Tuesday, August 4: Ireland Men’s Head Coach Mark Tumilty has announced his 20-player squad to travel to Wavre, Belgium to compete in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, the Ireland Men’s first appearance in the competition since 2018.
Having qualified in emphatic fashion in March of this year, securing their place at the World Cup with a comprehensive semi-final win over Wales before coming from behind to beat France in the final, Tumilty has selected an unchanged side from the squad that travelled to Santiago.
In nets, Jaime Carr will take his place between the sticks as he closes in on 100 senior international appearances for his country. He will be supported by Banbridge’s Luke Roleston, who performed well in Carr’s absence during the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
Kyle Marshall will occupy the centre of Ireland’s defence alongside Mark McNellis, and Peter McKibbin. In the fullback areas, Banbridge’s Fergus Gibson will line-out, along with one of the most experienced players in the side in Lee Cole and newest addition Gregory Williams, both of which will also look to threaten in front of goal from penalty corners. The backline is completed by YMCA stalwart Sam Hyland.
In midfield, Sean Murray and Peter Brown will be the focal points, with Johnny McKee, Adam McAllister, and Luke Witherow linking up with them as Ireland transition from defence to attack.
Up front, Lisnagarvey’s Matthew Nelson will lead the line alongside Monkstown’s Jeremy Duncan who will make his 150th senior appearance during Ireland’s pool stage. They are joined by Ben Walker, Louis Rowe, and Jonny Lynch who all scored during Ireland’s qualification campaign, and Ali Empey who found the net during his time with the squad at the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.
Speaking after the announcement IRL Men’s Head Coach Mark Tumilty said:
“This is a special moment for everyone involved in Irish hockey, especially this group of players. The chance to play at only our fourth FIH Hockey World Cup, against the best teams in the world and on the biggest stage in our sport, is something we’re all looking forward to.
We know what lies ahead will be a tough challenge, and we have great respect for every team in the competition. Although we haven’t played any international matches since the Nations Cup, the players are ready for the opportunity. We’re clear about how we want to play, excited to test ourselves against the world’s best, and proud to represent Ireland at the World Cup.”
Ireland (World #10) have been drawn in Pool C of the competition and will take on Australia (World #4) in their opening match on Sunday, August 16 before facing South Africa (World #12) and Spain (World #6) on August 18 & 20, respectively. A top two finish in the Pool would see Ireland progress to Pool E for a shot at a place in the Semi-Finals, while a third or fourth place finish would see the side progress to Pool H where they will begin their final classification matches.
Jaime Carr
Luke Roleston
Kyle Marshall (C)
Peter McKibbin
Mark McNellis
Sam Hyland
Gregory Williams
Fergus Gibson
Lee Cole
Luke Witherow
Sean Murray
Johnny McKee
Peter Brown
Adam McAllister
Matthew Nelson
Benjamin Walker
Jeremy Duncan
Ali Empey
Louis Rowe
Jonny Lynch
August 16 – 10:30 Irish Time – Ireland vs Australia
August 18 – 16:00 Irish Time – Ireland vs South Africa
August 20 – 16:00 Irish Time – Ireland vs Spain
Hockey Ireland
