Mark Black has announced his retirement from international hockey at the age of 29.
Black, who amassed 113 caps and scored three goals for the national side, made his debut in 1999 against Switzerland.
The former underage star confessed the decision to call it a day was a difficult one, saying: ‘I have had to make the decision to pull out of the international hockey scene primarily due to work commitments, I couldn’t juggle both anymore so I have made the difficult decision to retire.’
David Passmore who coached Black both at club and international level over a six-year period was keen to pay tribute to the midfielder.
‘Mark will be a loss to the team,’ Passmore admitted. ‘ Not only was Mark a consistent performer, he has always been immensely committed and his experience would have proved vital at this time of transition, he was a role model to aspiring players both on and off the pitch.
‘I wish Mark all the best for his future.’
Mark, brother of former international Jason who retired early last year, also helped distinguish himself and his brother when he reached his 100th cap against Argentina in Santiago, giving them the honour of being the only brothers to have reached a century of international caps for Ireland.
