LIMERICK’s most famous hockey star, Eimear Cregan, has retired from international hockey due to injury.
The 171 times capped Irish captain has struggled in recent times with arthritis in both knees and took the decision that she was no longer physically able for the demands of the international game.
Speaking this week about her retirement Cregan, now a teacher at the Ursuline Convent, Thurles, said that playing through the pain was no longer an option.
“For the past six years I have managed to play through the pain barrier to overcome this degenerative condition but unfortunately I am no longer able to train at the appropriate level required for international competition,” she said. “It is with deep sadness that, in consultation with medical staff, I have had to consider the long-term implications of continuing to train and compete at this level and have been forced into retirement.”
Irish coach Gene Muler lamented the loss of Cregan and wished the Catholic Institute star all the best for the future.
“It was a privilege for me to work with her over the last few years,” he said. “She is a true legend of Irish sport. I loved watching her play hockey. She was exciting, powerful, and unpredictable. She always led through example, and took her role of captain very seriously. My hope is that her legacy of motivation and passion will continue to live on in the team. I wish her only the best for the future.”
