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IRL V Wales Game 1 Match Report

IRELAND 0  WALES 2

Coach Mark Tumilty began the final preparations in earnest for European Championships II in July with the first game of a three-game series against Wales at Comber Road last night.

Ireland are taking on Wales at the home of  Lisnagarvey in a series spread over four days, ending on Sunday, which will resemble the sort of demands which will be placed on the players when they host the European Hockey Championships II in the Sports Ireland Campus, Abbotstown in late July. The target from those Championships is to secure promotion back to the top tier of European Championships and ultimately to reach the next Olympics in Paris 2024.

The first game didn’t go to plan as two goals from Welsh player Jack Pritchard, one in the second quarter and the other three minutes from time, were enough to give Wales a first win in the series by 2-0.

Ireland lost goalkeeper James Milliken at the end of quarter one with Jamie Carr going into goal at the start of the second quarter.

One consolation was that these goals came from open play and not from penalty corners.  A largely even first quarter ended scoreless with Jack Pritchard grabbing his first goal from open play, coming in the 23rd minute. Wales led 1-0 at the break.

Ireland tried to get back into the match in the third quarter but were unable to put the ball into the net. Their cause was not helped by being reduced to 10 players on 51 minutes when John McKee was green carded and then 9 players when captain Sean Murray was also made to sit out on a green card a minute later.

However, there was no further scoring during Ireland’s period of being shorthanded. As the game was nearing its end in the fourth quarter, Jack Pritchard got his second of the match on 57 minutes to secure a first win for Wales in the series. Both sides will resume the series on Saturday at 3 p.m. following a rest day on Friday. The series will conclude on Sunday at 1 p.m.

 

IRELAND:  James Milliken, Conor Harte, Shane O’Donoghue, Mark Samuel, Peter McKibben, Michael Robson, Sean Murray (C), Charlie Rowe, Alistair Empey, Johnny McKee, Jeremy Duncan

SUBS:  Mark McNellis, Rory Patterson, Johnny Lynch, Kevin O’Dea, Louis Rowe, Ben Walker, Jamie Carr (GK)

WALES: Toby Reynolds-Cotterill, Daniel Kyriakides, Jacob Draper, Rhodri Furlong, Stephen Kelly, Owain Dolan-Gray, Jolyon Morgan, Hywel Jones, Benjamin Francis, Luke Hawker(C), Gareth Griffiths

SUBS: Rupert Shipperley, Owen Sutton, Jonathan Fleck, Jack Pritchard, Fred Newbold, Rhys Bradshaw.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE 2 REMAINING GAMES, CLICK HERE

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Two new appointments for Hockey Ireland

Hockey Ireland is delighted to have recently appointed 2 new Development Staff in Munster and Connacht.

 

David Granero Fuertes brings a wealth of experience from club development from his role in Valencia Hockey Club as club coordinator. In this role David implemented a successful development programme in local schools while also enhancing the quality of existing players via a players development programme. David brought these skills to Connacht when he moved to Galway and has coached in Galway Hockey Club as well as Salerno School. David will work 3-days a week in the region.

 

Brendan Woods started with Hockey Ireland in recent weeks as Regional Development Officer for Munster on a 3-day a week contract. Brendan has a strong passion for hockey having been a player, coach and captain. Brendan is also from a fitness background, having set up a successful Personal Training Business and is also involved in mainstream tennis coaching, as well as working with disability groups.

 

David and Brendan will be responsible for ensuring continued growth of hockey in their respective regions, via club, school, volunteer, coach and umpire development. Development Officers can offer help with many issues and can help you implement programmes in your club/ area such as:

 

David and Brendan are contactable at the email addresses below:

 

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Hockey Ireland announces new Chief Executive Officer.

Dublin, June 27: The Board of Hockey Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne McCormack as Hockey Ireland’s new Chief Executive Officer.

McCormack joins from Golf Ireland, where she was Chief Operating Officer and a key member of the team that created Golf Ireland in 2021, transitioning the Golf Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union from separate gender-based entities.

She brings a passion for sport, having played golf at an elite level representing Connaught and Ireland at underage levels, and was the driving force behind a number of major Golf initiatives including ‘Get into Golf’, ‘Golf4Girls4Life’ and ‘LevelPar’.

As a powerful advocate of inclusion and equality, she further bolsters Hockey Ireland’s already strong track record of gender representation at Board and Executive level roles.

 

Speaking about her new role, McCormack said:

“It’s a privilege to be joining such a vibrant and passionate community, and I look forward to working alongside Hockey’s stakeholders, its talented athletes, dedicated staff, as well as the Provinces and Clubs. Sport is a huge part of my life and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with the Board and continue to drive hockey across the island forward. I firmly believe that through collaboration, innovation and a shared vision, we can take the sport to new heights of success and make a lasting impact for all in the hockey community”.

Commenting on the appointment, Hockey Ireland Chair Trevor Watkins commented:

“Anne was a standout candidate in the interview process and brings very relevant credentials as we look to build on our historic International sporting success, further develop the game of Hockey in Ireland and maintain the current positive momentum we have within the organisation.”

McCormack will take up the role from mid-September and joins at a very busy period for Hockey as the Senior Men host the EuroHockey Championship II in July at the Sport Ireland Campus and both the Senior Women and Senior Men International teams look to Olympic qualification in 2024.

Hockey Ireland Chair further commented:

“Matt McKerrow continues as interim CEO until September, and Hockey Ireland would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Matt for his contribution as we make this transition.”

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Ireland Senior Men’s Head Coach Mark Tumilty selects squad for upcoming IRL Vs Wales three game series.

Dublin, June 22: Ireland Men’s Hockey Head Coach, Mark Tumilty has chosen his squad for the forthcoming three game series with Wales from June 29th – July 2nd at Comber Road in Hillsborough, home of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club. Ireland who are currently ranked 13th in the FIH World Rankings will take on 15th ranked Wales in the 3-game series over 4 days.

The games against Wales will push back at 19.45 on Thursday June 29th, 15:00 on Saturday July 1st and then 13:00 on Sunday July 2nd 2023. The Ireland Men’s team will follow this with a three-game series against Austria from July 13th-15th at Sports Campus Ireland,  Abbotstown in Dublin,  in preparation for the Euro Hockey Championship II, Men tournament July 23-29 at Sport Ireland Campus.

Speaking after the announcement of the squad, head coach Mark Tumilty said:

“We’ve had a busy summer already with games against FIH Pro League Nations Spain, Argentina and Australia. I am happy with where the squad is, at this point in time. Wales and Austria are the ideal opponents in the coming weeks to help the squad prepare for EuroHockey Championship II. We will work hard on developing our attacking playing against Wales and Austria with the focus on winning these games to build confidence going into the July tournament. I know the squad are very excited about the opportunity to play games in Ireland and we hope the Irish Hockey community can get behind the team over the coming weeks as we aim to gain a spot in the Olympic Qualifier”

Thursday 29th June Saturday 1st July Sunday 2nd July
Jaime Carr David Harte David Harte
James Milliken Jaime Carr Jaime Carr
Mark McNellis Luke Witherow Luke Witherow
Mark Samuel Peter McKibben Peter McKibben
Peter McKibben Kyle Marshall Kyle Marshall
Conor Harte Luke Madeley Luke Madeley
Shane O’Donoghue Lee Cole Lee Cole
Rory Patterson Conor Harte Shane O’Donoghue
Michael Robson Charlie Rowe Michael Robson
Sean Murray Sean Murray Sean Murray
Kevin O’Dea Sam Hyland Sam Hyland
Jonny Lynch Kevin O’Dea Nick Page
Charlie Rowe Nick Page Jonny Lynch
Jeremy Duncan Jeremy Duncan Jeremy Duncan
Louis Rowe Johnny McKee Johnny McKee
Ben Walker Ben Walker Ben Walker
Ali Empey Ben Johnson Ben Johnson
Johnny McKee Conor Empey Conor Empey
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Ireland Women’s Hockey team tie with the USA over two-game home series ahead of European Championship.

Ireland Women Soccer players attend game 2 to lend their support ahead of World Cup

 

GAME 2 

IRELAND – 2  USA  – 1

 

On the final day of the Ireland- USA series, USA began quickly and forced the pace early on, but Ireland took the lead soon after that through Katie Mullan. Ireland had a penalty corner that didn’t produce a goal but the rest of the first quarter was fairly even with Ireland leading 1-0 at the break.

The second quarter saw the USA come into the game a bit more so it was no surprise when they equalised in the 26th minute the effort gave Liz Murphy no chance.

Kate Mullan fired over the bar two minutes later and it was1-1 at half time.

In the third quarter Ireland Captain Katie Mullan cut into the Circle from the inside left channel and her shot was wide of the far post. USA exerted some pressure but the defence marshalled by Tice stood firm. USA intercepted a sideline hit and Roisín Upton intervened to prevent a shot on goal, but there was no further goals in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter Deirdre Duke’s shot was well saved by the USA goalkeeper. At the other end Ireland goalkeeper Holly Micklem’s kick save prevented another effort from the USA from adding to the scoresheet.

A penalty corner for Ireland in the 54th minute was rifled to the backboard by Roisín Upton to give Ireland a 2-1 lead. Ireland continued to attack in pursuit of another goal with the Americans always dangerous on the counter attack. Ireland had a number of circle entries late on in the quarter but were unable to convert these half chances into goals. Ireland then had to withstand some USA pressure but held out for a 2-1 win.

So the two match series finished honours even with the USA getting the bragging rights in the games against our Development squad on Saturday. Both coaches should be pleased with the workouts each received from their opposition in preparation for their respective challenges this summer.

For Ireland there are the European Championships in Moenchengladbach, Germany this August. Next week USA are in FIH Pro League action in London against Great Britain and the Dutch respectively.

 

IRELAND WOMEN’S NATIONALTEAM:

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Murphy (1st half), Holly Micklem (2nd Half)

Defenders: Ellen Curran, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Caitlin Sherin, Lisa McCarthy, Caoimhe Purdue,  Elena Tice, Roisin Upton(VC)  ;

Midfielders: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie McKee, Sarah Torrans

Forwards: Niamh Carey, Naomi Carroll, Deirdre Duke, Katie Mullan (C), Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD:

GK : Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth,  Elizabeth Yeager,

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega, Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, ,Abigail Tamer

GAME 1 

IRELAND  – 2     USA  – 3

In the first senior game of the series with the United States, the Ireland senior team, who are preparing for their European Championship finals later this summer in Germany took on the United States. The United States themselves are preparing for the FIH Pro League season which will be commencing shortly and they face a round robin series of games in London shortly with Great Britain and the Netherlands among their opponents.

The USA and Ireland exchanged scores in the first half. Katie Mullan got Ireland on the scoresheet  to give Ireland a 1-0 lead.  As the visitors were not wearing numbers, or names  on their shirts it was impossible to identify the scorer, but  left the score 1-1 at the end of the first quarter.

The USA got two further goals either side of half-time scoring three times in all, to go 3-1 ahead. Ireland got another goal through Síofra O’Brien but ended up on the wrong end of 2-3 scoreline. Overall the US were more clinical in terms of capitalising on their chances which ultimately led them to victory.

 

IRELAND WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:

Goalkeepers: Holly Micklem, Elizabeth Murphy

Defenders: Ellen Curran, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughli, Caitlin Sherin, Lisa McCarthy, Caoimhe Purdue, Elena Tice, Roisin Upton(VC)

Midfielders: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie McKee, Sarah Torrans

Forwards: Niamh Carey, Naomi Carroll, Deirdre Duke, Katie Mullan (C), Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth,  Elizabeth Yeager

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega, Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, Abigail Tamer

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Ireland U21 Development team V USA

USA women’s national team took on an Irish Under 21 development squad in a six game 10 minutes per match mini series of matches on Saturday at the National Stadium in Belfield.

The first game was a tightly fought 0-0 draw. The second was a similarly close affair which also ended scoreless.

Ireland had been awarded two penalty corners in the first few games, neither of which they converted.

In Game 3 the USA took an early lead following a penalty corner. And this game ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors.

With a few changes in personnel from the first few matches younger more inexperienced players were given a chance to perform. The USA clicked into over drive in the remaining games of the day.

Game 4 was also won by the visitors with a goal from open play. Another 1-0 victory which meant the USA were 2-0 ahead in the series going into the final two games.

In Game 5, two goals from open play were enough to secure a series win for the Americans. The game finished 2-0 and meant with three wins the US could not be caught,

And in game 6, the final game, saw Ireland create their best goal chance from open play early which unfortunately did not go in. Ireland managed to force a penalty corner near the end of game 6.  The goalkeeper saved the penalty corner and the umpire awarded a free hit to the USA.

 

IRELAND UNDER 21  DEVELOPMENT WNT: Goalkeepers:Aoife Glennon, Holly Micklem

Defenders: Lucy Craig, Lucy Crowe, Ellen Curran (c) Erin Getty, Lucy Mackay, Katie-Jane Marshall, Emma Paul, Ellen Reid

Midfielders: Christina Hamill, Emily Kealy, Sarah Kirgin, Caoimhe Perdue, Lisa McCarthy, Lisa Mulcahy

Forwards: Rachel Kelly, Lily Lloyd, Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt, Sarah Torrans

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD : Goalkeepers: Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth, Elizabeth Yeager

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega,  Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, Abigail Tamer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Irish Senior Women take on the USA Senior Women on Monday at 17.30 and Tuesday at 14.30. Don’t forget to get your tickets.

BUY TICKETS NOW

 

 

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EY Ireland and Hockey Ireland Announce Three Year Sponsorship of National Hockey Teams at Underage and Senior Levels

 

 

EY Ireland and Hockey Ireland Announce Three Year Sponsorship of National Hockey Teams at Underage and Senior Levels

Three year partnership builds on existing sponsorship of EY Hockey League

 

Dublin, 7 June 2023: EY Ireland and Hockey Ireland announce today that they have agreed a new three-year partnership that will see EY Ireland become an official sponsor of the Hockey Ireland male and female National Teams at underage level, including U16s, U18s and U21s, and Senior level for the next three years.

This agreement builds on the existing strong partnership between EY and Hockey Ireland, which sees EY Ireland currently sponsor the male and female Division 1 and Division 2 Irish Hockey Leagues. This new deal will make EY the only consolidated sponsor across underage categories and senior teams in the international hockey squads.

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland commented: “The EY Hockey League continues to be a source of great pride for all of us at EY Ireland and today we are strengthening our partnership with Hockey Ireland as we support the game from grassroots through to international level. In EY we are delighted to have this fantastic opportunity to continue to support the many incredibly talented players and coaches as well as the ever-growing number of wonderful hockey fans throughout this island. Here in EY Ireland, we are also very committed to supporting these elite athletes to reach their full potential on and off the hockey field. EY Ireland is committed to helping to support and enable hockey players to thrive during and after their careers and intends to work closely with Hockey Ireland on identifying the best ways to support these elite athletes. Given our reputation in EY for high-performing teams we think this new sponsorship with Hockey Ireland is a perfect fit.”

Graham Reid, Partner and Head of Markets, EY Ireland commented: “EY Ireland takes great pride in our sponsorship of the EY Hockey League and we are really excited that our partnership will expand in the coming years. By investing in grassroots and national teams, we aim to empower talented players on and off the field, supporting a thriving hockey community across the island, and fostering a sense of pride among our employees.”

Lisa Jacob, High Performance Director, Hockey Ireland commented: “Hockey Ireland has seen the benefit of our strong partnership with EY for a number of years across our All-Ireland domestic league, not least for the 2022/23 season, with new initiatives introduced and competitive levels within the EY Hockey League higher than ever. The extension of the partnership to now include all eight of our international squads, including our Senior Women’s and Senior Men’s teams as they look to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024, will bring significant impact. Having one sponsor that goes right through the system adds huge value, allowing us to have an impact over a number of years in a strategic but also a very tangible way. This commitment gives us capacity we haven’t had before, and brings EY with us on the journey to Paris and beyond.”

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EuroHockey Womens Indoor Championship II

EuroHockey Womens Indoor Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus

February 9th-11th 2024

 

EuroHockey have confirmed the European Womens Indoor Hockey Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus from February 9th-11th 2024. Along with hosts Ireland, the other nations that will compete in the tournament are Italy, Slovakia, Portugal, Lithuania and Croatia. Two promotion spots are available in the 6-team tournament to the top tier Championship. Ireland have competed once in Championship II before finishing in 6th place at Ourense, Spain in 2022.  This tournament will give a massive boost to Connacht Hockey as they look forward to hosting Senior International Hockey for the first time ever.

Connacht Hockey President Martin Hughes said:

‘Connacht Hockey are delighted to be co-hosting this tournament with Hockey Ireland and the University of Galway. Indoor hockey is a highly skilful and entertaining game and is key to the development of hockey in Connacht. Playing host to the Irish and other national teams in Galway will be a proud moment for all of us at Connacht Hockey. The world class venue at the University of Galway will provide and incredible atmosphere and we are confident that the tournament will have a long and positive legacy for hockey in Connacht.’

Hosting this tournament in Ireland is possible due to the support of University of Galway and the collaboration between Hockey Ireland, Connacht Hockey and University of Galway.

 

Mike Heskin Director of Sport at University of Galway said:

‘The University of Galway is delighted that EuroHockey has chosen to return to our campus after almost 14 years. In the meantime, Irish Hockey has gone from strength to strength with both the men and women achievements Olympics qualification. We really looking forward to working with Hockey Ireland to providing the supporters of the west of Ireland the rare opportunity of watching live international hockey players of the highest quality and at the same time providing our European visitors a memory of a lifetime’.

 

Hannah Kelly Ireland National Team Indoor player and University of Galway student said:

‘The squad are delighted to have the opportunity to host this competition in Ireland on the University of Galway campus and it’s a testament to the work being done behind the scenes to promote indoor hockey in this country. It will be a great occasion and the first time that an Irish Hockey team will have played in Connacht. For me personally, as a University of Galway student and hockey club member I’m thrilled at the chance of possibly playing in front of a Galway crowd.’

 

Gareth Myburgh manager of the Ireland Womens Indoor Hockey Team said:

‘We are delighted to be awarded the hosting of the EuroHockey Women’s Indoor Championship II. What better place than the west of Ireland to host European teams and have them experience a true taste of Ireland and play in the outstanding facilities at the University of Galway. Hosting a tournament of this calibre was always a key milestone in our indoor hockey strategy and with the support of Connacht Hockey we have no doubt we will put on a super tournament.’

Hockey Ireland would like to thank Connacht Hockey and University of Galway. We would also like to thank EuroHockey for awarding the right to host to Ireland in which is a move which will help develop the 6 a side version of the Olympic sport of hockey. We would also like to thank our indoor hockey volunteers and players through their commitment have made this opportunity possible. More details will be announced in due course including opportunities to be part of the volunteer team around the tournament.

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