Irish squad welcomed home after finishing second at the Women's Hockey World Cup.
Thousands gather in Dublin city centre to welcome home the Ireland team following their success at the Hockey World Cup.
The girls in green received a rapturous reception following their historic silver medal win at the World Cup.
The team were greeted by thousands of fans who packed into Dublin's Dame Street.
The girls became the first Irish team ever to reach the final of a World Cup. Ireland was beaten 6-0 by the favourites and defending champions the Netherlands.
Team captain Kate Mullan paid tribute to the players who had made huge sacrifices and thanked the people of Ireland for their continued support. There was a special cheer for the goalkeeper of the tournament Ayeisha McFerran. The hockey supporters who gathered for the celebrations are hopeful of greater recognition and funding for the game following this success.
At Dublin airport earlier in the day, Minister for Sport Shane Ross announced additional funding for hockey in preparation for the Toyko Olympics. In response, player Deirdre Duke said that the additional funding would change the game and help to make their dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games a reality. Player Elena Tice said that their achievement was only beginning to sink in.
The hockey community hopes that this success can now be built upon.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 August 2018. The reporter is John Kilraine.
