We are all aware of the fundraising drive behind the Irish men at this stage and we in Munster Hockey want to do our part…but we need everyone’s help. On the 28th of May we will be hosting a Mini Olympic Hockey Tournament in Garryduff for all Munster players aged 16 and over to participate in. This will be a fun blitz for men and women of all abilities to take part in. Teams will be assigned as per the countries that have qualified for the Olympics. Everyone is welcome to play.

Here’s how its going to work (subject to minor adjustment):
– €20 entry fee from each player goes to the Irish men’s Rio fund;
– Everyone will be assigned a Country in the Olympics;
– 1/3 pitches games;
– 7 a side games of 15-20 minutes;
– No keepers or kicking backs (scoring area marked off);
– 5 group games before quarters, semis and final.

This is a great opportunity to support the Green Machine, get to meet other players in Munster and get a buzz going for the upcoming Olympics. We will also arrange a social night to top the day off – details to be announced closer to the time.

This event will only go ahead if we get sufficient numbers so please sign up fast. The closing date is the 21st of May so register fast to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions just contact grahamcatchpole@gmail.com

Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cPd_v5ZP2HGR416g4F-aYsPUkRZYm9WvJph9Js57KXQ/viewform?c=0&w=1

Tricks 4 sticks has opened for 2016. Essentially the programme pays for a coach to go into a local school(s) of club’s that are looking to increase their numbers. The club and school are linked and after a 3-4 week programme, the pupils of the school are invited down to the club. All details on how to apply for the programme can be found here: http://www.hockey.ie/news/10003444/Tricks_4_Sticks_2016_Applications_Now_Open

With the season coming to a close and cup finals being decided we are looking forward to our end of season award’s night. In the past we have put together a committee to decide on the player of the year awards. This year we are doing it slightly differently and we are asking the hockey community to have their say.

So please take 2 minutes to have your say on Senior Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year (Male and Female). The players with the most votes will be shortlisted for the committee to decide on the winners. Please share this with all in the hockey community.

http://www.munsterhockey.com/contentPage/10000368/player_of_the_year_vote

Munster has adopted the new rule on attacking free hits:

http://www.hockey.ie/news/373133/FIH_confirms_rule_amendment_to_attacking_Free_Hits_within_the_23

Following trials last weekend, the players listed below have been selected to participate in the next phase of the Munster First Year Development (North) programme.

The next session will take place on Sunday February 21st from 11.30am-1pm in Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle, Limerick. Additional players may be added at a later date.

Lucy Allen (Crescent)

Eabha Benson (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

Sophie Clein (Crescent)

Milly Curtin (Villiers)

Mia Duggan (Loreto Clonmel)

Nicole Griffin (Crescent)

Eimear Fitzgerald (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

Meabh Fitzgibbon (Crescent)

Eimear Flanagan (Villiers)

Ciara Gibbs (GK, Villiers)

Andrea Halley (Ursulines Thurles)

Kaitlyn Hewitt (Loreto Clonmel)

Heather Hourigan Powell (Ursulines Thurles)

Lauren Hurley (Loreto Clonmel)

Emily Kavanagh (Ursulines Thurles)

Roisin Kelly (Ursulines Thurles)

Eimear Lane (Crescent)

Kate Leonard (Ursulines Thurles)

Kate McGann (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

Enya Muhlwald (Loreto Clonmel)

Andrea Murphy Wright (Villiers)

Amy O’Byrne (Crescent)

Kate O’Reilly (Laurel Hill Colaiste)

Ana Radojicic (Villiers)

Ava Russell (Loreto Clonmel)

To be trialled at next session:

Sophie Boland (Crescent)

Katie Ni Cheallachain (Loreto Clonmel)

Veerle Van der Veer (Loreto Clonmel).