Tricks4Sticks returns

So far in 2019, 15 clubs have already benefited from Hockey Ireland’s Tricks4Sticks programme.

Supported by Sport Ireland Dormant Accounts funding, the programme focuses on bringing hockey to areas of disadvantage, while also providing personal development opportunities for those involved. As part of the programme, we have delivered coaching to over 8000 kids in 50 schools and trained up over 270 Young Hockey Leaders!

A great example of how the funding is benefiting clubs and communities is on the North Coast where coach and Ballymoney club coordinator, Maria Doherty is delivering the programme in 5 primary schools.

“We are delighted to have benefited from the Tricks4Sticks funding,” said Maria, “it has enabled the club to go into schools in the local area and deliver high quality coaching to boys from age 8-11. Most of these kids have never played hockey before so we are starting from scratch and it is amazing to see them develop so quickly and have so much fun. When I leave on a Tuesday the boys are saying they can’t wait for the next week, which is exactly what every coach wants to hear!!

Two of the five schools that I am working with have entered a boys’ team into the local primary school blitzes, the demand is now there and we hope to watch this grow over the years. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our schools, clubs and the local area.”

The coaching will take place over 6 weeks in each school and focuses on growing the club membership and getting the new teams an opportunity to compete. This week 2 teams of boys got to compete in their first Ulster Hockey blitz in Cookstown. The club have run a Hockey Ireland Young Hockey Leaders Award to help train young people as coaches and umpires within the club, to help support the programme.

For more information on Tricks4Sticks please click here https://www.irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/helpyourclub?content_page=Tricks4Sticks

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Job Opportunity – ‘Leaders in Hockey’ Coordinator

Hockey Ireland is seeking to employ a full time ‘Leaders in Hockey’ Coordinator. The aim of this role is to grow participation in, and help improve on the quality of, umpiring and volunteering in hockey, as well as working with the Coach Education Manager in delivering on our Women in Sport targets related to coaching.

The role will also act as a support to umpires, volunteers and clubs, as well as the Irish Hockey Umpires Association and provincial organisations. The successful applicant will be responsible for the development and delivery of targets as set out by the National Development Plan and our Women in Sport targets. Working to achieve these targets, the Leaders in Hockey Coordinator is responsible for administering and delivering programmes to promote sustainable leadership opportunities within clubs and schools.

For more information on the role, please click here: Leaders in Hockey Coordinator.pdf

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Men’s Squad Announced for Ireland v France Series 2019

Hockey Ireland Announce Men’s Squad for Ireland V France Series ahead of FIH Olympic Qualifier

The Irish Men’s Hockey squad will travel to France this weekend to take on France in a two match test series ahead of their FIH Olympic Qualifier against Canada in October. The squad was unveiled this morning and will play France on Tuesday the 1st at 18:00 local time and Wednesday the 2nd at 17:30 local time.

The two-match series against the world ranked number 12 side will provide a good opportunity for the Irish squad to mimic the back to back nature of the Olympic Qualifier at the end of October.

The squad selected is as follows:

Name:

D Harte

D Fitzgerald

L Cole

J Bell

C Harte

L Madeley

T Cross

S Loughrey

J Jackson

S Murray

S O’Donoghue

C Cargo

M Robson

D Walsh

E Magee

B Walker

P Caruth

J Duncan

M Nelson

J McKee

Speaking on the squad selection Head Coach, Mark Tumilty, said, “This is a very important phase in our preparation for the Canada games. I was very pleased with the Dublin camp this week and will look to build on this during our time together in France”.

The Men will also play Belgium later in October in their final preparations for the FIH Olympic Qualifier in Vancouver.

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Ireland v China Match Report

Ireland 4 (Evans, McCay, Wilson, Watkins), China 2 (Xi, Song).

Despite a string of penalty corners awarded in Ireland’s favour in the opening quarter, it was China who were first to get themselves on the scoreboard this afternoon at the National Hockey Stadium in UCD. Both sides had opportunities available to them in the opening quarter. However, Dongxiao Li of China played well to prevent Ireland taking an early lead, while Lena Tice and Yvonne O’Byrne were strong in defence to keep China at bay. The quarter ended with a chance for Nikki Evans going wide leaving the sides level as the buzzer went.

The opening goal of the match came from China’s Xiayun Xi. Roisin Upton played well to keep a shot from Peng from adding to China’s lead, with Evan’s securing the equaliser moments later. China secured a number of penalty corners in the minutes that followed, but Grace O’Flanagan was in control and had Hannah Matthews and Katie Mullan on hand to help dilute the threat. Half time again saw the team’s level.

Action resumed in the second half with a great shot at the goal for Nicci Daly, however Dongxiao Li was on form again and saved well. Ireland created a number of opportunities for themselves in the third quarter, with China defending well each time. A chance for Deirdre Duke resulted in Dongxiao Li coming out to meet her and Duke securing a penalty corner for Ireland. Matthews inserted and Upton dummied, with McCay finishing it off finding the back of the goal to give Ireland a 2-1 lead over China. The quarter ended with a near goal for China being kept out by Grace O’Flanagan.

Ireland secured a penalty corner early in the final quarter. Mullan inserted this time and a deflection from Duke gave Wilson the opportunity she needed to extend Ireland’s lead 3-1. China went on the attack after this, a shot from Li into the Irish circle sailed wide of the goal. However, Jiangxin He managed to tap the ball over Murphy’s shoulder from a rebound moments later to bring the score to 3-2.

Ireland increased their possession in the closing minutes of the game. Mullan manged to get the ball into the Chinese circle however was met by China’s defence. A minute later Chloe Watkins found herself just inside the Chinese circle with a chance. A lovely clean shot sailed past China’s Dongxiao Li to make it Ireland 4-2 China with less than four minutes remaining on the clock.

China removed Dongxiao Li shortly after to increase their outfield numbers in the closing minutes of the game. Liz Murphy saved well when China managed to secure a chance on the goal, however a penalty corner was awarded shortly after. The final two minutes saw a second penalty corner awarded. Murphy saved both attempts well, with Tice and Upton there to push the second attempt clear of any rebound danger. The final buzzer sounded, full-time score Ireland 4-2 China.

Ireland: G O’Flanagan, R Upton, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, E Tice, C Watkins, L Colvin, S Hawkshaw, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson,

Subs: Y O’Byrne, G Pinder, N Daly, H Matthews, E Murphy, D Duke, E Curran

China: X Zhang, J He, Y Chen, Q Guo, J Zhong, J Zhang, Z Ou, Q Cui, B Gu, M Liang, D Li

Subs: W Xu, Y Peng, X Song, H Li, X Xi, J Li, J Ye

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Hockey Ireland formally launch Olympic Qualifier Venue

Hockey Ireland formally launch Olympic Qualifier Venue, announcing Big Stadium Hockey partner and broadcast information.
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*Update* Tickets for the qualifier are available at https://www.hockeyqualifierticketsdublin.com/tickets

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At the formal venue announcement this morning in Energia Park, Donnybrook, Hockey Ireland detailed plans of the roll-out carpet to be used for the upcoming Women’s Olympic Qualifier against Canada this November. The announcement of these plans to use a roll-out Polytan carpet with Big Stadium Hockey in Energia Park has garnered substantial interest both at home and abroad.

Attending the event this morning in Energia Park, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross said, “I am delighted to support the launch of the Olympic Qualifier, in particular I am excited by the collaboration of Leinster Rugby and Hockey Ireland to put in place the structures for what is a unique event. I would be hopeful that this collaboration will be an encouragement for other sports to follow in hosting major events by making full use of existing stadia.

“I wish the athletes and all supporters an exciting weekend in November and wishing for every success in achieving the goal of a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics.”

Speaking today from Energia Park, Hockey Ireland CEO Jerome Pels said: “Through our partnership with Big Stadium Hockey, the Polytan pitch which will be used in Tokyo will also be used in Energia Park. This Polytan pitch is identical to both the one being laid at the Sport Ireland Campus, and the one which will be used in Tokyo, ensuring a smooth transition and maximising home team advantage with the benefit of a huge and noisy home crowd.

“An Olympic Qualifier on home soil is a unique event – the only one in Ireland this year. We are delighted that Leinster Rugby share our excitement and ambition about the potential for bringing Big Stadium Hockey to Energia Park and exploiting the benefits of existing infrastructure to raise the profile of women’s sport.

“We are also grateful to the partners in Big Stadium Hockey, particularly England Hockey and Polytan, for all their support on the journey so far and we are delighted to be working with them on the delivery of this unique event.”

Big Stadium Hockey Lead, Paul Kamphuis, Polytan, commented on the announcement, “The first Big Stadium Hockey event at The Stoop this year provided an atmosphere not seen at a hockey event in a long time. With an opportunity for Ireland’s women’s team to reach a first ever Olympic Games, maximising home support at the venue will provide the atmosphere to help make this dream possible. Big Stadium Hockey enables the match to be played in a bigger stadium with more fans, more noise and a better atmosphere. We are excited to be involved in this historic event and look forward to bringing Big Stadium Hockey to Ireland.”

After the success of this summer’s two FIH Pro League matches in The Stoop in front of 12,000 fans, Royston Hoggarth, Chairman of England Hockey, was quick to congratulate Hockey Ireland “on their ambition and vision to play their FIH Olympic Qualifiers in November at the Energia Stadium in Dublin. These critical games deserve big crowds and ‘Big Stadium Hockey’, with its temporary overlay pitch will create a unique atmosphere. We wish Hockey Ireland every success with the event and qualification.”

Also speaking at the event, Head of Commercial with Leinster Rugby, Kevin Quinn said, “This is another hugely positive step for us in Leinster Rugby to showcase our ability to offer a facility like Energia Park to other governing bodies and organisations.

“To be able to host international sporting occasions in any code and at any level is something we take huge pride in and I know our two partners in Energia Park, Old Wesley and Bective Rangers, feel the same way.

“We have worked very hard with our contractors SIS to ensure that the surface will be as good as any surface the players have ever played on and we take huge encouragement from the example last year at The Stoop in London which undertook a similar project for English Hockey to great success.

“Hockey Ireland and ourselves share offices on the same campus up in UCD and it is brilliant that we can now share a home stadium together for these two games and we can’t wait to host them, and to fill out Energia Park, in November.”

Adding to the unique nature of the event, Hockey Ireland are also delighted to announce that both matches will be broadcast on RTE this November. With matches scheduled to take place at 19:00 on Saturday the 2nd and 19:10 on Sunday the 3rd, the live broadcasting of these matches is invaluable to growing the sport of hockey here in Ireland.

Tickets for the Green Army’s Olympic Qualifier will go on sale on October 1st.

For more information on Big Stadium Hockey, go to https://www.bigstadiumhockey.com/

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Olympic Qualifier Venue Formally Announced

Hockey Ireland formally launch Olympic Qualifier Venue, announcing Big Stadium Hockey partner and broadcast information.

 

*Update* Tickets for the qualifier are available at https://www.hockeyqualifierticketsdublin.com/tickets

 

At the formal venue announcement this morning in Energia Park, Donnybrook, Hockey Ireland detailed plans of the roll-out carpet to be used for the upcoming Women’s Olympic Qualifier against Canada this November. The announcement of these plans to use a roll-out Polytan carpet with Big Stadium Hockey in Energia Park has garnered substantial interest both at home and abroad.

Attending the event this morning in Energia Park, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross said, “I am delighted to support the launch of the Olympic Qualifier, in particular I am excited by the collaboration of Leinster Rugby and Hockey Ireland to put in place the structures for what is a unique event. I would be hopeful that this collaboration will be an encouragement for other sports to follow in hosting major events by making full use of existing stadia.

“I wish the athletes and all supporters an exciting weekend in November and wishing for every success in achieving the goal of a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics.”

Speaking today from Energia Park, Hockey Ireland CEO Jerome Pels said: “Through our partnership with Big Stadium Hockey, the Polytan pitch which will be used in Tokyo will also be used in Energia Park. This Polytan pitch is identical to both the one being laid at the Sport Ireland Campus, and the one which will be used in Tokyo, ensuring a smooth transition and maximising home team advantage with the benefit of a huge and noisy home crowd.

“An Olympic Qualifier on home soil is a unique event – the only one in Ireland this year. We are delighted that Leinster Rugby share our excitement and ambition about the potential for bringing Big Stadium Hockey to Energia Park and exploiting the benefits of existing infrastructure to raise the profile of women’s sport.

“We are also grateful to the partners in Big Stadium Hockey, particularly England Hockey and Polytan, for all their support on the journey so far and we are delighted to be working with them on the delivery of this unique event.”

Big Stadium Hockey Lead, Paul Kamphuis, Polytan, commented on the announcement, “The first Big Stadium Hockey event at The Stoop this year provided an atmosphere not seen at a hockey event in a long time. With an opportunity for Ireland’s women’s team to reach a first ever Olympic Games, maximising home support at the venue will provide the atmosphere to help make this dream possible. Big Stadium Hockey enables the match to be played in a bigger stadium with more fans, more noise and a better atmosphere. We are excited to be involved in this historic event and look forward to bringing Big Stadium Hockey to Ireland.”

After the success of this summer’s two FIH Pro League matches in The Stoop in front of 12,000 fans, Royston Hoggarth, Chairman of England Hockey, was quick to congratulate Hockey Ireland “on their ambition and vision to play their FIH Olympic Qualifiers in November at the Energia Stadium in Dublin. These critical games deserve big crowds and ‘Big Stadium Hockey’, with its temporary overlay pitch will create a unique atmosphere. We wish Hockey Ireland every success with the event and qualification.”

Also speaking at the event, Head of Commercial with Leinster Rugby, Kevin Quinn said, “This is another hugely positive step for us in Leinster Rugby to showcase our ability to offer a facility like Energia Park to other governing bodies and organisations.

“To be able to host international sporting occasions in any code and at any level is something we take huge pride in and I know our two partners in Energia Park, Old Wesley and Bective Rangers, feel the same way.

“We have worked very hard with our contractors SIS to ensure that the surface will be as good as any surface the players have ever played on and we take huge encouragement from the example last year at The Stoop in London which undertook a similar project for English Hockey to great success.

“Hockey Ireland and ourselves share offices on the same campus up in UCD and it is brilliant that we can now share a home stadium together for these two games and we can’t wait to host them, and to fill out Energia Park, in November.”

Adding to the unique nature of the event, Hockey Ireland are also delighted to announce that both matches will be broadcast on RTE this November. With matches scheduled to take place at 19:00 on Saturday the 2nd and 19:10 on Sunday the 3rd, the live broadcasting of these matches is invaluable to growing the sport of hockey here in Ireland.

Tickets for the Green Army’s Olympic Qualifier will go on sale on October 1st.

For more information on Big Stadium Hockey, go to https://www.bigstadiumhockey.com/

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EY Continues Support for Hockey Ireland League

Monday 16 September 2019

EY Ireland announced it will continue its sponsorship of Hockey Ireland’s highest level of domestic competition – the EY Hockey League – for a further three years.

Speaking at the launch, Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our support all of the amazing men and women of this sport, and we look forward to celebrating their continued success this year in both the EY Hockey League and the EY Hockey League Division 2. The all-island sport provides men and women the opportunity to build high performance teams, and develop and enhance their skills, as they compete at such a high level throughout the year. When it comes to leadership, dedication and developing winning strategies, there is a great deal to learn from such high calibre athletes.” 

 

Covering all four provinces, the all-island EY Hockey League (EYHL) will see Ireland’s top ten male and top ten female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 18 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey.

The sponsorship will also support the EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2), which currently boasts eight men’s teams and ten women’s teams, the winners of which will progress to the EYHL for the following season.

The EYHL and EYHL2 showcase some of Ireland’s top players, with a notable number of Ireland’s international female players returning from European Clubs this year, taking up player/coach roles within EYHL clubs.

Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, said “We are delighted to have the continued support of EY as the sponsor of the League. Their support is invaluable to us in assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels.”

The first round of the Men’s EYHL gets underway this weekend on the 21st of September, while the Women’s EYHL returns to action in November after the Olympic qualifiers for Toyko 2020. Seen as an integral part of Hockey Ireland’s athlete development, the EYHL provides an opportunity to further develop high performance players for the challenge of international hockey.

The EYHL2 matches take to the pitch in mid-October with the eight men’s and ten women’s teams all vying for promotion to the EYHL for the following season.

The EYHL launch took place at the UCD National Hockey Stadium, home to both UCD’s men’s and women’s squad. The women’s team finished in a competitive third position in last year’s league, while the men succeed in gaining promotion from EYHL2.

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EY Ireland continues its support for Hockey League

Monday 16 September 2019

EY Ireland announced it will continue its sponsorship of Hockey Ireland’s highest level of domestic competition – the EY Hockey League – for a further three years.

Speaking at the launch, Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our support all of the amazing men and women of this sport, and we look forward to celebrating their continued success this year in both the EY Hockey League and the EY Hockey League Division 2. The all-island sport provides men and women the opportunity to build high performance teams, and develop and enhance their skills, as they compete at such a high level throughout the year. When it comes to leadership, dedication and developing winning strategies, there is a great deal to learn from such high calibre athletes.”

Covering all four provinces, the all-island EY Hockey League (EYHL) will see Ireland’s top ten male and top ten female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 18 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey.

The sponsorship will also support the EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2), which currently boasts eight men’s teams and ten women’s teams, the winners of which will progress to the EYHL for the following season.

The EYHL and EYHL2 showcase some of Ireland’s top players, with a notable number of Ireland’s international female players returning from European Clubs this year, taking up player/coach roles within EYHL clubs.

Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, said “We are delighted to have the continued support of EY as the sponsor of the League. Their support is invaluable to us in assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels.”

The first round of the Men’s EYHL gets underway this weekend on the 21st of September, while the Women’s EYHL returns to action in November after the Olympic qualifiers for Toyko 2020. Seen as an integral part of Hockey Ireland’s athlete development, the EYHL provides an opportunity to further develop high performance players for the challenge of international hockey.

The EYHL2 matches take to the pitch in mid-October with the eight men’s and ten women’s teams all vying for promotion to the EYHL for the following season.

The EYHL launch took place at the UCD National Hockey Stadium, home to both UCD’s men’s and women’s squad. The women’s team finished in a competitive third position in last year’s league, while the men succeed in gaining promotion from EYHL2.

Pictured: L-R: Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, and Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, pictured with EYHL players Andrew Edgar, Lisnagravey Hockey Club; Clodagh Cassin, UCD Ladies Hockey Club; Becky Maye, Cork Harlequins Hockey Club; Conor Empey, UCD Men’s Hockey Club; Ben Roberts, Cork Harlequins Hockey Club; Ben Walker, Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club; and Alex Speers, Pegasus Hockey Club

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Hockey Ireland Appoint Head Coach for Irish Men

Hockey Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Tumilty as Head Coach for the Irish Senior Men as they face into their final weeks of preparation for their upcoming Olympic Qualifier against Canada this October. Mark’s appointment is accompanied by that of Jason Lee as the new Assistant Coach to the men’s team.

Speaking on the announcement, new Head Coach Mark Tumilty said, “I am extremely proud to be offered the opportunity to coach the Irish Senior Men’s team. It has all happened very quickly and it would not have been possible for me to take this role without the support of my wife Cara, my children and my employer, Ulster Bank.

I relish the challenge we face as a group over the next 6 weeks, to achieve Olympic Qualification. I look forward to working with the players, coaching team and support staff. It is a difficult draw, but to play any team at this stage of Olympic qualification was going to be challenging. However, I feel if we can get our preparation correct in the coming weeks – both on and off the pitch – we will give ourselves an excellent opportunity to qualify for Tokyo 2020.”

Having watched the Irish men play a lot over the years, newly appointed assistant coach Jason Lee has “always marvelled at their unity, determination and skill. It often felt like other people recognised their strengths more than they did themselves. There’s nothing better than the excitement of playing in big games like this and I think my main job will be to help Mark and the team focus on showing us what they can do, and with a bit of luck, they’ll have a great chance.”

Hockey Ireland Performance Director, Adam Grainger, had this to say on the announcement, “We are delighted to have secured both Mark and Jason for these coaching positions, and we are very grateful for them both coming on board at such short notice. Together they bring a good mix of Irish and International hockey knowledge.

We have a number of camps scheduled to take place in the coming weeks ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers and the team’s focus remains clear. This is a great opportunity for the players to come together and get ready to take on the qualifier at the end of October.”

Both appointments are short-term, with Mark based here in Ireland while Jason will travel over from the UK as appropriate for upcoming camps.

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Hockey Ireland Announce Olympic Qualifier Venue

Hockey Ireland are delighted to announce the location for the Women’s Olympic Qualifier this November. Adding another level of excitement to the event, the Women’s matches will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of November in Energia Park in Donnybrook.

Speaking on the announcement, CEO of Hockey Ireland, Jerome Pels said, “We’re excited to announce Energia Park in Donnybrook as the venue for the Women’s Olympic Qualifier matches against Canada this November. This is a huge step for the sport in Ireland to play hockey in a venue of this size.

“A lot of time and research has been dedicated to establishing whether the event could take place here. Similar to England Hockey’s successful use of an overlay carpet for their FIH Pro League matches at The Stoop in London earlier this year, we’re excited to bring this unique experience to Ireland.

“We’d like to thank Leinster Rugby for accommodating us in Energia Park and look forward to bringing this event to fruition.”

The Head of Commercial with Leinster Rugby, Kevin Quinn said, “This is another hugely positive step for us in Leinster Rugby to showcase our ability to offer a facility like Energia Park to other governing bodies and organisations.

“To be able to host international sporting occasions in any code and at any level is something we take huge pride in and I know our two partners in Energia Park, Old Wesley and Bective Rangers, feel the same way.

“Hockey Ireland and ourselves share offices on the same campus up in UCD and it is brilliant that we can now share a home stadium together for these two games and we can’t wait to host them, and to fill out Energia Park, in November.”

A launch event is scheduled to take place early next week, where further information will be provided.

Tickets will be available in coming weeks.

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