Ayeisha McFerran explained

Ayeisha McFerran
Birth Date:10 January 1996 [1] [2]
Birth Place:County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Position:Goalkeeper
Currentclub:Kampong
Youthyears1:2008–2014
Youthclubs1:Larne Grammar School
Years1:20xx–2014
Clubs1:Randalstown
Years2:2014–2015
Clubs2:Pegasus
Years3:2015–2019
Clubs3:Louisville Cardinals
Years4:2019–
Clubs4:Kampong
Nationalyears1:2014–
Nationalteam1:Ireland
Nationalcaps1:73
Nationalgoals1:0

Ayeisha McFerran (born 10 January 1996) is an Ireland women's field hockey international. She was a member of the Ireland team that played in the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup final. She was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. McFerran was also a member of the Pegasus team that won the 2014–15 Women's Irish Hockey League. Between 2015 and 2017 she was named three times as an NFHCA All-American while playing for Louisville Cardinals.

Early years, family and education

McFerran is originally from Larne. She is the daughter of George and Sandra McFerran. She has three siblings, Tamara, Reece and Shea. Her mother died when McFerran was 15. She was educated at Larne Grammar School and at the University of Louisville. In addition to playing field hockey, in her youth McFerran was an Irish dancer and played the flute.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]

Domestic teams

Larne Grammar School

After taking up field hockey at age 7, McFerran began representing Larne Grammar School as a Year 8 pupil in 2008. McFerran was still a pupil at Larne Grammar School when she made her senior debut for Ireland.[11]

Randalstown

In addition to playing for Larne Grammar School, McFerran also played club field hockey with her PE teacher, Emma Knox, at Randalstown.[12] McFerran was a Randalstown player when she made her senior debut for Ireland.[13] [14]

Pegasus

McFerran joined Pegasus in September 2014 after a proposed plan to play for UCD fell through.[15] She was subsequently a member of the Pegasus team that won the 2014–15 Women's Irish Hockey League title.[16] [17] [18] She was also named as the league's best goalkeeper.[19] [20] [21]

Louisville Cardinals

In 2015 McFerran began a field hockey scholarship at the University of Louisville.[22] Between 2015 and 2017 she was named three times as an NFHCA All-American while playing for Louisville Cardinals.[23] [24] [25] [26] [27] While based in Louisville, Kentucky, McFerran also worked as a goalkeeper coach at a local field hockey club, IFHCK.[28] [29] [30]

Kampong

In August 2019, McFerran joined Dutch Hoofdklasse club SV Kampong.[31]

Ireland international

McFerran made her senior debut for Ireland against Spain on 11 January 2014, the day after her 18th birthday.[32] [33] [34] [35] [36] In March 2015 McFerran was a member of the Ireland team that won a 2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League Round 2 tournament hosted in Dublin, defeating Canada in the final after a penalty shoot-out. McFerran, regarded as a shoot-out specialist, replaced Emma Gray specifically for the shoot-out and subsequently saved three penalties.[37] [38] [39] [40] [41] She was also a member of the Ireland team that won the 2015 Women's EuroHockey Championship II, defeating the Czech Republic 5–0 in the final.[42] In January 2017 she was also a member of the Ireland team that won a 2016–17 Women's FIH Hockey World League Round 2 tournament in Kuala Lumpur, defeating Malaysia 3–0 in the final.[43]

McFerran represented Ireland at the 2018 Women's Hockey World Cup and was a prominent member of the team that won the silver medal.[44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] She featured in all of Ireland's games throughout the tournament, including the pool games against the United States,[50] India,[51] and England,[52] the quarter-final against India,[53] the semi-final against Spain [54] and the final against the Netherlands.[55] Both the quarter-final against India [56] [57] [58] and the semi-final against Spain [59] were decided by penalty shoot-out and McFerran was instrumental in Ireland reaching the final. She saved three penalties against India and four against Spain. On the way to the final she conceded just three goals in five matches and she was subsequently named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.[60] [61] [62] [63] [64] [65] [66]

TournamentsPlace
2014 Women's Hockey Champions Challenge I[67] 2nd
2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League[68] [69] 15th
2015 Dublin Tournament[70] [71] 1st
2015 Women's EuroHockey Championship II[72] 1st
2016 Hawke's Bay Cup[73] [74] 5th
2016–17 Women's FIH Hockey World League[75] 13th
2017 Kuala Lumpur Tournament[76] 1st
2017 Women's Four Nations Cup[77] 2nd
2018 Women's Hockey World Cup[78] [79] [80]
2018–19 Women's FIH Series Finals[81] [82] 2nd
2019 Women's EuroHockey Nations Championship[83] [84] 5th

Honours

Ireland
Pegasus
Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup 2018 – Team Details Ireland . fih.ch . 5 August 2018.
  2. Web site: 2018 Field Hockey Roster – Ayeisha McFerran . gocards.com . 5 December 2018.
  3. News: Ayeisha McFerran . www.linkedin.com . 5 December 2018.
  4. Web site: 2018 Field Hockey Roster – Ayeisha McFerran . gocards.com . 5 December 2018.
  5. News: The World is at our feet, says Irish hockey ace Ayeisha McFerran . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 29 June 2017.
  6. Web site: Irish hockey's Ayeisha McFerran awarded highest honour in US college sport . www.irishtimes.com . 30 November 2018 . 8 December 2017.
  7. Web site: Ayeisha McFerran's dancing feet keep hockey star on her toes . www.irishtimes.com . 30 November 2018 . 9 August 2018.
  8. Web site: Ayeisha McFerran . www.hockey.ie . 5 August 2018.
  9. News: Get To Know The Green Army Goalkeepers . www.hockey.ie . 13 November 2018 . 16 July 2018.
  10. News: Ayeisha McFerran – Women's World Cup squad . https://web.archive.org/web/20180726092307/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2018/07/ayeisha-mcferran-womens-world-cup-squad/#.XAGexPZ2ty0 . usurped . 26 July 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 November 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  11. News: Ayeisha Nets First Cap for Senior Irish Team . www.larnegrammar.org.uk . 5 December 2018 . 17 January 2014.
  12. News: Ayeisha Nets First Cap for Senior Irish Team . www.larnegrammar.org.uk . 5 December 2018 . 17 January 2014.
  13. Web site: Ireland V Spain Results . www.sportireland.ie . 7 November 2018 . 13 January 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234600/https://www.sportireland.ie/Media/Latest_News/2014/January/Ireland_V_Spain_Results.html . 9 November 2018 . dead.
  14. News: Ireland's women stun Spain with three late goals . https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234644/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2014/01/irelands-women-stun-spain-with-three-late-goals/#.W-MeDvZ2ty0 . usurped . 9 November 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 7 November 2018 . 12 January 2014.
  15. News: Pegasus swoop for Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 17 September 2014.
  16. News: Irish Hockey League crowns champions . www.fih.ch . 28 September 2018 . 2 May 2011.
  17. News: Pegasus smash and grab their second women's IHL title as Loreto rue missed chances . https://web.archive.org/web/20181001031131/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/04/pegasus-smash-and-grab-their-second-womens-ihl-title-as-loreto-rue-missed-chances/#.W7DOefZFxy0 . usurped . 1 October 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 September 2018 . 12 April 2015.
  18. News: Pegasus seeking a new goalkeeper as McFerran moves on . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 9 May 2015.
  19. Web site: Irish hockey's Ayeisha McFerran awarded highest honour in US college sport . www.irishtimes.com . 30 November 2018 . 8 December 2017.
  20. News: Get To Know The Green Army Goalkeepers . www.hockey.ie . 13 November 2018 . 16 July 2018.
  21. News: Ayeisha McFerran – Women's World Cup squad . https://web.archive.org/web/20180726092307/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2018/07/ayeisha-mcferran-womens-world-cup-squad/#.XAGexPZ2ty0 . usurped . 26 July 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 November 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  22. News: Pegasus seeking a new goalkeeper as McFerran moves on . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 9 May 2015.
  23. Web site: 2018 Field Hockey Roster – Ayeisha McFerran . gocards.com . 5 December 2018.
  24. Web site: Irish hockey's Ayeisha McFerran awarded highest honour in US college sport . www.irishtimes.com . 30 November 2018 . 8 December 2017.
  25. News: Get To Know The Green Army Goalkeepers . www.hockey.ie . 13 November 2018 . 16 July 2018.
  26. News: Ayeisha McFerran – Women's World Cup squad . https://web.archive.org/web/20180726092307/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2018/07/ayeisha-mcferran-womens-world-cup-squad/#.XAGexPZ2ty0 . usurped . 26 July 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 November 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  27. News: Ayeisha's thrilled to net All-Star USA honour . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 11 December 2017.
  28. News: Ayeisha McFerran . www.linkedin.com . 5 December 2018.
  29. News: IFHCK Field Hockey . www.firstpointusa.com . 5 December 2018.
  30. News: Life At Louisville - Ayeisha McFerran . www.ifhckfieldhockey.com . 5 December 2018.
  31. Web site: Ireland goalkeeper McFerran lands dream move to Dutch giants . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . . 10 August 2019 . 1 August 2019.
  32. Web site: Ayeisha McFerran . www.hockey.ie . 5 August 2018.
  33. News: Get To Know The Green Army Goalkeepers . www.hockey.ie . 13 November 2018 . 16 July 2018.
  34. News: Ayeisha McFerran – Women's World Cup squad . https://web.archive.org/web/20180726092307/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2018/07/ayeisha-mcferran-womens-world-cup-squad/#.XAGexPZ2ty0 . usurped . 26 July 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 November 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  35. Web site: Ireland V Spain Results . www.sportireland.ie . 7 November 2018 . 13 January 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234600/https://www.sportireland.ie/Media/Latest_News/2014/January/Ireland_V_Spain_Results.html . 9 November 2018 . dead.
  36. News: Ireland's women stun Spain with three late goals . https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234644/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2014/01/irelands-women-stun-spain-with-three-late-goals/#.W-MeDvZ2ty0 . usurped . 9 November 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 7 November 2018 . 12 January 2014.
  37. News: Get To Know The Green Army Goalkeepers . www.hockey.ie . 13 November 2018 . 16 July 2018.
  38. News: Ayeisha McFerran – Women's World Cup squad . https://web.archive.org/web/20180726092307/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2018/07/ayeisha-mcferran-womens-world-cup-squad/#.XAGexPZ2ty0 . usurped . 26 July 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 30 November 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  39. News: Ayeisha's thrilled to net All-Star USA honour . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 December 2018 . 11 December 2017.
  40. News: World League 2: Ireland beat Canada in shootout . www.bbc.co.uk . 22 October 2018 . 22 March 2015.
  41. News: Ireland v Canada - World Hockey League 2 Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 17 November 2018 . 22 March 2015.
  42. News: Golden moment for Ireland's women as McCay breaks caps record in Prague . https://web.archive.org/web/20150811144959/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/07/golden-moment-for-irelands-women-as-mccay-breaks-caps-record-in-prague/#.W5ggn_ZFxy0 . usurped . 11 August 2015 . www.hookhockey.com . 11 September 2018 . 25 July 2015.
  43. News: Outstanding Ireland add gold to WL3 ticket . https://web.archive.org/web/20180918230922/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2017/01/outstanding-ireland-add-gold-to-wl3-ticket/#.W6Al6vZFxy0 . usurped . 18 September 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 17 September 2018 . 22 January 2017.
  44. Web site: Ayeisha McFerran's dancing feet keep hockey star on her toes . www.irishtimes.com . 30 November 2018 . 9 August 2018.
  45. News: 'We knew we had the best keeper in the game' . www.rte.ie . 30 November 2018 . 2 August 2018.
  46. Web site: Hockey hero Ayeisha McFerran hosted by Mayor in recognition of historic World Cup achievements . www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk . 30 November 2018 . 14 August 2018.
  47. Web site: 20 things you didn’t know about Ireland's hockey heroes . www.irishexaminer.com . 9 August 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  48. Web site: Meet Ireland's history-making World Cup hockey heroes . www.irishtimes.com . 12 August 2018 . 1 August 2018.
  49. News: Irish Hockey Squad homecoming from Women’s Hockey World Cup Photos . 20 August 2018 . 6 August 2018.
  50. News: 'Magnificent' Ireland open hockey World Cup campaign with USA scalp . www.rte.ie . 9 August 2018 . 21 July 2018.
  51. Web site: 'We can beat anyone in the world' - Optimism growing as O'Flanagan puts Ireland in last eight for first time . www.independent.ie . 10 August 2018 . 26 July 2018.
  52. News: England v Ireland - Women's Hockey World Cup Finals Group B Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 10 August 2018 . 29 July 2018.
  53. Web site: Green Army Beat India To Reach World Cup Semi Final . www.hockey.ie . 10 August 2018 . 2 August 2018 . 10 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180810235416/http://www.hockey.ie/news-detail/10042325/ . dead.
  54. News: Ireland v Spain - Women's Hockey World Cup Finals Semi-Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 10 August 2018 . 4 August 2018.
  55. News: As it happened: Ireland v Netherlands, Women's Hockey World Cup final . www.the42.ie . 10 August 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  56. News: Ireland's Shoot-Out Hero Gives The Happiest Post-Match Interview Ever . www.balls.ie . 30 November 2018 . 2 August 2018.
  57. News: In pictures: How Ireland girls secured World Cup semi-final spot with shoot-out success . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 11 November 2018 . 3 August 2018.
  58. News: Graham Shaw: ‘It’s incredible for the whole sport of hockey in Ireland’ . www.irishtimes.com . 10 September 2018 . 2 August 2018.
  59. Web site: In pictures: Ulster's Ayeisha McFerran is shoot-out heroine as Ireland reach World Cup semi-finals . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 5 August 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  60. News: Superb McFerran named goalkeeper of the tournament . www.rte.ie . 13 November 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  61. Web site: Ireland star McFerran wins goalkeeper of the tournament award at Hockey World Cup . www.independent.ie . 5 August 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  62. News: 'We don't often get the chance to shine': The goalkeeping coach behind Ireland's World Cup hero . www.the42.ie . 13 November 2018 . 11 August 2018.
  63. Web site: Field hockey's McFerran is "the best goalkeeper in the world" . www.louisvillecardinal.com . 5 December 2018 . 8 September 2018.
  64. Web site: Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran named goalkeeper of the World Cup . www.the42.ie . 30 November 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  65. Web site: Ireland hero Ayeisha puts professional dream on hold as she's named World Cup's top stopper . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 30 November 2018 . 6 August 2018.
  66. Web site: Ireland's Ayeisha McFerran nets top goalie award at Hockey World Cup . www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk . 30 November 2018 . 6 August 2018.
  67. News: USA too strong but long-term Irish gains abound from Champs Challenge . https://web.archive.org/web/20160121195308/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2014/05/usa-too-strong-but-long-term-irish-gains-abound-from-champs-challenge/#.W8ZIOPZFxy0 . usurped . 21 January 2016 . www.hookhockey.com . 16 October 2018 . 6 May 2014.
  68. News: Ireland v Lithuania - World Hockey League 2 Quarter-Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 16 October 2018 . 19 March 2015.
  69. News: Ireland v China - Women's World League Round 3 Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 16 October 2018 . 18 June 2015.
  70. News: World League 2: Ireland beat Canada in shootout . www.bbc.co.uk . 22 October 2018 . 22 March 2015.
  71. News: Ireland v Canada - World Hockey League 2 Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 17 November 2018 . 22 March 2015.
  72. News: Golden moment for Ireland's women as McCay breaks caps record in Prague . https://web.archive.org/web/20150811144959/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2015/07/golden-moment-for-irelands-women-as-mccay-breaks-caps-record-in-prague/#.W5ggn_ZFxy0 . usurped . 11 August 2015 . www.hookhockey.com . 11 September 2018 . 25 July 2015.
  73. News: Irish women produce special second half performance at Hawkes Bay Cup . https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001703/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2016/04/irish-women-produce-special-second-half-performance-at-hawkes-bay-cup/#.W8YiZfZFxy0 . usurped . 17 October 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 16 October 2018 . 9 April 2016.
  74. News: Irish women's hockey team topple higher ranked nations . www.irishtimes.com . 16 October 2018 . 11 April 2016.
  75. News: Outstanding Ireland add gold to WL3 ticket . https://web.archive.org/web/20180918230922/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2017/01/outstanding-ireland-add-gold-to-wl3-ticket/#.W6Al6vZFxy0 . usurped . 18 September 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 17 September 2018 . 22 January 2017.
  76. News: Outstanding Ireland add gold to WL3 ticket . https://web.archive.org/web/20180918230922/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2017/01/outstanding-ireland-add-gold-to-wl3-ticket/#.W6Al6vZFxy0 . usurped . 18 September 2018 . www.hookhockey.com . 17 September 2018 . 22 January 2017.
  77. News: Irish Women's 4 Nations squad announced . www.bbc.co.uk . 16 October 2018 . 7 June 2017.
  78. News: England v Ireland - Women's Hockey World Cup Finals Group B Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 10 August 2018 . 29 July 2018.
  79. News: Ireland v Spain - Women's Hockey World Cup Finals Semi-Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 10 August 2018 . 4 August 2018.
  80. News: Ireland v Netherlands - Women's Hockey World Cup Final Photos . www.sportsfile.com . 1 September 2018 . 5 August 2018.
  81. Web site: Hawkshaw, Barr and Buckley set for major tournament debuts . https://web.archive.org/web/20190603144952/http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2019/05/hawkshaw-barr-and-buckley-set-for-major-tournament-debuts/#.XWVnym5Fxy0 . usurped . 3 June 2019 . www.hookhockey.com . 27 August 2019 . 31 May 2019.
  82. Web site: Three changes in Ireland women's squad for FIH Series in Banbridge . www.bbc.com . 21 August 2019 . 31 May 2019.
  83. Web site: Ireland women come up just short in semi-final bid . www.irishtimes.com . 28 August 2019 . 21 August 2019.
  84. Web site: Ireland women beat Russia to secure fifth place in Belgium . www.irishtimes.com . 28 August 2019 . 25 August 2019.