Ben Johnson named in Ireland Hockey team for Paris 2024

Waterford native Ben Johnson has been named in the Ireland Men’s Hockey team that will take part in the Summer Olympic Games to be held in Paris after the team secured their place on the plane to France when defeating Korea 4-3 in their final match.

After clinching one of the coveted places in the finals, Ireland, who narrowly missed out on a place at the Tokyo Olympics, can now look forward to representing the country in the sport that last featured an Irish team at the Rio Olympics back in 2016.

Placed in Pool B for the finals, Ireland will face Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand, where they’ll kick-off their campaign against Belgium on July 27, at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, which also hosted the Olympics back in 1924.

Johnson, who will turn 24 during the summer games, has made 21 appearances for his country since making his debut back in 2017 when he played for Ireland in a test series against Italy. He currently plays in the Irish Hockey League for Three Rock Rovers.

Commenting on the team announcement, Team Ireland Hockey captain Sean Murray said: “ This is a hugely exciting moment for us as players, and it’s an honour to be able to represent this team and our country at the highest level of our sport. The team and the wider group have worked so hard to get here. No doubt the experience will stay with us forever but right now, we just want to get out there and compete.” Team Ireland Hockey Team Coach, Mark Tumilty added: “We’re delighted to announce the team today, those selected have earned this opportunity and it’s a moment for them and their families that they deserve. I’ve always said the toughest part of my job is selecting only sixteen to compete, and our thoughts are also with those members of the group who have missed out on selection. I am proud of them all for getting us to where we are today.” Team Ireland Hockey will celebrate their centenary competing as a nation at the Olympic Games this summer in Prish, which run from July 24-August 11, with the opening Ceremony to be held on July 26 at the Jardins du Trocadero on the Seine River in Paris.

IRELAND MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM: David Harte (GK), Lee Cole, Shane O’Donoghue, Kyle Marshall, Peter McKibbin, Tim Cross, Daragh Walsh, Nick Page, Sean Murray (Captain), Michael Robson, Peter Brown, Johnny McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Matthew Nelson, Ben Walker, Ben Johnson, Jonny Lynch, Alistair Empey, Jaime Carr