Men's Hockey News round-upThe climax of a busy week for the national side culminates this weekend with two Tests against the number one side in the world, Germany, at the National Hockey Stadium at Belfield.
As Ireland continue their preparations for next month's European Nations Trophy in Rome, the games on Saturday and Sunday will be the toughest test the side will face before trying to qualify from Rome into the elite European tournament, which is being held in Leipzig at the same time. A place in a World Cup qualifying event is also at stake in Italy.
Germany are warming up for their assault on the European trophy, a prize they have won many times.
Ireland, ranked 23rd, their lowest for some time, will not be expected to win, but head coach Dave Passmore has clearly indicated his thoughts.
"Playing Germany after a long seven days is ideal for our preparation. After six matches, I am keen to see if we can retain discipline, technical quality and decision-making. If we can't we will be punished," he said.
That is probably why he has picked a squad of some experience, although Trinity's Phelie Maguire, not surprisingly, has forced his way in with just six caps to his name. That will surely increase for the young talent. Ten of the 23-man panel have 50 caps or more, but more importantly Passmore will look at his short corner routine and think positively.
Stephen Butler, Ireland's main asset in this area, has now netted 11 goals in his last nine international matches. With 38 international goals up until yesterday, he is fast approaching Justin Sherriff's tally of 41.
Both are clearly pivotal to Passmore's plans, as is the most capped player in the squad, team captain Paddy Brown.
Elsewhere, Pembroke Wanderers have appointed South African international Craig Fulton as director of coaching and player/coach to their senior squad on a three-year contract.
Fulton has been capped 191 times for South Africa and played in the 1996 and 2004 Olympics.
IRISH SQUAD: Nigel Henderson (Pembroke), W Bateman (Cork Harlequins), P Brown (Instonians, capt), J Black (Cork Harlequins), D Smyth (Annadale), B Waring (Lisnagarvey), G Elliott (Pembroke), S Butler (Dragons), K Burns (Cork C of I), M Irwin (Instonians), M Raphael (Lisnagarvey), J Sherriff (Pembroke), G Shaw (Annadale), D Hobbs (Cork C of I), A Barbour (Cookstown), M Black (Cork Harlequins), C Henderson (Corinthians), T Cockram (Lisnagarvey), O Maguire (Trinity), I Lewers (Annadale). Coach: D Passmore. Manager: S Hiles.
Saturday: Ireland v Germany, 2pm, Belfield.
Sunday: Ireland v Germany, 11am, Belfield.
