New Delhi: Apart from the participation of the top players from major hockey nations, Ireland’s twin brothers – David Harte and Conor Harte – will represent the Gaelic country in the upcoming Hero Hockey India League 2015, where the Irish Brothers will represent newly assembled Mumbai franchisee - Dabang Mumbai and will contest to see their team take a play for a good position in the points-table. With David all set to play his second year in the Hero Hockey India League, it will be Conor who will feature for the first time this season.
In the recently concluded Hero HIL Players’ Closed Bid 2014, David was bought for $51,000, making him the second most expensive goalkeeper in the league this season after PR Sreejesh. Conor’s signing ($10,000) for the same team makes him only the second Irish person to ever play in the league and mark a high point for the twin brothers.
Goalkeeper David Harte, who made his international debut in 2006, has 135 international caps to his name and is regarded as one of the world’s top hockey goalkeepers and brother Conor Harte with 137 international caps, making them strong members of Dabang Mumbai. David was also adjudged the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ in the FIH Champions Challenge 2014, held in Kuantan, Malaysia, where Ireland finished at respected fourth position.
Hailing from Kinsale, the 26-year-old twins will play a crucial part for Dabang Mumbai, with goalkeeper David leading the defence-line that includes his pass-master brother Conor in front of him and will aim to start the Hero Hockey India League 2015 season with positive results.
Since their school days, David and Conor Harte have been playing together at club, inter-provincial and international level hockey, where they have build-up a rapport among themselves, which will prove crucial for the fortunes of Dabang Mumbai. While Conor plays in Belgium with Racing Brussels, David plays for SV Kampong in the Netherlands.
Speaking on his brother Conor, David Harte said, “Since the news of joining a new team together, we both are very happy and excited to play alongside for Dabang Mumbai. On top of that, I have experienced the electric atmosphere at the games which is something I can’t wait for, the chance to be able to play in front of 10,000 screaming fans who love the game. This will surely be a good experience for Conor also. I have shared many stories of the Hero HIL with him and the magnitude of the competition. Conor is new to the League but he has good international experience and has been playing for Royal Racing Club de Bruxelles. With the new team and new management, we are expecting a new change in the team and we will start our campaign with new zeal.”
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