Timothy Cockram, an associate in Carson McDowell’s litigation team, plays for Ireland’s international hockey team, who have qualified for the Olympics for the first time in over 100 years.

He is currently training with the squad from which 16 players will be chosen to represent the country in Brazil.

Mr Cockram said: “I’ve been playing hockey since I was four years old and I have been lucky enough to have been playing for Ireland since 2004. At the moment we are training in Dublin on a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, then travelling back up home to train for the rest of the week.

“Since qualification was achieved we’ve been away regularly to play test matches in Spain and Great Britain, with more matches planned at home and also in Germany and Spain - so life has been a bit hectic.

“Carson McDowell has been very supportive from the beginning and hopefully we will be able to make further history this summer in Rio.”

Mr Cockram joined the firm in October 2015 and works closely with partner Hugh McGrattan advising solicitors, surveyors, architects, accountants and other professionals in the defense of claims issued against them in both the High Court and County Court.

On the hockey field, he plays as a striker and has obtained 179 caps for Ireland.

Michael Johnston, managing partner at Carson McDowell, said: “We are very proud of Tim and what he has achieved. It is great for us to have someone who is representing a national sports team at the highest level. We are all right behind him and the Irish hockey team as they prepare for the Olympics.

“At Carson McDowell we try to encourage our employees to have a good work-life balance. We try to support all of our staff in their activities both inside and outside of work.

“We will be keeping our fingers crossed for Tim as he waits to find out if he will be on the plane to Rio.”