Claire retires from International duty
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Claire Parkhill: retirement from international hockey.
RANDALSTOWN Ladies hockey star Clare Parkhill, who clocked up 70 caps for Ireland, has announced her retirement from the international game.
The 27-year-old spent three years playing for Ireland, and regularly appeared in the starting line-up.
She was also a prominent figure in the Ulster squad, but has decided to swap the sport for a legal career in Manchester.
June 2005 saw her first full international cap in a match against Korea, who were host nation in the KT Cup, and since then, her career has taken her all across the globe, playing in tournaments in Argentina, New Zealand, South Africa and various parts of Europe.
Claire became Ulster captain in 2005, and was captain again in 06/07 when the side won the Inter-Provincial Championships two years running.
Speaking after the announcement last week, Claire said she had 'thoroughly enjoyed' being a member of the Senior Ladies squad, and thanked Irish coach Gene Muller for her contribution to her success.
“I have also had the pleasure of working with several coaches, and would also like to take this opportunity to thank Denis, Riet and Graeme Francey," she said.
“I'm looking forward to my future in Manchester, but will be avidly following Ireland's successes in the future.
