Dublin, Dec 29: Ireland Senior Women’s National Team Head Coach  Sean  Dancer has announced the Women’s squad which will contest the Olympic Qualifiers next month.

The tournament which will take place between January 13th  and 21st will be in Valencia,  Spain and is the final opportunity for nations to reach the Summer Olympic Hockey Tournament in Paris. Eight nations from all over the world have reached this qualification tournament in Valencia.

Ireland (World Ranked #13) are drawn in Pool A alongside Belgium (#4) whom they play on January 13 at 5.30pm, Ukraine (#28) whom they play on January 15 at 12 noon and Korea (#12) whom they will play on  January 16 at 6:15 p.m.

In Pool B hosts Spain (World Ranked #8) are in with Great Britain* (*England are World Ranked #7), Canada (#16), and Malaysia (#18).

There are only 3 qualification places available from this tournament so it is essential Ireland finish second at least in the pool and preferably win their semi-final to ensure a spot in Paris next summer. A place could still be secured by the losing semi-finalists were they to win the 3rd place play-off.

Commenting on his selection Ireland Senior Women’s Head Coach Sean Dancer said:

“As a whole group we have used September to December to prepare differently. Trying to use development opportunities to make specific gains for individuals. This has not only provided a change of stimulus, but also helped challenge the group in different ways.”

“We have seen an increase in competition for places, which is credit to the group’s progress and individuals’ determination to succeed.”

“We are excited to have Beth Harper and Chloe Watkins back with us, after extended time away for injury and work. They join seven other players that where part of the team that qualified for the Olympics in 2019. They add valuable experience that we will need.”

“We have done all the hard work, and we are now ready to go and compete.”

“We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors and especially Sport Ireland, for providing us with everything needed to compete at the elite level of International sport.”

Also commenting was Hockey Ireland High Performance Director Lisa Jacob who said:

“There has been steady and consistent preparation over several years for this tournament, significantly supported by Sport Ireland. As a result, the 18 selected players will represent the squad that is now demonstrating high competition for places. Olympic Qualification is an exciting opportunity, and the team are very well prepared to perform when it matters most.”

The Hockey Ireland Senior Men will complete in January’s Olympic Qualifiers, also in Spain. The squad has previously been released and their first game starts January 14 at 7.45pm against Ukraine.

 

Squad Selection: 

Qualifier Valencia Spain January 2024

 

18 Player Selection

PLAYER Shirt # Region Position CAPS
MURPHY, Elizabeth #2 Leinster Goal Keeper 26
McFERRAN, Ayeisha #1 Ulster Goal Keeper 126
NEILL, Elena #12 Leinster Defender 142
UPTON, Róisín (VC) #6 Munster Defender 109
McAULEY, Sarah #3 Leinster Defender 29
CURRAN, Ellen #14 Leinster Defender 47
HARPER, Bethany #31 Ulster Defender 22
McLOUGHLIN, Hannah #10 Leinster Defender 46
McKEE, Katie #21 Ulster Midfielder 14
HAWKSHAW, Sarah #8 Leinster Midfielder 66
WATKINS, Chloe #20 Leinster Midfielder 237
BEGGS, Charlotte #16 Ulster Midfielder 19
CAREY, Michelle #5 Leinster Midfielder 30
TORRANS, Sarah #11 Leinster MF / Striker 52
MULLAN, Kathryn (C) #9 Ulster Striker 226
DUKE, Deirdre #28 Leinster Striker 168
CARROLL, Naomi #13 Munster Striker 140
CAREY, Niamh #7 Leinster Striker 18

 

 

 

 

Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup


The  Ireland Women’s Indoor International Hockey team are returning home on Wednesday from participating in the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup which was held in Wynberg, South Africa.

The format of the Women’s competition was that Ireland, South Africa and Namibia would play each other twice with the top two qualifying for the final on Tuesday.

The tournament began on Friday December 15th with the Group phase completed on Monday 18th December 2023.

 

DAY 1

IRELAND 4  SOUTH AFRICA 5 

Indoor World Cup semi-finalists South Africa were the first opponents for Ireland in the Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup at Wynberg. Cailynn Den Bakker gave the hosts the lead.

Edith Molikoe increased their lead to make it 2-0 and a minute later it was 3-0 thanks to a goal from Bonolo Moabi. Before the half-time  break it was 4 -0, Jess Lordant firing home from a penalty corner.  The Irish got on the score board through Mikayla Power. South Africa made  it 5-1 when Cailynn Den Bakker reacted quickest to a rebound when Malikah Hamza’s effort was saved and rebounded back into play.  Laura Graham scored following a penalty corner to make  the score 5-2. The Irish reduced the deficit to a single goal following two goals in a minute. Chloe Brown popped up on the right to make it 5-3 and then Jenna McCarlie scored on her debut for Ireland indoor to make  the final score 5-4.

 

DAY 2

IRELAND 3 NAMIBIA  5

On the  second day of the Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup Ireland took on Nambia. lt was Namibia who opened the scoring through Kiana Cormack from a penalty corner. Ireland pulled level in the second quarter through Sarah Patton. Kiana Cormack got her second of the game to make it 2-1 to Namibia. And she completed her hat-trick to leave the half-time score 3-1 to Namibia. Kiana Cormack made it 4-1. Ireland pulled a goal back through a penalty corner converted by Orla Patton. Ireland pulled another goal back through Mikayla Power to set up a grandstand finish. Ireland failed to find the leveller and in searching for it were caught on the break with Namibia  finding a late goal through Azaylee Philander while Ireland pulled their goalkeeper in favour of another attacker. It finished 5-3 to Namibia.

The first of the two games between Namibia and South Africa ended in a 3-1 win for South Africa, meaning that two wins for Ireland and a second win for South Africa over Namibia would have made  it possible for Ireland to reach the final

 

DAY 3

lRELAND 3  SOUTH AFRICA 4

Ireland took on the hosts for the second and final time in the group on Sunday which was the third day of the Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup in Wynberg. Nothing less than a win for Ireland would be enough to get them into Tuesday’s final. On the other side of the equation a victory for South Africa would secure a spot in Tuesdays final with a game to spare, but they knew they would face another tough battle against the Irish. Ireland took the lead when Sarah Patton scored first from a penalty corner. South Africa’s Edith Molikoe restored parity before the end of the first quarter. Her second goal of the game came in the 16th minute finishing a pass from Fourie. Her hat-trick goal came before half-time from another Tegan Fourie assist, this time at a penalty corner. 3-1 at the half-time break. Ireland came roaring back in the third quarter Chloe Brown pulled one back in the opening minute of the half with a brilliant penalty corner and the scores were levelled when Milla Fulton got her first international goal finishing coolly. The game was destined for the first draw of the Nkosi Cup when Molikoe scored to seal a victory for the hosts.

 

DAY 4  

NAMIBIA 2 IRELAND  1

Namibia, the current African Indoor  champions, knew a victory would secure their place in the final without having to worry about their match against South Africa later on Monday.

The challenge facing them was a tough one early on when Lily Lloyd opened the scoring picking up the rebound and firing home. Namibia would level in the 15th minute through a Kiana Cormack penalty stroke.  The game was tense and frenetic and needed and  Namibia needed  some inspiration and it came from  Kiana Cormack who got her second of the game and it turned out to be the winner in the final quarter.  This confirmed Namibia’s place in Tuesday’s final meaning their final pool match on Monday with South Africa was a dress rehearsal of the final.

 

In that final pool match South Africa raced into a 3-0 lead. Tegan Fourie with a penalty stroke put them 1-0 up. South Africa extended their lead to 2-0 in the third quarter through Kayla de Waal and made it 3-0 with 6 minutes remaining from a Malikah Hamza penalty corner. But as the South Africans were cantering towards victory Kiana Cormack fired home a quick double to put a big finish on the cards, but the hosts held on to make it four from four. Final score  NAMIBIA 2 SOUTH AFRICA 3 

Namibia and South Africa also qualified  for the Men’s final.

Head Coach Mark Tumilty names Ireland Men’s Hockey team for January’s Olympic Qualifiers

 

Dublin, Dec 18: Ireland Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach, Mark Tumilty, has announced his squad which will contest the Olympic Qualifiers next month. The tournament which will take place between January 13th and 21st in Valencia, Spain is the final opportunity for nations to reach the Summer Olympic Hockey Tournament in Paris. Eight nations from all over the world have reached this qualification tournament in Valencia.

Ireland ( World Ranked #13) are drawn in Pool A alongside Belgium (WR #2), Japan ( WR #15) and Ukraine (WR #29). In Pool B hosts Spain (WR #8), are in with Korea (WR #10), Austria (WR #19), and Egypt ( WR #20). There are only 3 qualification places available from this tournament, so it is essential Ireland finish at least second in the pool and preferably win their semi-final to ensure a spot in Paris next summer. A place could still be secured by the losing semi-finalists were they to win the 3rd place play-off.

Commenting on the squad announcement, Ireland Men’s Hockey Team Head Coach, Mark Tumilty said:

“It has been a tough selection process, and I feel for those players that have not been selected.”

“I am very pleased with the squad selected and feel that if we can produce our best hockey we have an opportunity to achieve our objectives. This is the most experienced squad selected in recent years and I feel that experience will be vital in Valencia. I look forward to finalising our preparation over the next few weeks, before flying to Valencia for a week’s training before the tournament starts. It is a great challenge for this group of players but one I look forward to seeing them embrace.”

Adding comment Hockey Ireland’s High-Performance Director, Lisa Jacob, said:

“There has been steady and consistent preparation over several years for this tournament. As a result, the 18 selected players will represent the squad that is now demonstrating great strength and depth, with high competition for places. Olympic Qualification is an exciting opportunity, and the team are very well prepared to perform when it matters most.”

The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team will also compete at the Olympic Qualifiers in January in Valencia, with the squad planned for announcement end December. All games can be viewed on FIH’s streaming platform Watch.Hockey.

 

Number Olympic Qualifier Position
1 David Harte GK
2 Jaime Carr GK
3 Tim Cross OB
4 Lee Cole OB
5 Peter McKibbin OB
6 Shane O’Donoghue CB
7 Kyle Marshall CB
8 Luke Madeley CB
9 Sean Murray P
10 Michael Robson P
11 Jonny Lynch P
12 Sam Hyland OM
13 Nick Page OM
14 Daragh Walsh FWD
15 Johnny McKee FWD
16 Jeremy Duncan FWD
17 Ben Walker FWD
18 Matty Nelson FWD

Hockey Ireland launches The Big Ask, a survey giving the hockey community their say as the new strategic plan gets underway

 

Dublin, Dec 15: As part of the preparation of its new strategic plan, Hockey Ireland today launched its ‘Big Ask’ hockey survey. Issued to all registered members as well as participants in Ireland’s wider hockey community, this survey is designed to give voice to all involved in hockey.

Through this initial short questionnaire, Hockey Ireland will build important learnings that will form the basis of its new strategic plan intended to cover the period 2024-2030 and planned for launch end Q1 2024. The survey will be followed by further consultation via online focus groups and additional questionnaires for specialist areas.

Commenting on the survey launch, Anne McCormack, Hockey Ireland CEO said:

“We would really like to hear what the hockey community thinks and would ask them to complete our survey and participate in our online focus groups. Their input will provide us with invaluable information as we develop our new strategic plan, setting our direction for 2024 onwards.”

Sue Haslam, Community and Participation Director added:

“We want to hear from as many constituents as possible, the hockey community is wide and varied and it’s important everyone feels they have a voice.”

 

Getting involved in the Big Ask is easy.

Link to the survey is here: The Big Ask Survey

 

Online focus groups will be held on (details and links to follow):

    • Tuesday 9th January (7-9pm)
    • Thursday 11th January (7-9pm)
    • Monday 15th January (7-9pm)
    • Wednesday 17th January (7-9pm)

 

Anyone can register their interest in being part of the focus groups by emailing: info@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

Dublin, Dec 12: Following a review process, Hockey Ireland and Ulster Hockey are pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed ‘Clubmark’ programme.

The coordination between Ulster Hockey and Hockey Ireland ensures that there are common standards across Clubs around Ireland, with the goal being to maintain the standards of the programme while making it as user-friendly as possible for Clubs.

This initial phase sees the ‘Bronze’ level launched, the ‘Silver’ level is due to be announced in early January, with ‘Gold’ to follow before the end of the season.

 

‘ACHIEVING CLUBMARK SIGNALS THAT YOUR CLUB PROVIDES A QUALITY SPORTING EXPERIENCE, OPEN TO ALL AND DELIVERED IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, ADMINISTERED BY AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT COMMITTEE.’   (Sue Haslam, Community and Participation Director, Hockey Ireland)

 

Clubmark aims to identify, develop, accredit and recognise leading Hockey Clubs and the contribution that they make to the development of the game across the island of Ireland. It values the essential and significant role that Clubs play in the development of hockey, through participation, talent development and community engagement.

Hockey’s Clubmark Programme is designed to provide Clubs with the resources to develop a Club Development Strategy that will:

  • Support the Club management and administration to provide the best service to its members
  • Develop and deliver new and existing programmes to provide opportunities for members
  • Attract new Club members whilst retaining current members
  • Guarantee a ‘quality standard’ in specific areas of the Club such as governance and safeguarding

For more information on the programme and how to apply, please click here – https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/my-hockey/clubmark-new/

It is with regret that we join Banbridge HC as they announce the passing of their esteemed Patron, Eric Walker. Eric passed away peacefully on Saturday evening in Daisy Hill Hospital. We extend our heartfelt and deepest sympathies to Dorothy, Nicola, Jonto and the wider family at this sad time.

Over the past half century, the name of Eric Walker has been synonymous with hockey and with Banbridge in particular. In his earlier years he had the distinction of playing for Ulster and Leinster, and today he is as well-known throughout Ireland and further afield as he was then. An outstanding organiser of social functions and a source of encouragement to all, his greatest contribution to the successes of Banbridge in recent years has been his planning and support of trips throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe. No-one will ever know how much time and effort this demanded but the successes of the teams were fitting rewards for his contributions to this aspect of Club life.

Service of thanksgiving and remembrance in Bannside Presbyterian Church Banbridge on Tuesday at 1pm followed by a strictly private committal.

No flowers please. Donations in lieu may be sent if desired to William Bell & Co Funeral Directors 23 Kenlis Street Banbridge BT32 3LR for Chest, Heart and Stroke.

INSTONIANS   0   UCD  4  

The only fixture due to take place this weekend in the EYHL Men’s Division 1 was at Shawsbridge where Instonians hosted UCD, following last weekend where both sides matches got postponed due to frozen pitches. UCD had been very unfortunate in their previous outing not to secure all three points against Monkstown conceding a penalty stroke in the last act of the match when leading 2-1  to only secure  one  point in the  end.

So they came into this game in relatively good form against an Instonians side yet to pick up a League  point. The students showed a similar level of intensity as the y had done against Monkstown and despite the best efforts of the home side, it was only a matter of time before it was reflected on the scoreboard. Alan Sothern gave  them the lead in the twenty-eighth minute with a goal from open play and UCD led 1-0 at half-time. Instonians maintained their foothold in the match during quarter three but it was a whole other story in the final quarter where  UCD went into overdrive.

Harry Lynch increased the lead for UCD with a converted penalty corner on the hour mark. Within a minute, UCD were even further ahead when  Sam Walker put them further in front from open play to leave them 3-0 ahead.  Alan Sothern got his second of the game a minute from time from open play to secure the win by a margin of 4-0. This win for the students narrows the gap between them and eighth placed  Annadale to two points with the  same amount of games played by both clubs.

 

INSTONIANS:  Finlay Marney(GK),  Matthew  Steele, Philip Hamill  Ben Palmer (C), Ross Kelly, Sebastian Best, James Palmer, George Palmer, Gavin Lecky, David Arneill, Gabriel Tenner SUBS USED: Mark Vames  (9 mins)  Matthew Martin ( 9 mins); Matthew McAreavey (10 mins), Ben Rose (13 mins)

UCD: Ross Clarke, Samuel Ryder, Kevin O’Dea(C),  Mark Smyth, Josh Filgas, Adam Luke Galbraith, Callum Hewat, Josh Gill, Harry Lynch, Bryan Smyth, Mark Collins  SUBS USED: Alan Sothern, (9 mins), Samuel Walker (9 mins), Alex Lynch (13 mins), Andrew Fox (14 mins), Gavin Gleeson (18 mins)

SATURDAY  DECEMBER  9  2023

INSTONIANS   V   UCD   Shawsbridge 3pm

The bottom two are in action in a rescheduled game at Lagan College where tenth placed Instonians take on ninth placed UCD in a rescheduled tie from round 6 that had previously been postponed due to a bereavement at Instonians Hockey club.

Both sides are in desperate need of all three points as they attempt to get out of the automatic relegation spots. UCD come into this game on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Monkstown in their last outing which saw the visitors grab a last gasp equaliser. Both teams will be level on number of games played with the rest of their colleagues once this fixture is fulfilled.