The Irish women's hockey team have snaffled a nation's attention this week, and today can take a giant, era-defining stride to a World Cup final. Spain are today's opposition in London, and with the game live on RTE, the squad have rightfully attracted a massive audience.
Most of that audience were taken by Ireland's approach to the pre-match formalities of the anthem: bouncing out of the tunnel before hopelessly failing to contain their glee as the arena belted out Ireland's Call. If there were pre-match nerves...they were far from the dominant emotion.
It was a joy to watch:
They're ready! Ireland v Spain is under way https://t.co/MEXD5LzWCU #RTEsport #HWC2019 pic.twitter.com/ijMbxJjJ9t
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 4, 2018
Just about everyone loved it.
Never seen a happier looking team lining up for the anthems than these hockey women of ours. Tremendous! 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
— Conor Leeson (@conorleeson) August 4, 2018
Ireland win the Anthem smile-off hands down. Game on!
— Eoin McDevitt (@EoinMcDevitt) August 4, 2018
The Irish team looked happy lining up for the anthem and they look like they’re really enjoying themselves out there on the pitch. No nerves. Not bad for a #HWC2018
— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) August 4, 2018
Loved seeing our Irish women smiling so much coming onto the pitch and during the anthem...living their dream and so many people watching. Some day for women’s sport #Camogie2018 #GreenArmy @IreWomenHockey @RTEsport #COYGIG
— Aoife Murray (@Kilnadur) August 4, 2018
I've never seen a happier bunch of faces than the Ireland women's hockey team singing the anthem in the semi-final of the #HWC2018 #GreenArmy #COYGIG
— Michelle Kearns (@michellekearns9) August 4, 2018
They looked buzzing from the anthem. Get in there! #greenarmy
— Paul Tuohy (@Paul_Tuohy) August 4, 2018
