IHA launch two new indoor competitions

The debate over whether hockey should move indoors for the winter looks set to crop up once more with the IHA’s decision to launch two new indoor competitions for the 2009/10 season. While the indoor game is not widely played in Munster, it is popular elsewhere on the isle, with decorated former Irish international Lynsey McVicker calling for a winter move after harsh weather caused fixture chaos from November to February. The National  Indoor Trophy for both men and women will provide the winner with the major carrot of representing Ireland at the European Indoor Club Championships in 2011.

Both competitions will be structured as a national indoor finals event, played over the weekend of February 6 and 7, 2010, consisting of 8 teams. Qualification will take place through regional tournaments. The format of the regional qualification tournaments will be determined by the IHA indoor committee once entries from participating clubs have been confirmed. Due to the finals dates, it is anticipated anticipate that the regional qualification tournaments would take place between November/December 2009 and January 2010. The competitions are open to all IHA-affiliated clubs in Ireland and those interested in participating are requested to notify the IHA office by emailing katie.roche(at)hockey(dot)ie before June 30. To cover the expected cost of hall hire, equipment etc, the entry fee for the competition will be between €400 and €500 per team.