Ronan Gormley, the first player to ever reach 250 caps for Ireland, has today formally announced his retirement from international hockey.
Gormley appeared 256 times for Ireland with 121 of those coming as captain.
His Irish career last over 15 years as the Irish team scaled new heights.
Gormley said: "To some extent there is a lot of luck in sport and I was lucky to be playing during a time of immense talent in Irish hockey.
"Not only that, but those involved went above and beyond to do things nobody expected of them, and achieve things most said they couldn't.
"In an era of ever professionalising sport I want to say a thank you to the coaches who drove this agenda.
"David Passmore started the ball rolling by raising standards in the Irish Men's hockey programme.
"Paul Revington arrived and changed the game. He is most inspirational figure I have ever encountered, he took us all to another level in what we could do, what we thought we could do and what we expected of ourselves.
"And finally Craig Fulton, who came in at a time when the group was dispersed and lacked direction, and through his infectious energy and enthusiasm reinstalled in us the unconditional belief that took us historically to our first ever Olympic Games qualification.
"I look back with great pride on a rise from 23rd to a high of ninth in the world, a European Bronze medal, and an Olympic Games. Thanks to all who added to and shared the journey - great friends and special memories were made."
You can read the full statement here .
