IHA announce underage coaching tickets

The Irish Hockey Association (IHA) has announced a reshuffle of the coaching staff for its underage international teams. Notably from a Munster point of view, John Hobbs’ association with Ireland U18 boys has ended, despite the Cork Harlequins man guiding them to Four Nations Trophy success last year. The trio of Andy Smith, Miles Warren and Paddy Grimes have moved up with last year’s U16s to the U18 brief, while Peter Jackson, who managed the side during that success, has moved up to the senior squad after eight years’ work at underage. A couple of the country’s top players have rowed into managerial roles, with Annadale’s Fraser Mills joining the boys U16 setup, which will be headed up by Railway Union coach Paul Cooke – who remains as U15 coach too – while Railway hotshot Jean McDonnell joins Una McCarthy’s U16 girls. Mary Logue’s U18 set-up remains unchanged, while Mick McKinnon maintains another strong Railway link as he stays with the U15 girls.

Meanwhile, the IHA also took a number of steps this week to help ease the fixture chaos caused by the inclement weather. The 13 unplayed Irish Senior Cup round two clashes are now down for decision on February 21, with the third round – initially scheduled for that date – moves back a week to February 28. There are a number of headaches still yet to be resolved, however. The first-round clash of Raphoe and Banbridge has yet to be played, which has implications for Cork Harlequins, who are set to host the winner in round two. Furthermore, there is still no free weekend to replay the abandoned IHL tie between Cookstown and Annadale. Both sides have currently suggested March 28 as a date that may suit, though that may skewer the pool slightly, with the fourth round of matches set to be played on March 7. The men’s IJC quarter-finals will now take place over three weekends due to ISC refixes moving to the February 28. Of primary interest to Munster hockey is Cork C of I’s clash with Glenanne, which is now set for March 14. For the women’s Irish Senior Cup, round two’s remaining matches are on February 21. However, unlike the men, the quarter-finals on March 21 rather than February 28 due to Gene Muller’s three-day international camp that weekend. March 28 has been named as the date for the semi-finals as a result. The women’s IJC sees the quarter-finals take place on schedule on February 28. Men’s ISC refixes (February 21): ESB Women’s ISC refixes: Underage Irish coaching tickets 2008/09: U18 Boys Coach: Andy Smyth Assistant Coach: Miles Warren Goalkeeper Coach and Videographer: Paddy Grimes Manager: Christopher McCandless U18 Girls Coach: Mary Logue Assistant Coach: Richie Malone Manager: Sinead McDonnell U16 Boys Coach: Paul Cooke Manager: Fraser Mills U16 Girls Coach: Una McCarthy Assistant Coach: Michelle Rainey Support Coach: Johnny McBride Manager: Sinead McDonnell U15 Boys Coach: Paul Cooke Assistant Coaches: Tim Weir & Scott McNeill Manager: Stephen McGrath U15 Girls Coach: Mick McKinnon Assistant Coach: Alison McNeill Manager: Fionnuala McGuinness