Everyone at the club is immensely proud to see our Club President, Pat Veasey, representing Ireland at the Over 60s Masters Hockey World Cup in Brasschaat, Belgium.

For anyone who knows Pat, his enthusiasm for hockey needs little introduction. But pulling on an international shirt and heading to a World Cup in your 60s is something rather special – and a fantastic achievement that deserves celebrating.

Pat and his teammates line up before an international match to sing the national anthem

From club hockey to the international stage

Pat qualifies to represent Ireland through his family heritage. His mother's family came from County Dublin, giving Pat dual nationality — and last October he decided to see just how far his hockey might take him.

He travelled to Dublin for trials for the Ireland Over 60s Masters squad, successfully came through the selection process and earned his place in the national set-up.

His international debut followed in April, appropriately enough in a match against Scotland.

Since then, it has been quite a journey.

Pat proudly wearing the Irish colours at his debut game

Pat has represented Ireland in tournaments in Spain and Scotland, gaining valuable international experience as the squad built towards the biggest event of all: the 2026 Masters World Cup in Brasschaat, Belgium.

Playing predominantly in midfield, Pat has already got himself onto the international scoresheet with his first goal for Ireland, as well as contributing a couple of assists.

Not bad going for our Club President!

World Cup bound

The World Cup takes place in Brasschaat from 6 to 16 August, bringing together Masters hockey teams from around the world.

Pat is part of Ireland's Over 60s squad and has rightly been featured by Ireland Masters Hockey as one of the players representing his country at the tournament.

Pat Veasey – Ireland's Over 60s player at the 2026 Masters World Cup

It is a tremendous achievement, but perhaps the best thing about Masters hockey is what Pat's story demonstrates: there doesn't have to be an expiry date on competitive sport.

The opportunity to test yourself, represent your country, travel, compete and enjoy the camaraderie of a team remains every bit as meaningful – whatever age appears on the team sheet.

Pat enjoying international Masters hockey with fellow teammate Aiden O'Malley

From all of us at the club – good luck, Pat!

We're enormously proud to have our Club President representing Ireland on the world stage.

From making the trip to Dublin for trials last October to winning his first cap against Scotland, playing international tournaments in Spain and Scotland and now competing at a World Cup, it has been quite a 10 months.

Another proud moment on Pat's international hockey journey

Everyone at the club wishes Pat and the entire Ireland Over 60s squad, the very best of luck in Belgium.

We'll be following the results closely — and Pat, you've got one international goal already…

A World Cup goal would do nicely! ☘️???