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Published 18:13 31 Jul 2018 BST
Updated 15:42 1 Aug 2018 BST
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"Last year we got silver in the Europeans, so we have had high hopes. We've been training and working hard all winter, we were pretty focused on getting out of the pool stages, so we are absolutely delighted with that."Dee had been playing or coaching the sport since school. She came out of retirement seven years ago now to start playing for the Masters, which she has watched go from strength to strength.
"Alison Pickett started the Masters 7 years ago, and I am part of the committee alongside a host of others. We have built this from one squad of 13 players, and now we have four squads with managers, physios, coaches, thats just in the last few years. We are doing extremely well, we got silver last years and our 50's took silver in Australia in 2016, it;s brilliant. Not bad for old women, you're never too old (laughs)."The team are also extremely proud of our girls flying the flag in London, but they are not short of a few ex-senior internationals themselves, namely Carolyn 'Shanky' Burns, Orla Galvin and Maggie Hunter.
On the topic of the womens World cup, Dee said, "They are just phenomenal, we would know a lot of the girls from our clubs and Leinster. We had the link to the game and watched it in Egara. We tweeted them our support and singing Ireland's call, and they tweeted us back, so there's been a lot of tweeting going on (laughs)."https://twitter.com/IrelandMasters/status/1023672334522167296 The teams have had to play three games in consecutive days. With more games to come how are they coping with the tough conditions and searing heat.
"It is tough, the 55's are doing well, we have a few tweaks going on, but we have an excellent physio in Jean O'Neill who is patching us up and sorting us out after sessions. We mind ourselves; warm-downs, ice baths, hydration is key. It's tough on the body and its tiring, but it is so worth it."These women put in a huge commitment in order to play the game, their personal lives are on hold, and their bodies are put through hell, all for the green jersey.
"It's massive for us to represent Ireland, obviously not all of us have done it at international level and to be able to do it in your fifties is pretty special."It is a truly astonishing achievement from all of these teams. Going forward the over 50's team look set to play South Africa of USA in tomorrows quarter-final, whilst Dee's 55ers are back out on Thursday for a game against Australia or New Zealand.
It is all eyes on the prize now for the three remaining sides, as well as our heroes in London. It is great too see the amazing shape that women's hockey is currently in on these shores.
You can catch the sides remaining games by following the link: https://www.laliga4sports.es
Congratulations to all involved. The whole country is behind you.Football

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