Season Previews 2023/24 – Men
Ashton Hockey Club
Head coach: Graham Catchpole
Manager: Steve Scanlan
Position Last Season: 6th
Players in: Benno Seiler (NHTC, Nuremberg), Keanu Spencer (Midleton), Sam O’Callaghan (Harlequins), Tim Buckley (UCC)
Players out: Stephen Jermyn (Australia), Jack Marlborough, Adam O’Callaghan, Richie Byrne (Kilkenny HC)
Captain: Stuart O’Grady
Vice Captain: Billy Mulcahy
Ambitions this season: We are hoping to continue to compete against the top 3 in Munster and will target the other games to be the best of the rest in the league. We are also hoping for another run in the Charity Cup this season and hopefully go one step further. We came up against a strong Belfast Harlequins side in the first round of the Irish Hockey Trophy last season and this year we are hoping to get a bit of a cup run in this competition.
Key Player(s): James Allen ended last season on double figures and will remain Ashton’s primary threat in the D. He will again be key in leading the line up front. In the middle of the park John Sweetnam has had a very strong preseason and looks like he has added another level to his game. Between the posts, Tim Buckley has joined the GK ranks in the club and will be important figure in keeping us organised at the back.
Rising Stars: Benno Seiler is a real prospect this season for the club. His arrival from Germany was a big bonus for the squad in preseason. Still only 17, Benno does the simple things really well and has very quick hands. He is sure to make a significant impact this season. Sam O’Callaghan returns to the club and to hockey this season after a few years away. He will bring great drive and energy from defence. Up front, Rory Conway continues to improve his game and he will be joined up there by Keanu Spencer who will bring big energy and pressing from the front.
Graham Catchpole: “We have managed to add a little more youth to the team this year but have lost some strong experienced players. On our day and with a full panel we can compete with most club in the league, but we understand that some of the group will be in and out throughout the season. Preseason has been plagued by injuries but we are all set for the start of the season now. Our targets this season are to get a cup run and upset a few teams in the Munster Senior League.
Bandon Hockey Club
Head coach: Andy Gray
Position Last Season: 2nd
Players in: Adrian Frank (Cork Church of Ireland)
Players out: Player Name (Calum McCourt – Dublin, Ross Smyth – Australia)
Captain: Alastair Smith
Vice Captain: Ethan Hamilton Foott
Ambitions this season: Given how competitive we have been over the past 3 or 4 years, we will be hoping to remain in the hunt for all silverware in Munster this season. We aim to remain competitive in the EYHL2 as well, looking to equal our level last year
Key Player(s): Clinton Sweetnams experience and composure will be key to the teams success, his partnership with Colin Kingston is critical to ensuring we have a solid foundation to progress from. Ethan Hamilton Foott will be another Critical player, bringing endless energy and skill to the midfield and forward line. David Smith bringing his vast experience, drive, passion and Energy will also be hugely important to us to ensure a successful season
Rising Stars: This year gives an excellent opportunity to Alan Buttimer and Josh Hamilton Foott. With Calum and Ross not with us for the season they will need to step up to the fold. Both players are capable and will prove themselves as important players as the season progresses. Also a great opportunity for Ewan Cullinane coming into the squad this year to gain experience and play a role in the success of the club this season
Catholic Institute Hockey Club
Head Coach: John Geary
Manager: Simon Brickenden
Position Last Season: 6th
Players In: Zac Moloney
Players Out: N/A
Captain: Cathal Duggan
Ambitions this season: After a strong run to the final in the Irish Hockey Trophy, we will be targeting both that and a run in the Charity Cup again this season. A superb home win vs Cork Harlequins in the Munster Senior Cup QF last season was one of the highlights so with plenty of young talent coming through the ranks, we will target all home fixtures in Rosbrien.
Key Players: Nick Lampp, Cathal Duggan, John McKeogh, Zac Moloney.
Rising Stars: Too many to name, but lots of the young guys coming up through the U16/U18 ranks in Munster hockey.
John Geary: “After a tough loss in the IHT final last year, we have rebuilt our team during the Summer, with lots of young new talent coming through, we will try and give them as much exposure as possible to Div.1 hockey. With the extension of pre-season due to the fixtures being postponed, it has allowed us to build further on fitness levels in preparation for the start of the season. We also have to welcome back Zac Moloney from C of I who will provide plenty of options through our midfield. We will target home games in what looks like a crowded season ahead.”
Cork Church of Ireland Hockey Club
Head Coach: Jonny Bruton
Manager: Clive Olden
Assistant Coach: Eddie Kirwan
Players in: Andrew Sweetnam, Cian Kavanagh, Oscar Curtin
Players Out: Simon Wolfe, Neil Pelow, Eoin Finnegan, Phil Byrne
Captain: Ian Balding
Ambitions this season: Be as competitive as we can in all Munster competitions. While progressing as a team, with the aim to peak for EYHL2 after Christmas.
Key Players: The strength and depth of the squad will be the key for us this season
Rising Stars: Rob Olden, Gearoid Cashman, James Taylor
Cork Harlequins Hockey Club
Head coach: Aaron Willis
Manager/Asst coach: Cathy Minehane
Players in: Sean Landers, Flor Scully, Denis McCarthy
Players Out: None
Position last season: League winners
Captain: Jack O’Meara
Vice Captain: Julian Dale
Ambition for Season: Retain the Munster title and progress in the EY 2 league and achieve play offs for IHL
Key Players:
Julian Dale – a first class forward, who consistently scores over 40no goals per season. Vice Captain and key player in the squad who the younger players look up to.
Jack O’ Meara – team captain and the leader for the current group of players. Jacks defensive skills are excellent, coupled with incredible distribution makes him a key player.
Rising Stars:
Sam Dale – improving all the time and quickly becoming an excellent all-round player. Sam has quickly cemented his position as a key player for the squad.
Sean Curtin – after completing his first season at Quins, he has grown in all parts of the game and will play a much bigger part this season. Certainly, one to watch.
Aaron Willis: “With the increase in squad numbers and new players coming in has had a positive effect, with increased enthusiasm, competition for places and added an increased intensity to the sessions. Pre- season has gone well, with the squad much fitter and developing well are all positive signs for another successful campaign.”
Waterford Hockey Club
Head coach: David Quinn
Assistant coach: Richard Jones
Position Last Season: 4th
Players in: Bene Wetscher (Esv München (Munich)), Luis Conrad (Hockey Gemeinschaft Nürnberg), Alfie Jones (Gelanne HC), Ryan Williams (Conberg Hockey Club), František Svoboda (SK Slavia Praha).
Players out: James Kyriakides (Three Rock Rovers), Dave Ghan (Dublin), Peter Yaciuk-O’Connor (Weston HC), Malachy Shute (Railway Union HC), Ivan Kennedy (UCD MHC), Harry Belton (Clontarf HC).
Captain: Ben McInerney
Vice Captain: Greg Williams
Ambitions this season: The club has managed to retain a number of players in the first team squad this year which will allow for continuity into the new season. We will strive to put in good performances week in week out and look to secure a top three finish in the Munster League. We want to go as far as we can in Irish and Munster cups competitions and the squad hopes to build on last year’s success of reaching Munster Senior Cup Final.
Key Player(s): Ben McInerney, Allan Dale and Greg Williams will be key to Waterford’s attacking and defensive play this season with their ability to break from deep but also control the middle of the pitch.
František Svoboda (goalkeeper) will add much needed stability to our defensive set up. Donnagh Toomey, Peter Keappock, Thomas Musgrave, Dave Storey and Allan Dale are our defensive unit. We are looking forward to see how they grow and develop over the season. Harry O’Shea, Peio Garate, Ryan Williams and Oisin Gavin will bring speed and exceptional skill to a very threatening midfield/ forward line. William McInerney will use his attacking pace and ability to beat players one on one. Alfie Jones is also a very welcome addition to the midfield/ forward line – he will bring work rate and experience to the squad.
Rising Stars: Hayden Jones, Alfie O’Shea, Harry Earl, Bene Wetscher, Luis Conrad, Robert Jephson, Shay Kennedy and Toby Edmondson will add depth to the squad this season.
David Quinn: “I am really looking forward to this season with this very promising squad in Munster Div 1. I want this team to build on Waterford’s success from last year. The squad is very talented and I want to see them finish top 3 in Div 1 and reaching the business end in all cup competitions.
On a personal note I feel very lucky to be coaching the Men’s team this year. I feel very passionate about what this squad can achieve and the success that we can create together. I’m really looking forward to pushing our boundaries and motivating the team to show up with their best every week.”
