Irish masters seek Munster input

The Irish Women’s O45s Masters team have issued a rallying call for Munster players to get involved with them. On the eve of a masters competition in Wales this weekend, team member Helen Johnston of Railway Union outlined plans to expand the masters setup into two teams – an over-40s and over-45s side – with greater involvement from around the provinces. The current side is dominated by Leinster players, who will play England (Saturday, 4pm) and Wales (Sunday, 11am) in Cardiff this weekend. They are seeking to avenge defeats to both sides at June’s Home Nations tournament, which was held in Sheffield.

“Over the last two months, a huge amount of work has gone into developing women’s masters hockey in Ireland,” said Johnston. “Two young coaches have been appointed  (Trinity duo Benjamin Epstein and Stuart Malcolm)and weekly training sessions have been held. The Irish O45s have played training matches against an Irish O40s team and against an Ulster O40s team as part of a recruitment drive to expand the number of players playing Irish masters hockey. “The intention is to have two squads  – and over-40s and over-45s side – and to involve more players from the other provinces – Ulster, Munster and Connacht, as the current squads mainly comprise Leinster-based players.” The current Irish O45s squad travelling to Wales this weekend comprises large contingents from Pembroke and Loreto, with Alison Pigot as captain and Bronwyn O’Donnell as vice-captain.  Ex-internationals Joanne O’Grady and Carolyn Shankey are part of the squad, which is also strengthened by Linda Jenkinson and Sue Vincent of Loreto. IRISH MASTERS O45s:  Sinead Guilfoyle, GK (Pembroke), Bronwyn O’Donnell (Loreto, vice-capt), Maura O’Neill (TRR), Helen Johnston (Railway), Trish Dwyer (Loreto), Sue Vincent (Loreto), Linda Jenkinson (Loreto), Angie Boran (Botanic), Joanne O’Grady (Suttonians), Alison Pigot, C (Pembroke), Edwina Mulcahy (Pembroke), Bernie Barry (Pembroke), Judith Hayward (Pembroke), Carolyn Shankey (Randalstown), Pat Stewart (Grosvenor).  Coaches: Benjamin Epstein, Stuart Malcolm.  Manager: Sarah Williams.