Ames gives Ireland a boost with declaration of continuing interest

David Ames has given the Irish men’s team a boost by declaring that he is “still an Irish player and that’s the way I want to remain”.

Suggestions abounded that the Co Tyrone native was considering a switch to Great Britain to try to further his international ambitions, following fellow Ulster men Iain Lewers and Mark Gleghorne.

Ames would have to spend three years in the international wilderness before declaring for England, Scotland or Wales. One of Ireland’s key players over the last three years, the midfielder had declared himself unavailable for September’s World League, as well as next week’s Champions’ Challenge in Argentina.

Both non-selections heightened fears but his first public proclamation on the matter was a boon to the Irish side.

Ames there was plenty he still wanted to achieve but, after three hectic years, he was enjoying his step back from the national side.

“I have just landed my first full-time job and I want to commit to that over the next few months,” he said.

He will return to Cookstown next month, when he will assess his position. He said he will probably decide then whether to return to the set-up and potentially add to his 64 Irish caps.

On the club front, Pembroke fell to their first loss of the campaign with a 6-4 loss to Monkstown in Leinster’s Division One on Saturday. Avoca picked up their first point of the campaign as Carl Breaden’s first-half goal set them up for a 1-1 draw with YMCA.