Shirley McCay has decided to call time on her international career following a 14-year spell with the Ireland team.
Since making her international debut in 2007, the Drumquin native has gone on to play for 316 times, an appearance record for both hockey and for female sportswomen in general in Ireland.
A defender with an eye for a long pass, a tough competitor willing to contest every opponent and situation, McCay passion and longevity stand her out as one of the faces of Ireland's rise.
A rise which has brought them from obscurity to the world’s elite levels, a journey culminating in the 2018 World Cup silver medal and a maiden appearance for the Irish women at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
While she has dabbled with the idea of retiring on a couple of occasions in the past few years, she feels the time is right following the Olympics for her to step back and "go all in" to guide the next generation of stars through her work as an Ulster Hockey performance coach.
The early days of McCay's international career were tough at times with Olympic and World Cup qualification proving well out of reach.
Nonetheless, McCay was hooked on the journey and embraced the chance to travel the world, playing the sport she loved and while material success was elusive at the time, there were always moments to last a lifetime.
"In my early career, beating New Zealand in New Zealand [Wellington, 2008] was a special memory," she said.
"Anytime we could get the better of someone above was a special moment and that was unheard of at the time. Thankfully it became more regular over time but I will never forget that.
"Another eye-opener was playing Argentina in Parana [in 2011] and about 10,000 people must have shown up and gave us an incredible reception. It's things like that which stay with you, not always the big results but those amazing moments."
The 2020 Olympics proved to be McCay's international swansong, but she will not be too far from a pitchside anytime soon, after taking up a coaching role with Ulster Hockey.
"I am really looking forward to going all-in, committing to the job and making a difference, helping Ulster's young talent develop and play to their potential," she said.
"I am indebted to a few people who without their support I wouldn't be where I am today. My friends, family and loved ones, thanks for putting up with me being grumpy and rarely being around.
"To the coaches I have had throughout my career, I have learnt so much from you all. To our sponsors, SoftCo and Park Developments in particular, thank you for helping prolong an old girl's career and joining our journey.
"And finally, to every team mate I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, thanks for putting up with me. It has been an honour."
