Some historical facts about Ireland

India Vs Ireland today at Rio 19.30 hrs IST

The world’s first international match was played between Ireland and Wales at Rhyl, a sea side resort in Wales, the Irish winning 3-1. Irishman A. Carrol struck the first international goal in the match.

Ireland won Silver at the first Olympics where field hockey was played in 1908. It lost the final to England 8-1. The Irish team: Holmes, J. Peterson, WF Peterson, Graham, Campbell, Murphy, Power, Gregg, Allman-Smith, Robindson and Kennedy.

Irish Hockey Union, that governs the hockey sport in Ireland, was formed 32 years before India put on board its governing body, Indian Hockey Federation.

Irish Hockey Union Challenge Cup was held in 1894.

In October 1962, an Irish team played in the Privateers Hockey Festival in New York, its first time any hockey team from the British isles crossed the Atlantic Ocean for competition purpose.

Irelands biggest success on the world stage was in 1977 when it finished second in the first Inter-Continental Cup, a world cup qualifier.

Ireland did not qualify for any Olympics after 1908, though came close in 2008 and 2012.

However, eligible to players of Irish did represent Great Britain squad. Harry Cahill, goalkeeper, represented GB in three successive Olympics from Rome to Mexico City while Stephen Martin and Billy Mc Connel won gold being part of 1988 Seoul team.

At Rio, younger of the Gleghorne, Paul, will be representing Ireland while his elder Mark for England. Both teams are in different pool.

Harte brothers play for Hockey India League.