Revington to head up Munster coaching conference

Hockey followers hoping to get a bit of insight into what makes new Irish coach Paul Revington tick can do so this weekend as the ever-successful annual Munster Mini Coaching Conference rolls around once again. Revington, who has guided Ireland to three trophies and the final of the Champions Challenge II since taking over in January, heads up an impressive-looking list of coaches for the conference, which is now in its fourth year. The South African’s remit will be “coaching the autopass – an offensive and defensive perspective”, while the line-up is completed by Ireland U18 girls assistant coach Richie Malone – best known for turning Connacht into a force at age-grade provincial level – Ulster Hockey’s high performance manager Stephen Watt and former Irish international netminder Wesley Bateman, who is now assistant coach at Cork Harlequins. Malone will look at coaching and development of athletes for international competition, while Watt’s focus will be on attack and defence at penalty corner time. Bateman’s section will hinge on an introduction to goalkeeping coaching. The conference will take place at Cork Harlequins HC this Saturday September 12, from 9am-5pm, and will include presentations and on-pitch sessions from the coaches involved. Registration is required as places are limited – attendees are asked to email their details to munstercoaching(at)gmail(dot)com to reserve a place.