Three years ago, Graham Shaw was left devastated as Ireland missed out on a possible first-ever Olympic qualification in a shoot-out. Today, the Irish women's hockey coach watched on as they reached a World Cup Final and overcame Spain in a shoot-out.
A journey that started with qualifiers in Malaysia and South Africa peaked in London as a sudden death victory ensured Ireland would play the Netherlands or Australia in a World Cup Final.
The Dutch are the favourites by some margin and are famed for their ability in the sport. It was left to Shaw to contextualise what a spot in the final means to this team and their sport and he did not disappoint.
Listen, I've been asking the Dutch for a game for three years. They have no bloody choice now they are going to have to play us! Whoever it is is, Australia or Holland, we will enjoy it. We've enjoyed every moment of this together and we will enjoy these few hours and the game again tomorrow. I just want to thank everyone for the support at home, it has been incredible. Hopefully, it will be a life-changing moment for these girls.
An emotional, overwhelmed Graham Shaw tries to make sense of Ireland's astonishing achievement: "Never in my lifetime..." #RTEsport #HWC2018 pic.twitter.com/SuxCNo8QaX
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 4, 2018
