Women's Hockey:Ireland coach Gene Muller is to retire at the end of May after almost six years in charge. The women's team lost the final of their Olympic qualifier to Belgium on Sunday, missing out on a place at the 2012 Games this summer.
Muller, Ireland’s first full-time women’s coach, took over the reins from Riet Kuper after leaving a post in Canada in October 2006 and had always intended to move on when Ireland’s involvement in the Olympics ended. “I have known for some time that this Olympic cycle would be my last for Ireland,” he said today.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching the women’s national team. It has been a positive and rewarding experience . . . my last acknowledgment is to the players of the Irish national hockey squad. Thank you for your commitment, passion, and efforts over the last few years. You always treated me graciously and respectfully. I wish you only the best in the future and will follow you with the enthusiasm of a typical Irish fan.”
Ireland failed to book a place in London Olympics after they lost 4-1 to Belgium last weekend. Muller had guided Ireland through to the final unbeaten but had no complaints with Sunday’s result. “Belgium were the better team on the day, “ he said at the time. “We couldn’t get a foothold on the game. I am disappointed in the result, but it was a fair result.”