Coaching pair resign over funding dispute
Irish U18 coach Andy Smyth and manager Christopher McCandless have resigned following a stand-off with the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) over the implementation of a pay-to-play funding system.
Bateman and Egner scoop national gongs
Cork Harlequins – including David Egner, above left – Railway Union and the Watkins family were the big winners at Saturday night’s Irish Hockey Awards, held at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.
Herbert heads for a land down under
Recession and a desire to see the world continue to be driving factors for many of Ireland’s top hockey players – just ask Cork Church of Ireland’s Andrew Herbert, who recently left for pastures new in Australia. Prior to his departure to the Melville City club in Perth, Herbert sat down with Southern Fried to explain the rationale behind his move.
Quins succumb to rampant Railway
Railway Union ended a 106-year wait for a first national outdoor title as they routed Cork Harlequins 4-0 to win the ESB women’s Irish Hockey League in some style at Grange Road yesterday.
Wildcard win plunges Institute into pool of death
Catholic Institute defied the odds to win the women’s wildcard play-off in Dublin this weekend, ensuring they will make their maiden voyage into the IHL next term – but they could hardly have been handed a tougher draw.
Exam pressures curtail Pritchard’s celebrations
Cork native Adam Pritchard played a key role in helping Pembroke Wanderers retain their Irish Hockey League title in style – then had to exit the celebrations before they’d even began, as exam pressures took hold.