MAGEE BECOMES TOP CAPS HOLDER

The former Banbridge Academy pupil received his 164th cap for the country since making his senior debut against Belgium in Dublin in 2005.

Magee captained the ‘Green Machine’ during their 13-0 win over Fiji during the World League 2 tournament in India and scored one of the goals.

Magee, who currently plays his hockey in Germany with Krefeld Hockey Club having left Bann to begin a professional career in Holland, was level with previous record holder Stephen Butler who retired in March 2010.

Speaking to the Irish Hockey Association’s website Magee said of the win, “‘It was a great result and great way to celebrate my 164th cap.”

Irish Hockey CEO, Mike Heskin congratulated Eugene Magee on this magnificent milestone.

“I wish to congratulate Eugene Magee on the truly deserving honour of being recognised as Ireland’s most capped men’s hockey player.

“It is a significant moment in any players life to pull on the green shirt but to have pulled it on 164 times is a remarkable achievement.

“Everyone at Irish Hockey is proud of Eugene’s dedication to the Green Machine and look forward to many more appearances in the Ireland shirt for him.”

And back where it all began for Magee at Havelock Park, Banbridge Hockey Club have sent their congratulations to their former player.

Also on the scoresheet during the win over Fiji was Bann’s Peter Brown, his first ever international goal.

It got even better for Brown during the Irish’s 4-0 win over China, doubling his international tally when he got on the end of a smart Stuart Loughrey cross at the back post.