At Rio, Ireland out to realise a 107-year-old dream

Ireland hockey goalkeeper David Harte was wide awake on the night of October 25, 2015, but was “too nervous” to switch on the television. Australia and New Zealand were playing in the Oceania Cup final, and a win for Australia would send Ireland into their first Olympics in 107 years.

“There was too much at stake,” says Harte, who is here to compete in the Hockey India League for Dabang Mumbai. “I kept tossing and turning and experienced a thousand emotions in those 60 minutes.

“I was in Holland and it was 4 am there. I was awake, tensed but just could not put on the TV. My girlfriend kept a tab on the scores.”

Luckily for Harte and his team mates, Australia won 2-1, opening a new chapter in Ireland hockey. They were going to Rio and the first to represent their country in a team sport at the Olympics since 1948.

But this was not the only night when the Irish had to wait with bated breath. Their “torturous wait” began when they finished fifth at the World League semi-finals in Belgium in June last year — a qualification event for the Olympics — and had to wait for a final confirmation until all continental championships were over.

The team though began their Olympic preparation, hoping that this time the scenes of 2012 would not be repeated. Harte says it was a tough time.

“When you have something of this magnitude, it is not easy. In 2012, we were just seven seconds away from qualifying for the London Games, but lost to Korea in extra time. Another heartbreak would have been too much to take.

“This time we were positive. We kept training also and believed we were already through. It was a like a dream that your grow up with and it finally came true that night,” Harte recalls.

Ireland have been the silent workhorses in world hockey in 2015. The 12th-ranked team defeated the likes of Canada, Malaysia and Pakistan — all ranked higher than them — and clinched a historic bronze medal at the Euro championships defeating world no. 4 England. The Rio berth was up next and their success was underlined earlier this week when Harte and Ireland coach Craig Fulton won the FIH goalkeeper and coach of the year awards.

“2015 has been our year in some way and we are hoping it will continue in 2016 too. Hockey isn’t a popular sport in Ireland, but since last year we have been on national TV, radio, newspapers... All this motivates us and these awards from the world body were the icing on the cake,” says Harte.

In Rio, Ireland are placed along with India, Germany, Holland, Argentina and Canada in Pool B. Harte says they would be well prepared.

“Having beaten a few big teams, we are slowly growing in confidence. The feeling of being on the biggest stage is something we are keenly waiting for. It will be a long cherished dream turning into reality. Rio, we are coming,” says Harte.