Snow joke as U21 interpros cancelled

This weekend’s men’s and women’s U21 interprovincial tournaments, scheduled to take place at Grange Road in Dublin, have been cancelled. The pitch at Three Rock Rovers’ ground hasn’t been playable for two weeks due to ice and snow, and with the severe conditions set to continue over the coming days, the Irish Hockey Association say they have been “left with no option” but to cancel the competition. The decision was taken early to prevent the provincials branches from incurring unnecessary costs, as happened at the cancelled U16 girls event in Kilkenny last December. A new date for the tournament has yet to be confirmed. In a statement released this afternoon, the IHA said: “The decision is due to the severe weather conditions Dublin has been experiencing recently and in particular Three Rock Rovers where the pitch has been unplayable for two weeks now. “The weather outlook for the next five days is unfavourable and would indicate it will be impossible to play the tournament at Three Rock Rovers, alternative venues in Dublin were sought but unsuccessfully. “The early decision on this will enable branches to cancel their own arrangements with minimal financial penalties.” Meanwhile, the IHA has named February 21 as the date for Irish Senior Cup refixes to take place after 13 games in the men’s and women’s competition were cancelled due to snow last weekend. The date was initially reserved for the third round of the competition, but that round will now take place on February 28. One first round tie – Raphoe and Banbridge – has still not been completed, with Cork Harlequins awaiting the victors, while a further issue affected could be the IHL refix between Annadale and Cookstown. Both sides have currently suggested March 28 as a date that may suit though it may be preferable for the competition to see the game played before the fourth round of IHL fixtures on March 7 to have their group on an even keel. Men’s ISC refixes (February 21): ESB Women’s ISC refixes: