Hook Hockey

News in brief: Irish men tackle SA and Belgium

** Ireland will meet Belgium and South Africa in a UCD 3 Nations tournament in Belfield over the next three nights as part of the opposition’s respective Olympic preparation. Belgium and South Africa play each on other Tuesday night before Ireland compete on Wednesday and Thursday night.

Commenting on the event High Performance Director Dave Passmore said “It’s a great opportunity to have two teams compete in Dublin so close to the Games. This is testament to the quality and competitive nature of our own men’s team and the high class opposition we now offer.” Tickets will be available to purchase at the gate (no pre sold tickets available)

Schedule (all at Belfield): Tuesday – Belgium v South Africa, 7.15pm; Wednesday – Ireland v South Africa, 7.15pm; Thursday – Ireland v Belgium, 7.15pm

** Mitch Darling will return to Three Rock Rovers for the 2012/13 season following two seasons playing in the Dutch top tier with Den Bosch and SCHC. Darling was part of the Irish team to reach the final of the Olympic qualifiers in March.

“Arul’s experience as an ex-international player, and as an international coach was invaluable to those who were fortunate to be coached by him. He always wanted to contribute more than what was expected of him. Arul and his family were an integral part of our Club and they will be missed.”

** Nasir Munir has been appointed as Glenanne’s men’s first team coach for the 2012/13 season, saying in a club statement that “Nasir makes a welcome return to Glenanne Park where he enjoyed numerous successes as a player and coach. Nasir’s wealth of experience will be a great asset to the men;s first team.”

** The IHA and LHA are looking to recruit a Regional Development Officer for Leinster to take over the role vacated by Lucas Piccioli. The successful candidate will be employed by the Irish Hockey Association and will report directly to the LHA on a day to day basis. The position will be based in UCD and the successful candidate will be required to travel throughout the province of Leinster.

If interested, please forward your CV with cover letter to Claire Kelly, LHA Administrator, at leinsterhockey@gmail.com. Closing date for applications is Wednesday, July 25 2012. For more information, go to the Leinster Hockey website.

** YMCA ladies 1st XI are looking to recruit a talented coach. Having attained promotion last season, 2012-13 will see them face senior hockey for the first time in their career. Division 3 promises to be a challenge and they are hoping to find an innovative coach with good tactical knowledge to help continue their progression.

The team train on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Alexandra College, Milltown. Home matches are played in Claremont road, Sandymount. Remuneration will be dependent on experience. Please contact the club at ladies@ymcahc.ie to express your interest in the position.

To read about their success last season click here