Riet Kuper today ended speculation that she may step down as the Irish senior women's hockey coach despite three influential members of her squad announcing their retirement.
Kuper was concerned up to eight players might have retired from the international scene after their disappointing World Cup campaign in Perth, Australia, in November and December last year.
As it turns out, Pegasus duo Arlene Boyles and Karen Humphreys alongside Tara Browne of Hermes were the only three to retire following last Sunday's World Cup squad reunion.
"I can cope with two or three going, but if it is six or seven then you have to start all over again and I'm not too sure I would do that," explained Kuper who discussed her future with Irish Hockey Association (IHA) officials at the reunion.
"I haven't spoken to most of the younger players yet, but I am hopeful that they will all play on," explained Kuper, who can now look forward to the European Nations Cup in Barcelona in September.
Kuper took the squad to Barcelona last month for a six-day training session where they also drew a two-test series against Belgium.
Boyles (29) steps down from international duty after amassing 122 caps spanning back to her debut against Russia in March 1995. She earned her final cap in Ireland's 1-0 win over Russia at the World Cup.
Humphreys (30), a sister of Irish rugby star David, reached her magical 100th cap, also against Russia, in Perth at the end of last year, having begun her international career in 1993.
Browne (31), made her senior debut in 1995 and won 71 caps. All three will continue to play for their club sides.
A statement released from the Irish Hockey Association today said all three players "had been outstanding ambassadors for Ireland both on and off the pitch".