Wednesday, November 4: Hockey Ireland was delighted this weekend to welcome back members of the Ireland Women’s Team that made history by winning the Intercontinental Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1983.
More than four decades after their historic triumph, members of the team came together once again as part of their regular five-year reunion to celebrate and remember the remarkable sporting achievement of 1983 and the years that followed, but also to maintain the connections made during the incredible campaign.
The 1983 Intercontinental Cup was a landmark moment for Irish women’s hockey. Ireland topped Group B with an impressive record of four wins and one draw from their five matches, including victories over Japan (3–1) and Austria (4–1), to progress through the tournament.
Ireland ultimately reached the final, where they defeated Spain 2–1 after extra time to secure what was the country’s first major international title in women’s hockey. The achievement also marked a significant milestone for the future of the women’s international game in Ireland, as the victory secured the Irish women’s team’s qualification for their first-ever appearance at the Women’s Hockey World Cup, in 1986.
The squad included a number of outstanding players who made a significant contribution to Irish sport. Mary Geaney, one of Ireland’s most accomplished multi-sport athletes, was a key figure in the team. As well as representing Ireland in hockey, Mary enjoyed extraordinary success in Gaelic games, captaining Kerry in ladies’ football and achieving success in camogie with Cork. She captained the Ireland team to the Intercontinental Cup triumph.
Another member of the historic squad was Eilish Macken, an attacking forward who won 59 international caps for Ireland. Eilish was later inducted into the Irish Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012, recognising her outstanding contribution to the sport.
The team’s success did not end in Kuala Lumpur. This exceptional Ireland side went on to establish one of the most remarkable winning records in Irish international hockey, winning an extraordinary 17 matches in succession, including a 1-0 win over England at Wembley.
At this weekend’s reunion, Hockey Ireland CEO Richard Fahey had the privilege of presenting the players with their Ireland caps, recognising their contribution to the history and development of the women’s game in Ireland.
Speaking about the occasion, Richard said:
“It was a real privilege to spend time with this remarkable group of players and to recognise what they achieved for Irish hockey. Their success in 1983 was a hugely important moment for the women’s game in Ireland, but what was equally striking at their reunion was the friendship and connection that has remained between them more than 40 years later. We are incredibly proud of their contribution to Irish hockey and delighted to be able to honour them with their Ireland caps.”
The reunion was a fitting celebration of a team that made history, helped pave the way for future generations of Irish international players and remains a very special part of the story of Irish hockey.
Congratulations once again to Ireland’s 1983 Intercontinental Cup Champions.
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