Most hockey mad children dream of playing for Ireland, competing in the World Cup or representing Ireland at the Olympic games.
For one Institute player all these dreams may soon be reality. It’s only a matter of weeks before our own World Cup Silver Medallist Roisín Upton and the Irish Women’s hockey team compete against Canada in a two match FIH series with a place at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on offer.
Should the women be successful they will be the first Irish Women’s field sports team to compete at an Olympic games. The women have been training very hard in the run up to the games on November 2nd and 3rd being played at Energia Park (Donnybrook Stadium) and Roisín kindly took time out to answer a few questions.

All at CIAC are extremely proud of Roisíns’ achievements and wish her and the Irish team the best of luck in the FIH Olympic qualifier.

We hope to see many CIAC members in Dublin supporting Roisín.

Name: Roisín Upton
Position CM/CB
Age: 25
Sponsor: JDH / So Hockey

At what age did you start playing hockey?
12

Who is your favourite hockey player?
Georgina ‘Gigi’ Oliva – Spain & Eva DeGoede – Holland

What is your most memorable moment in your hockey career so far?
World Cup 2018

What is your biggest low in hockey or in any other sport?
I was out for a year after double hip surgery.

What advice would you give to younger players?
Enjoy yourself. Set goals & keep learning – there’s no end to improving. Take every opportunity that comes your way.

What would your daily food intake consist of?
Variety of foods. For example:
Breakfast: Branflakes/weetabix/oats.
Lunch: Some form of eggs/toast.
Dinner: Stirfry
Snacks: Raspberries, pineapple, crackers, cereal or protein bar.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My parents. Couldn’t do what I do or be where I am without them. Have also always been hugely influenced & supported by both of my brothers.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired having medalled at an Olympics. Living in Bali sipping cocktails.

What countries have you visited with hockey?
Australia, Holland, Belgium, Singapore, Spain, Scotland, England, USA, Malaysia, Chile, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Canada.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
Dalai Lama

If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would it be?
Roy Keane, Adele, Adam Sandler

What is your favourite hobby outside of hockey?
Love music, love to travel & read. Love all sports. Can’t beat a swim in the ocean.

Any life motto’s?
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

Any guilty pleasures?
Eating a slice of mature red cheddar cheese

Location

catholic institute athletic club