4-Irish traits that our hockey girls showed the world

Picture: Evoke.ie

What a performance it was

Having only ever previously finished as high as 11th at the Hockey World Cup, our girls surged all the way to the silver medal.

When Gillian Pinder netted the goal that sent the girls in green to the Hockey World Cup Final in London, over 4-million hearts were in mouths back here in Ireland.

And when they lined up to face the Netherlands in the Final, we couldn’t have been prouder.

Unfortunately the result didn’t go our way...

But that didn’t matter, we were already so proud of our girls.

And not just of the way they played on the pitch... we were proud of the way they carried the Nation on their backs for the entire tournament... Of the way they perfectly embodied the Irish spirit.

So without further adieu, here are Four-truly Irish traits we think the Green Army showed the rest of the world:

1.Passion

Whenever you put on your Nation’s colours, there’s an overwhelming sensation you should feel... one of immense passion and pride.

A famous quote goes: ‘’Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.’’

And this clearly had an effect on our Green Army.

Ranked 16th going into the tournament, the second lowest of all the teams competing, they upset the odds to reach the final ousting higher ranked opponents India and Spain on the way.

Showing that passion, combined with hard work and determination is a beautiful recipe for success, in whatever you’re doing.

Image: Independent.ie

2. Humility

As we mentioned earlier, sure the end result didn’t go our way in the Final...

But instead of sulking about an opportunity lost, our Girls did the exact opposite.

Upon receiving their silver medals, the Green Army gave the moment the joy it deserved. And soaked in all they had achieved.

Grace in defeat... a great example for all our young kids who were watching at home.

3. Togetherness

A team is made up of many different parts, and for it to work successfully all those parts need to be moving in the same direction. If they aren’t the team will fail...

And the togetherness the Green Army showed on the field was exactly what’s required of a great team.

A champion team will beat a team of champions playing as individuals every single time.

4. Grit

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight... it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

In other words, it doesn’t matter how small you are, if you’re willing, you can win!

This is the message our girls sent the rest of the world as they entered the tournament ranked 16th  in the world... Only to leave it ranked an impressive 8th.

Passion, humility, togetherness and grit... the girl’s played with it all! They played the Irish way.

Image: the42.ie