WOMEN'S HOCKEY:THE DEMANDS in the months ahead for both the men's and women's international teams, both of whom have Olympic qualifiers in their schedules, is the chief reason behind the Irish Hockey Association's decision to scrap this season's senior interprovincial tournaments.
With an increasingly busy schedule in recent years, international players have, more often than not, been unavailable for interprovincials, devaluing the prestige of tournaments that were once a showcase for the country’s leading talent.
“This decision has largely been driven by the branches who feel that in a year with Olympic qualifiers, the inability to field full squads puts the cost and associated benefits of the events in doubt,” said the IHA’s statement.
“This coupled with a very busy season ultimately led to the decision being taken by the IHA Board. The junior interprovincials have also been cancelled.”
There is no decision yet on the fate of the under-21 interprovincials, which are due to be held at Easter, but the IHA will review the event “as a matter of urgency”.
“The Board would wish to see the tournament take place as it will facilitate preparation and selection of the under-21 national teams competing, for the first time in many in years, in Europe. The views of the national coaches and high performance director on timing will be taken into account.”
IHA chief executive Angus Kirkland said the association had “consulted widely on the challenges of scheduling all hockey this season” and having “carefully considered the opinions of the Branches . . . agreed the best decision is not to not hold these tournaments.”
The Irish women’s squad is in Buenos Aries warming up for March’s Olympic Qualifier with two four-nations tournaments involving Argentina, South Africa and India.
They lost 2-0 to South Africa in their opening game, conceding a goal from a penalty corner in the 29th minute and another from open play midway through the second half. The team will play eight games in all before returning home in 10 days.
Leinster League, Division One(tomorrow): Trinity v Loreto, Santry, 10.30; Hermes v Old Alexandra, St Andrew's, 1.30; Pembroke Wanderers v Railway Union, Serpentine Avenue, 3.30.
