Thursday, February 13, 2025

‘Master of the reverse stick’ in hockey dies, aged 88

Thelma Hopkins (McLernon), who died on Jan 10 in Canada aged 88, was regarded as a ‘master of the reverse stick’ pass in hockey and a golden girl of British athletics.

She broke the world high jump record, won silver at the Melbourne Olympics, titles in long jump and the hurdles and played hockey and squash for Ireland. 

She was capped 40 times for the Green Army as a forward and sometimes played alongside her sister Moira.

Her mother Mildred became president of the Irish Women’s Hockey Union.

“She was a master of the reverse-stick pass, a variation seldom seen in the women’s game at the time, and in one season alone scored 90 goals,” The Daily Telegraph wrote in an obituary.

“She was without doubt one of the most outstanding Irish athletes ever to grace a hockey pitch and a true icon of Irish athletics,” Hockey Ireland also posted.

Her hockey career began with her first international cap in 1953, marking the start of a 12-year journey that saw her dominate the sport until her retirement in 1965. Renowned for her exceptional pace, agility, and skill, Thelma played in nearly every Irish international match that took place during her career. Her performances on the field left an indelible mark on all who witnessed her brilliance. 

In 1965 she toured the USA with a combined British and Ireland team.She was also inducted into the newly created Irish Hockey Hall of Fame; her citation called her a “legend”.

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