Sean Dancer has resigned from his position as head coach of the Irish women’s hockey team, after nearly five years in the role. Hockey Ireland plans to fill his role temporarily from within the present coaching team while they search for a long-term replacement. Dancer, who hails from Australia, had many notable achievements during his tenure.
His most significant achievement occurred in November 2019 when the team bested Canada in a penalty shoot-out in Dublin, securing their first-time slot in the Olympics. The team also managed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and equalled their highest ever position in the European Championships as they secured the fifth place in both 2019 and 2023 tournaments.
However, the team did suffer a setback in January when they secured a disappointing fourth position in the qualifier in Valencia, leading to them missing out on the upcoming summer’s Olympics.
Acknowledging the ups and downs during his tenure, Dancer said on Tuesday that he was deeply proud of the team’s persistence in their performance during three European championships, a World Cup, and an Olympic Games.
He expressed his gratitude for the enriching experience of understanding the unique Irish sporting culture and forming relationships with members of his team, adding that it was an honour. He expressed his best wishes to the players and staff for the future, and his excitement at the opportunity to support and cheer them on as part of the Green Army Family’s spectators.