Munster Junior Men Trial

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The Munster Junior men will be holding their first trial on March 12th in UCC. Manager Mark Horgan is looking for those interested to sign up in advance using the link below.

https://goo.gl/forms/h273pAdI0EUgfZtv1

All players are asked to bring €5 for pitch hire on the day.

For any queries please contact Manager Mark Horgan (markhorgan10@hotmail.com) or Coach Glenn Healy (glennhealy@me.com).

See link of eligibility criteria: http://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/8089/iha_tournament_competition_rules_and_regulations_20122013_final.pdf

Week 20 Preview

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Week 20 is a busy weekend both domestically and nationally with 6 Munster sides vying for places in national finals.

C of I travel to Lisnagarvey on the back of a disappointing performance against Railway Union. That loss means they go to Garvey with a different mindset as the battle to hold onto a top 4 spot gets tougher.

Limerick host North Down in the semi final of the IHT. Although results have been up and down this year for Limerick this is a fantastic opportunity to make a national final. North Down defeated a depleted Ashton side in the quarter final and will be favourites but Limerick will hope to use home advantage to cause an upset.

In the IHC Munster are guaranteed a finalist as Catholic Institute host Waterford in the semi final. Bray or Portrane await the victors in the final.

In men’s Division 1 Bandon can move to within 1 win of the league title if they beat Harlequins tomorrow. They still have a 100% record in the league.

UCC and Catholic Institute meet for the second time in a week but this time in the league. UCC edged the cup match 3-2 and we expect tomorrow’s game to be as close. Bandon host a C of I team that will be looking to capitalise on any slip ups from the game in the Mardyke but Bandon will be no push over having pushed all the top sides close this year. In the final league game Ashton host Limerick with both sides fighting for points at the other end of the table. With no IHL game this weekend Harlequins women host Waterford in the semi final of the Munster Senior Cup.

Division 1B form team Belvedere will be hoping to make the IHC final on the women’s side on Saturday. They host Greenfields second team in the semi final.

On Sunday Bandon B and C of I B have tough away trips to Dublin in the semi final of the Junior Cup. Heres hoping for an all Munster final.

David Harte named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year

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Hockey Ireland is delighted to announce that David Harte has been named as the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year in a row! Harte captained Ireland to their first Olympic Games in 108 years when the Green Machine competed at the Rio Olympic Games. Harte has a plethora of Goalkeeper of the Tournament awards to his name and is an integral part of not only the Green Machine but current EHL champions Kampong. The achievement of the award is further solidified when looking at the other nominees; Juan Vivaldi (ARG); Jaap Stockmann (NED); Vincent Vanasch (BEL); Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh (IND). Vivaldi and Vanasch won gold and silver respectively at the Olympic Games in Rio this past summer, highlighting the stiff competition David Harte was up against.

Speaking about the award, Harte said “To win this award truly is an incredible honour and one which I am very proud to receive. Even to be nominated for a second time was more than I could have hoped for, especially given the world class goalkeepers involved such as Juan Vivaldi, Vincent Vanasch, Jaap Stockman and PR Sreejesh, all of whom are deserving of the title in this category. Although it is an individual award, it partly belongs to my teams at both club & country level as I would not have made it here without them.

On the back of 2016 and overcoming a 108 year wait to compete in an Olympic Games the team is busy preparing for the first step on our quest to compete in a World Cup in 2018. We start by hosting the WL2 in Belfast which is incredibly exciting for the Irish hockey community and players alike.

Having reached an all-time high of #10 in the world rankings, we are all determined to push on from here and hopefully, having inspired the future Irish hockey generations, to climb higher with the Green Machine! A busy 2017 awaits between World League events and the European Championships in Amsterdam and I for one can’t wait to get started!”

Munster First Year Development Squad (South)

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Munster First Year Development Squad (South) coach Darren Collins has finalised his training panel for the remainder of the school year. All players should attend the next session at Mount Mercy College on Sunday March 12 from 1.30-3pm. Parents are asked to fill in the following registration form if they have not already done so: https://goo.gl/forms/mjaFuKE5h4s4y0nE2

1 April Blennerhassett (Bandon Grammar)

2 Lauren Bradley (Scoil Mhuire/Ashton)

3 Orlaith Cahalane (Mount Mercy)

4 Lauren Cripps (Mount Mercy/Belvedere)

5 Anna Collins (St Angela’s/Cork C of I)

6 Emma Cullinane (St Angela’s/Cork Harlequins)

7 Susie Fitzgerald (St Angela’s/Ashton)

8 Siri Forde (Mount Mercy/Cork C of I)

9 Rachel Hallahan (Colaiste na Toirbhirte/Bandon)

10 Sarah Hennessy (Scoil Mhuire/Cork C of I)

11 Niamh Hudson (Bandon Grammar)

12 Abby Kingston (St Angela’s/Ashton)

13 Isobel Kingston (Scoil Mhuire/Cork Harlequins)

14 Alex Kenny (Regina Mundi/Ashton)

15 Holly Lee (Ashton School)

16 Kate Long (Regina Mundi)

17 Sarah Lucey (Regina Mundi/Cork Harlequins)

18 Phoebe Lynch (Scoil Mhuire/Ashton)

19 Jules McCarthy (Regina Mundi/Cork Harlequins)

20 Aisling Moloney (Sacred Heart Clonakilty/Bandon)

21 Kate Obersby (Midleton College/Midleton)

22 Gaby Olden (Midleton College/Midleton)

23 Maeve O’Connor (Ashton School/Midleton)

24 Alison O’Rourke (Regina Mundi/Cork C of I)

25 Amy O’Shea (Mount Mercy)

26 Leah O’Shea (Mount Mercy/Cork Harlequins)

27 Amy Smyth (Bandon Grammar/Bandon)

28 Elizabeth Tuohy (Scoil Mhuire/Ashton)

Junior Interpro Positions

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The Munster Branch are inviting applications from coaches and managers for the Munster Junior Men and Women squads. The tournament will be on the 6th and 7th of May this year in Ulster.

Please send your CV and cover note to munsterhockeyappointments@gmail.com and secretary@munsterhockey.com before the 1st of March 2017.

INTERPROVINCIAL HEAD COACH

REQUIREMENTS:

Supervision of underage children
Communication, organisation, planning & leadership skills
At least have IHA Level 1 Coaching qualification
Ability to influence but integrate within a Management team
Completion of Irish Sports Council Child Awareness Course, or willing to go on one
Garda Vetting by MBIHA
Be part of the interview panel for other positions on the management team
Partake in wrap up session once the inter pros is finished

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plan and deliver training sessions.
Plan and prepare training schedule/program and schedule at tournament.
Making cuts/selections at trials and training panels.
Liaising with physio(s) re player injuries/rest periods.
Ensuring Coach Code of Conduct, Garda Vetting Application and all other related forms are completed, signed and returned.
Completing all post Tournament Reports.

INTERPROVINCIAL MANAGER

REQUIREMENTS:

Supervision of Underage Children
Strong communication skills
Organisation & Planning skills
Finance & Budgetary Planning
Ability to influence but integrate within a Management team
Garda Vetting by the MBIHA
Completion of Irish Sports Council Child Awareness Course
Partake in wrap up session once the inter pros is finished

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leading contact for the Interprovincial Management team, between players, parents of underage players, physiotherapist, and the Branch co-ordinator and Branch Hon Treasurer.
Preparing an income & expenditure spreadsheet with the Management Team and submitting to the Branch Hon. Treasurer for approval. Adhering to the terms of the approved Budget
Ensuring player, management and coach code of conduct and Garda Vetting application forms and underage related forms as in code of conduct and parent/guardian consent forms are completed, signed and returned.
Liaising with Hon. Treasurer and the host Province contact regarding all pre Tournament protocols and arrangements.
Liaising with the Branch President, Management team & Hon. Treasurer regarding all arrangements over the Tournament weekend.
Completing all post Tournament Reports.

Munster First Year Development Squad Update (North)

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Munster First Year Development Squad (North) coach Christine O’Shea has reduced her panel ahead of the next training sessions for this group. The following players are invited to partake in sessions on Sundays March 12, April 9 and April 23, venues TBC, as well as a blitz day in May with the South group. All communication will be made directly to parents via email; anyone who has yet to register should do so at the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/mjaFuKE5h4s4y0nE2

1 Sophie Angland (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Crescent HC)

2 Aisling Booth (UCT)

3 Sarah Bryce (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Limerick)

4 Bronagh Byrne (Crescent/Crescent HC)

5 Ellie Carmody (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Limerick)

6 Aisling Coffey (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Crescent HC)

7 Aoibheann Collins (Crescent Comprehensive/Crescent HC)

8 Amy Connolly (Crescent Comprehensive/Crescent HC)

9 Eimear Cowhey (Crescent Comprehensive)

10 Ella Curtin (Crescent Comprehensive/Crescent HC)

11 Lucy Fitzgerald (Rockwell College/Clonmel)

12 Alex Hally (Ursulines Thurles/Dungarvan)

13 Áine Hannan (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Limerick)

14 Ellen Hourigan-Powell (Ursulines Thurles/Limerick)

15 Kara Madden (Villiers)

16 Lily Mahon (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Limerick)

17 Aoife Murphy (Ursulines Thurles)

18 Ellie Moloney (Laurel Hill Secondary)

19 Jane O’Brien (Castletroy College)

20 Caoimhe O’Connor (Rockwell College/Clonmel)

21 Aisling O’Driscoll (Castletroy College)

22 Zoe Page (Crescent Comprehensive/Crescent HC)

23 Shauna Parker (Rockwell College/Clonmel)

24 Abbie Pigott (Laurel Hill Colaiste/Crescent HC)

25 Cara Quinn (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

26 Anna Schutz (Villiers)

27 Sally Smyth (Crescent/Catholic Institute)

28 Jodie Waite (Crescent/Catholic Institute)

Week 18 Preview

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The EY IHL is back this weekend after a break for the international team. C of I men travel to UCD knowing they need victory to keep among the pace setters.

On the women’s side Harlequins have a busy weekend. Tomorrow they welcome Pembroke to Cork. Pembroke have proven to be sticky opposition in the past but have struggled somewhat this season. On Sunday they travel to Pegasus and a chance to make the Irish Senior Cup final.

In the Munster Senior Cup Limerick host Bandon. Bandon will be strong favourites going into this one with the St. Patrick’s Day final at stake.

In the Women’s Munster Senior League Institute host Waterford who have been strong defensively of late with 2 clean sheets in a row. C of I and Ashton played out a close encounter a few weeks ago with C of I prevailing – they will be expected to do likewise tomorrow. UCC and Bandon meet in the Mardyke hoping to keep top spot. If all three results go with form the gap between the top 3 and the rest will be stretched to 11 points. In the final game Limerick will be looking to lift themselves off the bottom of the table with the visit of Clonakilty.

Week 17 Preview

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Harlequins women will be expecting to take all 3 points at home as they get their IHL campaign back up and running this weekend. Ulster Elks are the visitors and they have struggled somewhat this season after a few years competing at the top table.

Men’s division 1 is proving high scoring all year and this is set to continue this weekend. With the men’s IHL on a break C of I B will be at full strength for their trip to bottom side Limerick. Top of the table Bandon host Ashton with their 100% league record still intact. Ashton have seen improvement this season but this will be a big test. The Harlequins v UCC game could prove the tie of the weekend with both sides scoring freely.

In women’s division 1 the big game of the weekend is the meeting of UCC and C of I in the Mardyke. UCC edged C of I in the cup but we can expect this to be another close encounter. Limerick again face Catholic Institute after Inst got the better of them in the cup, Ashton host Waterford and on Sunday Bandon host Clonakilty.

In the Irish Hockey Challenge holders Blackrock will be given a serious test against high flying Belvedere. Clonmel host Wexford hoping to continue their good form in division 1b.

Munster First Year Development Squad (North)

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The following players have been selected for the next phase of the Munster First Year Development Squad (North) programme. All players should attend the next session at Crescent College Comphrensive on Sunday February 12 from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Parents are asked to fill in the following registration form: https://goo.gl/forms/mjaFuKE5h4s4y0nE2

1 Sophie Angland (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

2 Aisling Booth (UCT)

3 Ruth Brannigan (UCT)

4 Sarah Bryce (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

5 Bronagh Byrne (Crescent)

6 Ellie Carmody (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

7 Aisling Coffey (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

8 Aoibheann Collins (Crescent)

9 Amy Connelly (Crescent)

10 Eimear Cowhey (Crescent)

11 Ella Curtin (Crescent)

12 Lucy Fitzgerald (Rockwell)

13 Alex Hally (UCT)

14 Áine Hannon (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

15 Ellen Hourigan-Powell (UCT)

16 Lily Mahon (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

17 Aoife Murphy (UCT)

18 Jane O’Brien (Castletroy)

19 Caoimhe O’Connor (Rockwell)

20 Abby O’Sullivan (Rockwell)

21 Zoe Paige (Crescent)

22 Sarah Parker (Rockwell)

23 Abbie Pigott (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

24 Cara Quinn (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

25 Sally Smyth (Crescent)

26 Ellen Tobin (Castletroy)

27 Jodie Waite (Crescent)

Players to be trialled at February 12 session

Kate Flannery (Rockwell)

Sara Finnane (Rockwell)

Chantal Robinson (Crescent)

Week 16 Preview

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Harlequins return to full strength this weekend as they travel to Ards in the Irish Senior Cup quarter final. If earlier meetings between two sides are anything to go by this could be another close battle. In the Irish Hockey Trophy defending champions Bandon will hope to progress to the semi final as they host the students of NUIG.

In men’s division 1 Ashton host Harlequins in a game that has produced plenty of excitement in the past year. Harlequins sit in second currently while Ashton sit 4th. UCC and Limerick has just been postponed.

Catholic Institute and C of I meet in a top of the table clash. Both sides are unbeaten in the league this term with C of I ahead currently by 1 point. UCC host Clonakilty who have only played 6 games in the league this term. A win for UCC would keep them top of the table no matter the result in other games.