Hockey: Irish hockey coach Dave Passmore has named an 18-man squad ahead of their three-day training camp to the Netherlands next month.
The trip will allow Passmore to assess individual players ahead of the European Championships in August followed by Olympic qualifiers early in 2008. When there, the visitors will also avail of the chance to play the Netherlands on Tuesday, March 20th at Pinoke Hockey Club. Tip-off is 7.30pm.
"This match will be a tough task for us, particularly during the club season," said Passmore. "Holland have strength in depth and we will need to match their pace and intensity to compete. It will be an ideal opportunity to assess players against a top four side."
"It's going to be a tough match and the individual performances will be crucial," added assistant coach Craig Fulton. "In regards to our current world ranking we come into the match as clear underdogs we have no delusions about this. It will be a good challenge for us at every level."
Passmore will only be able to use sixteen players for the actual game, plus he had to leave midfielder John Jermyn behind due to college exam commitments.
"It is important that John focuses on his exams at this time but frustrating that we will not see one of our most talented athletes against class opposition," noted Passmore.
Irish Squad:
Andy Barbour - Cookstown
Jason Black - Cork Harlequins
Mark Black - Cork Harlequins
Paddy Brown (Capt) - Instonians
Karl Burns - Cork C of I
Stephen Butler - Glenanne
Timothy Cockram - Loughborough Students, England
Mark Gleghorne - Loughborough Students, England
Ronan Gormley - Pembroke Wanderers
David Harte (GK) - Pembroke Wanderers
David Hobbs - Cork C of I
Mark Irwin (Vice Capt) - Instonians
Iain Lewers - Annadale
Eugene Magee - Banbridge
Phelie Maguire - HGC
Geoff McCabe - Banbridge
Mark Ruddle (GK) - Cork C of I
Graham Shaw - Glenanne