Two of Glenanne's, and indeed the country's, greatest hockey players announced their international retirement last night

Stephen Butler - who holds the record for most caps (163) and most goals (79) - and Graham Shaw (151 caps) have both decided to step down from the international game, a decision which was expected given the obvious break in major international tournaments for the Irish team.

Stephen made his debut at the age of 19 on June 5^th 1999 when Ireland beat Japan one nil on home turf.

Stephen is perhaps best known as an internationally renowned drag flick expert scoring 5 hat tricks and one of his most memorable goal scoring achievements was his brace of goals to earn Ireland a 2-2 against the mighty Pakistan in the World Cup qualifier in China 2006. He followed this up with another two goals as Ireland recorded their first ever win against Germany in 2007 with a 3-2 victory in Monchengladbach.

Commenting on his decision Butler said "After lengthy discussions with family and close friends I have decided to draw a line under my International Hockey career. This has been an extremely difficult decision for me and one that I have thought about carefully since the World Cup Qualifiers in Argentina. The commitment needed for International Hockey is growing each year and I have decided after 11 years of commitment that it is time for me to focus on other aspects of my life."

Graham Shaw burst onto the Senior Squad in 2002 when he made his debut against Wales in Cardiff with a 3-1 victory. After a very successful underage international career in the green shirt Graham went onto amass an incredible 151 caps the majority of which in the highly competitive midfield area. He will be remembered for his uncompromising attitude on the pitch which inspired his team mates on many occasions and he has been a great credit to Ireland over the years including most recently in his role of Vice Captaincy.

Commenting on the timing of his retirement now seemed the right time for this experienced international "Given the natural break in the international competition calendar I believe that now is the right time to call an end to my international career. There is a wealth of young talent coming through the system and it is essential that they are given the opportunity to experience hockey at the highest level while they have the time and energy to put that experience to good use.

Shaw was also keen to pay tribute to the support he has received over the years "During my hockey career I have been fortunate to have the great support of my girlfriend Ali and my parents Victor and Nuala. I would also like to take this opportunity to give special thanks to my Club Glenanne and especially my close friends and team mates Stephen (Butler) and Joe (Brennan) for their continuous support and drive over the past number of years. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the coaches and players, (whom I know Stephen mentions by name later) I have had the privilege to work with at both at a club and international level over the past ten years, through whom I have made some life long friends.

"As with all success there are always disappointments It has always been my dream to play in the Olympic Games or the World Cup. Like the rest of the squad I gave everything possible to make that dream a reality and was bitterly disappointed to miss out."

When reminiscing on his career it was clear that 2006 was a special year for Shaw: "It has been an enormous pleasure and privilege to represent my country but the highlight for me personally was being given the captains armband during the summer of 2006  leading your country is an honour that very few people in any sport achieve and I will treasure the memory for the rest of my life."

Both players have been involved in making historic Irish Hockey moments, in January 2006 they were part of the first Irish team to beat South Africa, (1-0 in Pretoria) and they were also both part of the first Irish team to beat India (August 2004; 3-2).

Butler was also keen to pay thanks to a number of people as he went onto say: "Playing Hockey for Ireland has been a very special part of my life and one that I have enjoyed immensely. I have made many friends for life and have memories that will stay with me forever. I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of people; firstly I would like to thank all the players I have ever played with for making my international experience so enjoyable, you have all been such good friends and such an important part of my life. John Clarke, my 1st Senior International coach, who brought me into the senior squad in 1998. I still remember the day down in Cork after my first senior interpros when John approached me and asked me to be a member of the Senior Squad - this was one of the highlights of my career. I feel I owe John sincere thanks for getting my international career underway.

"Dave Passmore, who I feel took my game to a new level on the International scene and brought us as a team to new heights and professionalism. Revs for his very valuable contributions and the effort that he has put into my game. We have worked very hard together on changing many aspects of my game and I would like to sincerely thank him for that. Sinead, Tristan, Hiler, Peter, Arul, and Ned for the commitment they have given to me. I would also like to thank my club Glenanne who have been very supportive through my career and my close friends in the team Graham, Joe and Bogger.

"I would finally like to thank three very important people, firstly my girlfriend Sofie for putting up with the endless trips away and nights training, thank you for the continued support. I would also like to thank my parents Seamus and Gillian for being my biggest fans and supporters. I really appreciate the commitment they have given to support me and the team. It has been an honour to represent Ireland and I have achieved more than I ever dreamed of."

Commenting upon the announcement of Shaw and Butlers retirement Coach Paul Revington had this to say: "I have been very fortunate as a coach to enjoy the 2009 season with both Stephen and Graham as key members of the Irish Hockey Team. Stephen fulfilled an important role for the Ireland Team in the middle of the field throughout 2009 and put in several strong performances during the Champions Challenge II and Euro Nations Trophy during the summer of 2009. I will always remember Stephens ability to pass the ball beautifully around the field and his important penalty corner strike against Wales to secure promotion to the European A division for 2011.

"Graham provided a young Ireland Team with good technical strength in midfield during 2009 and was a key figure in building the confidence of a new generation of players at international level for Ireland in 2009. Graham provided the Team with experience and drive in his role as vice-captain and this was hugely influential in the Teams successful summer in 2009.

"Both players accumulated a wealth of experience at international level over a 10 year period and I look forward to finding opportunities to continue both players involvement with the Ireland Squad in coaching or management positions to ensure this experience is not lost to our current generation of Ireland players. I wish both of them well in their future endeavors in life and hockey and would like to thank them for the quality they offered to the Ireland Team and for the strength of relationship they built with me as Leaders of the Ireland Team in 2009."

Director of High Performance Dave Passmore who also spend a number of years coaching both Shaw and Butler was keen to pay tribute: "Graham Shaw and Stephen Butlers contribution to Irish Hockey is evident in their remarkable achievements in terms of both caps and goals. Whilst their timing is understandable losing both at the same time will leave an obvious dent in the team both on and off the pitch. I would like to thank them for their contributions and wish them all the best for the future."

Both Shaw and Butler will continue to play their club hockey for Glenanne Hockey Club.