Women's Hockey: Gene Muller is the new head coach of the Irish senior team and has earmarked qualification for the 2012 London Olympics as a primary target.
Muller joins from Field Hockey Canada, where he was the Men's National Team Coach. Before that, he was also South African women's coach and guided the team to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
"I am excited about the prospect of coaching the Irish women's hockey team," he said today.
"Irish hockey has assembled a competent and ambitious leadership group and I am pleased to play a role in Irish hockey at this time.
"It represents a new challenge for me and a new direction for the women's program. My first objective will be to become familiar with the Irish hockey system especially the coaches and the players."
Muller will start the job in October, pending work permit and relocation issues, and will be based in Dublin.
"We are very excited at the prospect of Gene joining us," Irish Hockey Association chief executive Paul Varian said.
"Gene possesses the strength and depth of skills and experience that is needed to carry out such a broad role, with far-reaching responsibilities.
"He has coached at the highest level and been to an Olympic Games, which is a clear, non-negotiable goal with our national teams."