Ireland v GB series: Three games against Olympic champions ‘brilliant preparation’ says Bethany Barr

There was also a personal blow for Barr as her sister Serena sustained a cruciate ligament injury last September when ended her hopes of joining Bethany in the Ireland squad in Japan.

“I obviously miss her down in Dublin,” added Bethany.

“We would have travelled down together and roomed together but her recovery is coming on really well.

“Serena’s back in the gym and going from strength to strength. She’s hoping to start running soon. That’s her goal in March so she is really focused on that.

“She’s been amazing encouragement for me. She is in no way down or bitter about the fact that she’s injured. She’s putting everything she can into helping me to succeed.”

The three games at the Queen’s University playing fields will be during a period when the squad are based in Belfast, which will include regular sessions in the heat chamber at the Northern Ireland Sport Institute aimed at helping the squad to acclimatise for Japanese conditions.

While supporters won’t be able to attend the three games, Barr hopes the BBC coverage will help to continue the bond between the team and the Irish sporting public.

“That support really does spur us on and is something we’re so grateful for.

“When we had our Olympic qualifier in Dublin to have the massive support we had – both the people who were there and who were watching on TV and online – it was such an inspiration for us and we hope we were an inspiration to young people who want to play the sport.

“That’s something that challenges us to use the platform we have and the opportunities we have to further hockey in Ireland.”