Ireland set for Argentina grudge rematch

Tensions are set to rise later this month after it was confirmed that Ireland’s men will take on Argentina, with both sides having scores to settle. The Irish Hockey Association (IHA) yesterday confirmed the South American side will play two games in Dublin on October 29 and 30, ending speculation that has been circulating since last week.

Argentina will be looking to avenge a shock defeat in New Zealand last February during Ireland’s a failed Olympic qualification campaign, which ended in controversy amid accusations that an Argentinean player had spat in Ronan Gormley’s face. The claims were subsequently dismissed by the tournament officials, but there are sure to be plenty of needle in the grudge encounters. Meanwhile, the search for a new Irish senior men’s coach is set to intensify this week, with four overseas candidates reportedly due to be interviewed on Thursday, alongside two Irish-based coaches. The IHA’s high performance director Dave Passmore, who recently stepped down from the coaching hotseat, will take charge of the Argentina matches alongside his South African assistant Craig Fulton, who is many people’s favourite for the job. Speaking about the Argentina clashes, Passmore said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to play a top ranked team who finished third in the Champions Trophy in July. “Having beaten them earlier this year, they will be keen to avenge this result and the matches can be expected to be competitive, exciting games. It will provide an opportunity for some of the younger players who impressed over the summer to perform against higher ranked teams.” Meanwhile, the IHA yesterday launched the Irish Hockey League at Pembroke Wanderers, with attendees receiving information from top umpire Ray O’Connor on the new EHL-style rules which will be in place when the competition kicks off on October 18. The new website for the league also went live at the weekend, with the IHA promising the match report from each of the 60 games will be on the site within 45 minutes of each game finishing. Setanta Sports are set to screen the finals weekend, to take place next May.