Often in life there are moments or events that stay with you forever. The moments may last for no more than a few seconds, but it’s enough to make you take a step back and feel truly blessed and privileged with the cards you’ve been dealt. For me tonight undoubtedly provided one of those moments.

We played Argentina this evening, a late game at 8pm, but a time that just made the intense atmosphere even more electric. To put this particular four nations into context, a couple of weeks ago the pitch we play on was merely a patch of grass. The club located and old turf from a team in Buenos Aires, they rolled it up, transported it to Parana, and rolled it back out again. They are truly delighted with the results, and it means so much for them to have a tournament like this in their town.

So, let me tell you the moment. Before the game there was the usual anthems played. We sang first, but for some reason the Argentinian anthem didn’t work. So when we lined out for the start of the second half, they decided to give it a go. The pitch sits in a hollow with terraced stands around three sides and the clubhouse on the fourth, looking down onto the floodlit turf. The music system boomed around the grounds, and up started the anthem. As we stood waiting for the Argentinians to come out of their huddle, the whole crowd were singing and cheering as loud as they could. It was such a surreal moment, so many people cheering for one team, the team we were playing. I walked over to Alex and just had to smile and take it all in.

‘Well, we don’t get this every day!’ I said.

‘Let’s shut them up’, she replied with a grin on her face.

And that we did. We were one nil down going into the second half, but we started the second with a bang, gaining territory and creating a couple of decent chances. Gene has said at half time there would be a moment that would change the game in our favour, and our first corner of the second half provided Audrey with a chance to ping one into the bottom corner. Game on. However, with ten minutes to go we conceded a cheap corner and they got a high deflection to go ahead. Despite all our efforts time was against us, and the game finished 2-1.

After the game, the crowds stayed, eager to get pictures and autographs with their idols. It is so special to see so many young girls crowding around female athletes who they obviously admire and adore. They even cheered for us, appreciative of our effort and commitment. When we were leaving the grounds they were waving and blowing kisses at us. Don’t think we’d get that at home!

Everyone was so disappointed with the score line, but we can take great pride in our efforts. It is safe to say we have come a long way in a short period of time. In our previous games against South Africa and India we drew and lost respectively, two games that again we should and could have gotten more from. Tomorrow we play India (again!) in the last game of the tournament for third and fourth place. Everyone is so determined to get a result. Even more so as it is the special occasion for Audrey and Cliodhna, who receive their 50^th and 100^th caps respectively. Congratulations to them both, special players who I have no doubt will be rewarded with a special win!

On another note, there have been some funny stories to tell over the past few days which cannot go unnoticed. Special mention to Niamh Atcheler, who had to come off against India with a serious injury. She had lost all the feeling in her feet. The reason? She had tied her laces too tight in the warm up. I kid you not. Mention also to Nicci Daly who managed to injure a poor little Argentinian girl as her reverse stick hit went slightly wayward and managed to lob the fence. The ensuing tears didn’t last long however, as the little girl was consequently delighted with the shirt Dales gave her to say sorry! Also Sally Ann needs to watch her back as she turned the shower on over me, fully clothed as I endured my ice bath. She was laughing so hard she couldn’t turn it off! Finally, star of the show must go to our physio Karen, who has finally made it in the hockey world and delayed our bus journey home as she was so busy signing autographs and getting her picture taken with all her adoring Argentinian fans. Delighted for her!

Below is a picture of them scoring the winning goal, you can see who's at fault for it....number ten shall remain anonymous!

Argentina - 4 Nations take two!

Apologies for the lack of communication over the past few days, the wireless internet was down in our previous hotel. Since then we have moved location where the wifi is much better!

I think it is safe to say that we were really disappointed to have finished fourth in last week’s tournament. On Wednesday we lost to South Africa, a frustrating result given that we dominated periods of the game and had numerous chances to put ourselves in contention for the 3 points. We were not aggressive enough in our play, but learnt a lot of valuable lessons from the game. On Thursday we beat India in the pool stages which was a significant victory for us over a team ranked above us in the world, so it was an important step in the right direction.

Saturday was a huge test against the world champions Argentina. They are treated like celebrities here, with crowds of young kids running to get their autographs and posing for snaps with their favourite players. We knew it was going to be a tough tough game, especially in front of their home crowd. To come off the pitch disappointed with a draw against Argentina is an emotion I never thought possible, but the game surpassed all our expectations as a team. We went into half time 2-0 up after we took our chances from two set pieces. I even managed to get a sneaky goal! The second half was tough to play in, they dominated possession, pressed us high up the pitch but despite this we were disappointed to concede two goals that we down to our own errors. But for the heroics of Pam who saved a stroke in the last minute we would have lost the game, so the draw was bittersweet in a way. We didn’t make the final but took a lot of positives from the game.

Our final game was again against India for 3^rd/4^th place. It was game played under severe adversity, our fourth game in five days against tough opposition in the heat and humidity with a sticky pitch, so it was ultimately a test of our mental stamina and game management. At full time the score was 1-1, so extra time followed. We had chances to win the game and were the better team as time elapsed, but couldn’t add to our tally. The game went to a shoot-out and we lost 4-2. There’s a reason they call it the Indian dribble! It was a frustrating end to the four nations but the shoot-out was good practice for us if it happens again when it matters most!

On Monday we set off on our journey to Parana, and after a bus trip totalling 8 hours we finally reached our destination. I hadn’t really realised before just how vast this country is, it felt like the bus travelled along a straight road for hours on end! On our arrival there were some local press photographers which was an entirely strange and new experience! The hotel is beautiful; it overlooks the river Parana which you can see below.

Parana is a small town and they seem really excited about the tournament. One of our girls visited the local doctor about getting bite cream and instead of accepting monetary payment he just wanted tickets to see the games! When we trained at the pitch yesterday there were workers everywhere, constructing the dug outs and seating, trying to get the floodlights in tip top shape and watering the pitch with firemen hoses! There appears to be a real community effort involved, which is so nice to see. Apparently they even laid the pitch themselves!

Our first game is this afternoon against South Africa. We were disappointed with last week’s effort against them so are eager to make up for past mistakes! 

Argentina blog – Game 1

After a gruelling 14 hour flight from Heathrow, we arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday morning, tired but excited! For most of us this is our first time in Argentina so we are looking forward to getting stuck in. Our first game is against South Africa today (Wednesday) at 3pm (6pm Irish time), so it’s going to be a hot one! The temperature has been in and around 30degrees during the day so we have been on strict hydration guidelines and the sun cream is applied at every opportunity, despite those hoping to better their tans!

On this trip we have left behind oceans of talent and experience, but this is a prime opportunity for the younger members of the squad to show what they are made of. Selection is closer than ever, and no one can be assured of their place. Such competition breeds positive outcome, with every player working hard and applying themselves in the knowledge that someone else is breathing down their necks. Despite the calibre of those who have stayed at home, we have more than enough talent to perform well in both tournaments.

Game day starts with an early breakfast, a few of us head to the pool to loosen up, team meetings and an early start to leave for the field (incredibly it is 90 minutes away from where we are staying!). South Africa are a world class side but we are hoping for a good start and to put ourselves in pressure situations so we can cope with whatever is thrown at us. Certainly playing in 30 degrees will be a tough challenge but if we don’t play in difficult circumstances then we will never be tested to the max.

A special mention must go to the heroic efforts of Anna O’Flanagan and Audrey O’Flynn, who decided to take one (or one hundred) for the team and leave their balcony doors open all night so all the mossies would visit their room and leave the rest of us alone. Cheers guys, we really appreciate it.

Cross your fingers!