Following the announcement this morning (Monday, 11th July) of the Irish Men’s Hockey Squad to represent Team Ireland at the forthcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, has sent his congratulations and good wishes to each and every one of the chosen athletes, and particularly to the three Munster players from Cork: John Jermyn, David Harte and Conor Harte.

John Jermyn, Junior, son of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Registrar, John Jermyn Senior, is a past pupil of Saint Luke’s National School, Douglas, Cork and of Ashton School, Cork.  David Harte and Conor Harte are past pupils of Bandon Grammar School, another of  the schools in the Diocese.

Bishop Colton said:

As Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, I warmly congratulate John Jermyn, David Harte and Conor Harte, on this significant and wonderful achievement, and in addition, David on being selected as captain of the team. I know that I speak for everyone in the Diocese when I say how delighted we all are to hear this news of their selection to take part in the Rio2016 Olympics.

As Patron, of Cork Church of Ireland Hockey Club, I add, that everyone in the Club will be thrilled also that one of our players – John Jermyn, Junior – has been chosen.

These Munster players will be a huge inspiration to the many young people who play hockey and who take part in sport, and they bring great joy to us all of all ages.  I also extend my congratulations and good wishes to all those who have been selected, many of whom I know personally, and, like so many others, I look forward now, even more, to following events at the Rio Olympics.

John Jermyn, Junior, son of Cork Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Registrar, John Jermyn, Senior, who is one of three Munster players selected for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Pictured at Bandon Grammar School at Bandon, Co Cork were Irish men’s hockey team members Connor and David Harte from Kinsale. The twin brothers will represent Ireland in the Rio Olympics in the summer. Picture Denis Boyle