Tipperary player stars as Irish women's hockey team qualify for World Cup
Caoimhe Perdue scored three goals in qualifiers in Chile
Cashel woman Caoimhe Perdue was an integral part of the Irish women’s hockey team that has qualified for the World Cup, which will be played in The Netherlands and Belgium from August 15-30.
In the qualifiers played in Santiago, Chile, Ireland got their campaign off to a flying start with a comprehensive 5–0 victory over Malaysia in their opening pool match. Caoimhe Perdue played a key role in the win, scoring Ireland’s second goal from a penalty corner with six minutes remaining in the first half.
The Irish team followed up with another impressive performance against Japan, securing a hard-fought 2–1 victory with the help of another goal from Perdue. She scored her third goal of the competition in the 5-1 win over Canada, which secured top spot in the group.
Despite a 1-0 defeat by Australia at the semi-final stage, Ireland held their nerve in a penalty shootout in the bronze medal match against Japan last Sunday to claim a 3–1 victory and book their place at the World Cup.
Following a demanding international schedule, Caoimhe has now returned to her club, HC Rotterdam in The Netherlands, where she continues her development in one of Europe’s strongest domestic leagues.
Ahead of the World Cup, the Irish team will next turn their attention back to the FIH Hockey Pro League, with further matches scheduled in June as they continue their battle to maintain their place among the world’s elite.
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For Caoimhe Perdue, the months ahead promise more opportunities to represent both her country and her hometown of Cashel with pride on the international stage.