WOMEN'S HOCKEYAFTER WINNING 130 caps in her nine years playing for Ireland, Cathy McKean has announced her retirement from the international game, leaving coach Gene Muller with a significant gap to fill in his forward line in advance of next year's World Cup Qualifier.

McKean made her debut for Ireland against Scotland in June 2000 under Muller’s predecessor, Riet Kuper, and went on to reach a century of caps at the 2008 Olympic Qualifier in Canada. She was a member of the team that equalled its best finish (fifth) at the European Championships in Amsterdam last summer.

“The experience has given me moments of heart-bursting pride, stomach-tingling excitement, and crushing disappointment,” said McKean, “but yes, it has absolutely been worth it. I have no regrets, I loved it.”

“Cathy has been a powerful presence on and off the field for Ireland,” said Muller. “Over the course of her international career she has always been a brave and intensely committed player. She will leave a powerful legacy, especially to the younger forwards who were fortunate enough to play with her. She is a true character and will be missed in our team.”

“Cathy has been one of the outstanding forwards for her club, province and country for more than a decade,” said Irish manager Sally Ann Fanagan. “She has also been a great mentor to young forwards coming through the ranks over all that time. Her experience and unique talents will be hugely missed at international level.”

There are no Leinster or Munster first division fixtures this weekend because of the holiday, but Pembroke Wanderers will be in Irish Senior Cup action in their delayed first-round fixture against Lurgan in Dublin.

Tomorrow- Irish Senior Cup, first round: Pembroke v Lurgan, Serpentine Ave, 2.30.