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The Irish men's hockey team are looking to raise funds on their Road to Rio

For the first time since 1948, Ireland will be represented in a team event at this Summer's Olymp...



The Irish men's hockey tea...
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The Irish men's hockey team are looking to raise funds on their Road to Rio

For the first time since 1948, Ireland will be represented in a team event at this Summer's Olympic Games as the men's hockey team are set to play in Rio de Janeiro.

Goalkeeper David Harte and coach Craig Fulton joined Pat Kenny in studio as the team prepare for their trip to Brazil in August.

The team were the last to qualify for the tournament, after Australia defeated New Zealand in the Oceania Cup in October. The team had to wait for that result, after finishing fifth in the World League 3 event in Antwerp in July.

2015 was a successful year on a team and individual basis for both Harte and Fulton as they were awarded the World Goalkeeper and World Coach of the Year awards in January.

Harte is a professional player, and competes in both the Netherlands and India but he is one of the minority to play full time in the Irish team. The majority of the squad have full time jobs despite being internationals.

Head coach Craig Fulton revealed that along with hosts Brazil, Ireland will be the only team competing that are not fully professional. The South African-born coach also revealed that the team are looking to raise €220,000 ahead of travelling to Brazil.

"It's geared around programmes, and helping the players, as well as supporting the players to get them out of work. We go into a full-time programme from May to August.

The team are guaranteed to play at least five games in the tournament in seven days. Their first match is against India on August 6th.

Fans who want to help the team on their Road to Rio can donate here

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