His choice was made after the team's defeat against Britain in the January Olympic qualifications prevented them from making it to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

In 2019, a year after the team's historic World Cup performance in which they finished second after losing to the Netherlands in the final, the Australian succeeded Graham Shaw.

Dancer guided the squad to their first Olympic appearance under his leadership, earning a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Games.

On Tuesday, he made the announcement: "As a team there have certainly been some ups and downs, but I am extremely proud of the team's consistency competing and performing at three Europeans, a World Cup and an Olympic Games."

Dancer went on, "More importantly, it was an honour getting to know each individual of our special group. It has been an amazing experience for me and my family to understand the unique Irish sporting culture and skills."

"I wish the players and staff all the best for the future, and look forward to the opportunity of cheering from the stands with the great Green Army Family."

Dancer has made a "huge and positive contribution to the development of the team, and the results and successes bear testament to that," according to Lisa Jacob, Hockey Ireland's high performance director.

"On a personal note, Sean has been a true professional and a pleasure to work with and on behalf of all the players and the staff, I want to recognise that and thank him for his contribution," she said

Until Dancer's replacement is selected, Hockey Ireland indicated that the head coach position "will be filled on an interim basis from within the current coaching set up".