Ireland rises to the challenge to raise tournament cash

DUBLIN, October 9 - Ireland's hockey supporters and businesses have raised the cash required to send the men's international side to the Champions Challenge in Argentina next month.

A week ago, the Irish Hockey Association announced the decision to withdraw from the Challenge, but subsequently backed down saying the team could go if 45,000 euro could be raised to fund the trip. 

This morning the appeal had topped 57,000 euro with an announcement expected from the association sometime during the day.