Kilkenny duo star as Irish Ladies Masters hockey team taste euro success

Three players from the South-East flew the flag for local hockey when they helped the Irish Ladies Masters over-45 women’s hockey team win the European Championships in Valencia, Spain.

The team, which banded together players from every corner of Ireland, had three player representatives from the South East – Niamh Spratt O’Shea (Kilkenny HC), Leonie Grant (Wexford HC) and Linda Maher (Kilkenny HC and honorary life member of Wexford HC). The squad was led by coach Ross Harding from Kilkenny College.

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The Irish squad were up against some superb sides and certainly were against the odds entering the championship. However, they had a strong performance in the pool stages and continued on to beat Wales 4-0 in the quarter-finals and Spain 3-1 in the semi-final, (3-1). They met Germany in the European Championship final and took the spoils with a 1-0 win.

This team proved to be a very skilful and clinical, scoring 15 goals across the tournament while conceding only three.
Next up for the Irish squad is the eagerly anticipated Four Nations Competition in Scotland in August. All in Kilkenny HC wish the Irish side well in this tournament as they set their sights on yet another trophy. This team of women serve as powerful role models within the club, inspiring younger generations and proving that sport can be a lifelong pursuit.

Join the club

For women who would like to take up the sport, Kilkenny Hockey Club is open to members of all ages. Whether it’s to compete at a high level, or to join for the fun of playing hockey, new members are welcome. The club’s recent ‘Mothers and Others’ initiative was a resounding success. For more see the club’s social media platform.