The return of Ireland’s men’s hockey team to the Olympic stage certainly proved to be an emotional experience for goalkeeper David Harte.
The towering shot-stopper – named FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year both in 2015 and 2016 – was overcome with emotion ahead of his team’s Pool B clash against reigning Olympic champions Belgium, with the Green Machine giving their illustrious opponents a stern test before falling to a 2-0 defeat.
“It was so special [being out there], and I am so proud not just to be here but also about the shift we put in against one of the best teams in the world”, said Harte, who was part of the Ireland squad that competed at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, alongside twin brother Conor. Rio 2016 was Ireland’s first Olympic hockey appearance since 1908 and having qualified again after missing out on Tokyo 2020.
“I got a bit emotional at the beginning, with the anthems. Compared to eight years ago it was special for me. My two daughters were in the crowd, my wife was there, and my parents. Things like that obviously mean just a bit more this time around, so it’s phenomenal to be at another Olympic Games. I’m a very proud Irishman right now.”
Harte was at his brilliant best against the Red Lions, making some world class saves to show that, at 36, he is still very much at the top of his game. However, it was goals from Belgian aces Tom Boon and Alexander Hendrickx that proved the difference between the two sides, giving the Tokyo 2020 gold medallists a winning start to the competition.
“Of course you’re disappointed with the loss, but at the same time very proud of how we performed against the world No.3 side”, continued Harte. “We conceded an unfortunate goal before half time, but we hung in there, had some chances and defended really well. We want to prove that we belong at this level.”
Discussing the targets for the team going forward, Harte said: “As a team we’re going to approach it – it’s a cliche – one game at a time, knowing that we still have another tough four games. Then, hopefully, we’ll see where we finish up on that after game five. We’re going to get back, have a rest day tomorrow (Sunday), and then (we have) another huge task against Australia on Monday (29 July).”
The match was watched by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgian Royal Family, with Mr Alexandre De Croo and Mr Simon Harris, the respective Prime Ministers of Belgium and Ireland, also in attendance.
The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from 27 July to 9 August 2024. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey.
By FIH
