Barbour quits international duty

Andy Barbour (left) with BBC NI sports journalist Denise Watson

Ireland forward Andy Barbour has announced his retirement from international hockey.

The Cookstown player won 84 Irish caps and scored 12 goals for his country.

"After five full years playing at the highest level with all the training and representing Ireland it is time to step down," said the 30-year-old.

"I have gone further in my hockey career than I thought possible and I have been to a lot of amazing places with the team."

Barbour had hoped to play for Ireland in this year's Olympics but their hopes were dashed at the qualifying tournament earlier this year.

"It makes sense to finish up now rather than wait for the next major tournament which will be the 2009 Europeans (B division).

"There are great structures in the IHA now and the right people are in charge and things are bright for the future.

"I would like to thank my coach Dave Passmore, who has been able to individually consider each player's professional career and stage in life and manage them which has enabled me to continue playing up to this stage."

Passmore said Barbour's skills had "tormented even the world's best teams".