By Jeremy Sollars
Local hockey champ Adam Byrne is still buzzing after competing in the international Exin Masters World Cup Over-35s in Spain in late July and early August.
The Aussies were undefeated over the course of six qualifying games and won the Grand Final against England one-nil.
Adam’s ‘Match Shirt No.1’ has been framed by Perry Cronin of Allora’s Shark Memorabilia and can be admired by patrons of the Condamine Sports Club – which helped sponsor Adam’s Spain trip, along with the Warwick Hockey Association – for the next couple of months, before it takes pride of place in the Byrne family home.
Adam – who has captained the Queensland Over-35s in recent times in the national competition – told the Free Times the Over-35s internationals were played from 24 July to 6 August at Terrassa near Barcelona, hosted by Spain’s Club Egara.
He was one of seven Queenslanders selected for the 18-strong national squad to travel to Spain, with the oldest player aged 39.
Players aged 40 and over qualify for ‘Masters’ competition.
“I knew the other Queensland guys and a couple of the others from previous years, but no-one else,” Adam said.
“So we had to get to know each other pretty quickly and come together as a team.
“It was just a fantastic experience – Spain is a really beautiful country, it was the middle of their summer and one day we were playing in 40 degree heat.”
Adam started playing hockey at the age of six and after travelling to Brisbane every weekend for Division One games in recent times has decided to retire from his beloved sport – citing fatherhood and taking over management of the family business, Byrne Automotive, as the primary reasons.
“It’s that – and the old body has been telling me a few stories lately,” he jokes.
“I’d really like to thank the ‘Condy’ for their support – they’ve been tremendous.”
(SUBHEAD)
For the record…
• Game 1 – Australia 5 def Scotland 1
• Game 2 – Australia 11 def Wales 1
• Game 3 – Australia 3 def Spain 0
• Game 4 – Australia 5 def Germany 2
• Game 5 – Australia 4 def England 0
• Game 6 – Australia 6 def South Africa 0
• Grand Final – Australia 1 def England 0
