Sean Dancer: Ireland women's head coach leaves role after five years in charge

Dancer led Ireland to the Tokyo Olympics but was unable to repeat the feat for this year's Paris Games

Ireland head coach Sean Dancer has left the role after five years in charge in the wake of the team's failure to qualify for this year's Paris Olympics.

The Australian took over in 2019 following World Cup silver medal-winning coach Graham Shaw's departure.

Former New Zealand assistant coach Dancer led Ireland to the Tokyo Olympics, where they were knocked out in the group stage.

Dancer said coaching Ireland has been an "amazing experience".

"As a team there have certainly been some ups and downs, but I am extremely proud of the team's consistency competing and performing at three Europeans, a World Cup and an Olympic Games.

"It has been an amazing experience for me and my family getting to understand the unique Irish sporting culture and skills.

"But more importantly it was an honour getting to know each individual of our special group. I wish the players and staff all the best for the future, and look forward to the opportunity of cheering from the stands with the great Green Army Family".

Former Australia under-21 player Dancer spent 10 years with New Zealand before succeeding Shaw as Ireland coach.

He led Ireland to their debut on the Olympic stage with a thrilling shoot-out victory over Canada in the November 2019 qualifier to claim the final berth for the Tokyo Games.

He also guided the team to the 2022 World Cup but they bowed out at the group stage after losing all three of their games in the Netherlands.

Ireland, who are ranked 14th in the world, then suffered Olympic qualifier agony with defeat by Great Britain in January ending their hopes of reaching Paris.

Hockey Ireland say the head coach role will be filled on an interim basis "from within the current coaching set-up" until Dancer's replacement is found.