Pembroke to host EuroHockey Trophy

Ireland’s quest for increased representation in European hockey received a huge boost yesterday when Pembroke Wanderers were confirmed as the hosts for this season’s EuroHockey Trophy. The Serpentine Avenue outfit confirmed on their website that they will host the prestigious competition over Easter weekend, from April 10-13, 2009.

The tournament, introduced last season, acts as the second tier of European competition for men below the EuroHockey League (EHL) and provides qualifying points for the main event. Last season, Glenanne carried home the trophy after a thrilling 5-4 final victory over CA Montrouge in Paris, earning the maximum 12 points towards earning Irish clubs a second space in the EHL. It is hoped that competing on familiar turf will aid Pembroke’s quest to keep the trophy in Ireland. The Dubliners’ Irish Senior Cup win last season, where they defeated Monkstown 3-0 in the final, earned them their EuroHockey Trophy berth. Meanwhile, more European hockey could be on its way to Dublin with Three Rock Rovers set to learn in the coming days if they are to host a round of the EHL. The Irish champions’ Grange Road grounds, along with the National Hockey Stadium at UCD, were both inspected last week, and Three Rock will be hoping to gain home advantage in Pool H against  Atletic Terassa of Spain or Belgian champions KHC Leuven. Should the decision fall in Three Rock’s favour, pools E,F and G would also be hosted in Dublin,featuring the likes of EHL holders  Uhlenhorster, Spanish giants Princess RC de Polo de Barcelona and Dutch masters HC Rotterdam.