Sean Dancer to leave role as coach of Ireland's women's hockey side after five years in charge

Sean Dancer has stepped down as head coach of the Irish senior women's hockey side.

Dancer's decision comes after Ireland narrowly failed to qualify for Paris Olympic Games, losing 2-1 to Great Britain on 20 January at a qualifying tournament in Valencia.

The Australian spent five years at the helm, having moved from his role as assistant coach in New Zealand, and his tenure saw the Ireland team reach their first ever Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020), one World Cup and most recently finishing fifth in Europe, equalling the team's best ever result.

Commenting on the announcement, Dancer said: "I would like to thank Hockey Ireland, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, and all the sponsors for providing me the support and opportunity to lead and drive the women’s programme over the last six years.

"As a team there have certainly been some ups and downs, but I am extremely proud of the team's consistency competing and performing at three Europeans, a World Cup and an Olympic Games.

"It has been an amazing experience for me and my family getting to understand the unique Irish sporting culture and skills. But more importantly it was an honour getting to know each individual of our special group.

"I wish the players and staff all the best for the future, and look forward to the opportunity of cheering from the stands with the great Green Army Family."

On his biggest achievement while in charge of the Irish, Dancer added: "The biggest achievement was qualifying and leading the team to the Tokyo Olympics.

"To be part of not only the first every Ireland's women’s hockey team, but also the first ever Ireland women’s sporting teams to compete at the Olympics was something special and made me extremely proud.

"Also part of that was the back-up,