Ireland head coach Craig Fulton has been named the FIH Coach of the Year, just 24 hours after goalkeeper David Harte was also recognised by the federation.

Ireland captain Harte scooped the Goalkeeper of the Year award after helping his country to qualify for their first Olympic Games since 1908, and his coach has now been honoured for his brilliant achievements at the helm of the Green Machine.

South African Fulton has been in charge for almost two years and has smashed records during his time in the hot seat, going undefeated through World League 2, earning an all-time high of fifth place at World League 3, steering his side to a first ever European bronze medal and securing that coveted Olympic spot.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to accept this award from the FIH and from my fellow coaching peers," he said.

"To my family and the brilliant Irish Men’s staff and players, this is our award for an unforgettable 2015”.

Fulton won 191 national caps for South Africa as a player, competing at the 1996 Atlanta and 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Following his retirement he has taken on several coaching roles within club and international hockey.

In addition to roles as assistant coach for Ireland men and South Africa men and women, Fulton enjoyed a successful spell with Irish club Pembroke, where he guided them to the Irish Hockey League and Irish Senior Cup double as well as the EuroHockey Club Champions Trophy in 2009.