![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/2.37871407.jpg\")
Sport Ireland is getting an extra \u20ac1.5m for Olympic preparation after the success of the Irish ladies hockey team at the World Cup.<\/p>\nSport Ireland is getting an extra \u20ac1.5m for Olympic preparation after the success of the Irish ladies hockey team at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
There were rapturous scenes at Dublin Airport today as Transport, Tourism and Sport minister Shane Ross made the announcement as the team, which won silver at the Hockey World Cup in London, was welcomed home.<\/p>\n
Mr Ross hailed the squad, telling them: \u201cYou rank as one of the Ireland\u2019s sporting achievement of all time. I\u2019ll always remember where I was when you won your silver medal yesterday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat you have done has inspired us all \u2013 an amateur team that took on professionals.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn all-Ireland team, that\u2019s significant for us all.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe big winners yesterday were you. You guys came from nowhere and came second, and did it with such joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Player Deirdre Duke said the team are in shock over the announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI Can\u2019t really describe it, I\u2019m so happy to be here and see everyone. The money is incredible, it\u2019s going to change the game for us. It\u2019ll change everything for us.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team lost 6-0 in Sunday\u2019s final to reigning champions the Netherlands, but have been hailed as an an inspiration to the next generation of players, after Ireland climbed the world ranking in the sport from 16th to 10th.<\/p>\n
The team are to travel to a special event this afternoon hosted by Dublin\u2019s Lord Mayor Nial Ring and Dublin City Council for the team and supporters on Dame Street.<\/p>\n