential in the future, a future that he has done so much to shape.” Some of Revington’s former charges took to Twitter to pay tribute to him, with a clear theme of disappointment throughout: John Jackson (@JohnHJackson3):  “Revs did more for Irish mens hockey in 3yrs than most will do in a lifetime. Thought he resign when Fergie retired from ManU #gutted #THANKS“ Gareth Watkins (@GarWatkins): “Have had better starts to a Friday morning. Disappointing news in paper that Revs is to go, he has been massive for #irishhockey #gutted“ Chris Cargo (@chriscargo25): “absolutely gutted!!! #thatisall #nowords“ Revington will remain with Irish hockey until July 2012.