MEN’S HOCKEY NEWS: ARGENTINA, WHO were due to make the trip to Ireland to compete in a triple-header against the Ireland team on September 28th, 30th and October 1st in Belfield, have confirmed they are not in a position to travel.
The cancellation leaves the team with a considerable gap in the build-up to their World Cup qualifying event, which takes place in Argentina in November. The South American side are ranked 10th in the world and share the same group with Ireland, Belgium, Chile, USA and the Czech Republic.
Ireland coach Paul Revington had already named his squads for the Argentinian series as well as for the double-header away to France (September 23rd-24th) and triple-header against Scotland (October 2nd-4th) in Banbridge.
In light of the cancelled Argentinian series, Revington will now re-select his squad for the three Test matches against Scotland, but the squads for the French series will remain unchanged.
Domestically, the Neville Cup surges ahead, and Corinthians’ comprehensive win over Avoca mid-week gives them the opportunity to meet Ireland’s strongest side, Pembroke, in the top match of the weekend.
YMCA, after their encouraging 3-1 win over Three Rock Rovers last week, should hope to see off the challenge of Clontarf, while Fingal will also have high expectations at home against Division Two side Trinity.
NEVILLE CUP – Round Two: Fingal v Dublin University Alsaa, 2pm; Skerries v Glenanne, Skerries, 2pm; Corinthians v Pembroke, Whitechurch 1.30; YMCA v Clontarf, Alexandra College 3pm.
