Two of Ireland’s best known hockey stars, Stephen Butler and Graham Shaw, have announced their retirement from the international hockey scene.
Butler made his debut in 1999, three years before midfielder Shaw earned his first senior cap in 2002.
Butler started his international at the age of 19 when Ireland beat Japan 1-0 on home turf and he now retires as the country’s highest capped player, with 163 international appearances .
He is also record goalscorer with 79 to his name.
One of the highlights of his career was the brace of goals to earn Ireland a 2-2 against the mighty Pakistan in the World Cup qualifier in China 2006.
He followed this up with another two goals as Ireland recorded their first ever win against Germany in 2007 with a 3-2 victory in Monchengladbach.
Butler said ‘After lengthy discussions with family and close friends I have decided to draw a line under my international Hockey career.
‘This has been an extremely difficult decision for me and one that I have thought about carefully since the World Cup Qualifiers in Argentina.
'The commitment needed for International Hockey is growing each year and I have decided after 11 years of commitment that it is time for me to focus on other aspects of my life.’
Shaw came into the senior squad in 2002, making his debut against Wales in Cardiff with a 3-1 victory.
After a very successful underage international career in the green shirt, Shaw went onto amass an incredible 151 caps, the majority of which in the highly competitive midfield area.
Shaw feels it is the right time to bow out of the international game:
‘Given the natural break in the international competition calendar I believe that now is the right time to call an end to my international career.
‘There is a wealth of young talent coming through the system and it is essential that they are given the opportunity to experience hockey at the highest level while they have the time and energy to put that experience to good use.’
When reminiscing on his career it was clear that 2006 was a special year for Shaw:
‘It has been an enormous pleasure and privilege to represent my country but the highlight for me personally was being given the captain’s armband during the summer of 2006 – leading your country is an honour that very few people in any sport achieve and I will treasure the memory for the rest of my life.’
