The week after the Christmas break can often catch teams on the hop and C of I will be hoping to do that when Monkstown visit on Saturday afternoon. C of I currently sit 4th in the table and a win would take them level on points with the Dubliners.

In the IHT Bandon men and C of I women face trips North to face Queens and Raphoe respectively. Bandon currently lead the Munster league comfortably and C of I ladies were 1 point clear going into the break.

Domestically in Men’s Division 1 its all very close between the bottom 4. Ashton host Limerick while C of I B travel across the city to UCC.

In Women’s Division 1 UCC host Ashton hoping to leapfrog C of I at the top of the table while Bandon will be hoping to close the gap to the top 3 when they host Waterford.

The Munster Branch have extended the deadline for applications for the following Interpro positions to Friday the 13th of January. The roles to be filled are as follows:

Head Coach – U18 Boys, U16 Girls, U21 Boys, U21 Girls (Spec below)
Manager – U16 Boys, U16 Girls, U18 Boys, U18 Girls, U21 Boys, U21 Girls (Spec below)
Applicants should send their coaching/management CV and cover note to munsterhockeyappointments@gmail.com and secretary@munsterhockey.com. Interviews will be held in late January.

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.

In week 10 the IHL takes a break as the Irish Senior Cup second round takes place. Both C of I and Quins will be favourites to progress as they play YMCA and Belfast Harlequins respectfully.

In women’s division 1 the top 3 have created a bit of a gap to the rest of the chasing pack. C of I host Waterford hoping to close the gap on Catholic Institute, as will UCC who travel to Limerick. Ashtonand Clonakilty will both be hoping to break from the rest in the other game.

Catholic Institute and Bandon face each other in the other game but this is the first round of the Munster Senior Cup and not the league.

There is a double header in Ashton on Tuesday as the men play C of I B in the semi final of the Peard Cup and the women play UCC in the league.

Week 8 sees the men’s leagues take a break as the U16 and U18 Interpros takes place in Ulster. Best of luck to both Munster sides.

After a narrow defeat last week, Cork Harlequins welcome 2nd place side UCD Ladies Hockey Club to Farmer’s Cross. Quins will be buoyed by the inclusion of 5 of their squad in Graham Shaw’s extended training panel this week in the lead up to World League 2. UCD have the same number represented meaning a total of 10 internationals will be on show.

In Munster Division 1 Ashton Hockey Club host Bandon Hockey Club in a tie that has been closely matched in the last few years. They will also face each other the week after in Bandon as they have been drawn against each other in the Irish Hockey Trophy. UCC LHC travel to Clonakilty Hockey Club for the first time having had a solid start to the season. Clon have also picked up some vital points in whats become a crowded mid table. The last game sees Waterford Hockey Club travel to Limerick Hockey Club with both clubs looking for valuable points.

In the Irish Hockey Challenge first round, defending champions Blackrock Hockey Club host Tipperary. This will be their second meeting this season with Tipp edging the last game 1-0.