Irish captain Jeanette Turner has announced her retirement from international hockey, bringing to an end a 72-cap career that stretched back to 1989, when she made her debut against Wales. The Pegasus midfielder, who won the last of her caps against Russia in the World Cup Qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe last month, will continue to play for both her club and Ulster.

Peter McCabe, the Irish assistant coach and, until last week, Ulster coach, yesterday paid tribute to Turner. "Over the years Jeanette has been a great example to all other women hockey players. The commitment she put in to her preparations was exceptional, as was her ability to lead the team and to be a calm and steadying influence both on and off the pitch," he said.

"She is, in the opinion of myself and Terry Gregg (Irish coach), an excellent role model for any other player and she will not be easily replaced. As a special favour to us she came back in to the squad for Zimbabwe, having already considered retirement - she made a special effort on our behalf and we will always be grateful for that."

Turner said: "I think the timing of my decision is about right because there is a relatively quiet spell ahead on the international front and I feel it's time to move aside and let some of the younger players have their chance."

Meanwhile Gregg described the player, who he first appointed international captain in October 1994, as a "shining example to young players of what every sportswoman should aim to be."