The Ireland men's hockey team tip-off their World Cup campaign in India this morning against a hotly-fancied Australia side.

Two of Ireland's most experienced players are twins David and Conor Harte, who are second cousins of Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte. Hailing from Bandon, Co. Cork, the brothers are currently playing professional hockey abroad with Kampong (Holland) and Racing Club (Belgium).

It's only the third time that the 'Green Machine', who are ranked 10th in the world and are aiming to emulate the achievements of their female counterparts earlier this year, have made the finals, with previous appearances coming in 1990 and 1978.

Alexander Cox’s side are in a strong group which also includes China (ranked 17th) and England (7th).

 

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