MEN'S HOCKEY NEWS:IRISH CAPTAIN Paddy Brown has announced his retirement from the international hockey scene after nearly a decade of competing with the national side. The 32-year-old made his international debut in June 1998 against Scotland and since then has been an influential presence at the heart of the Irish defence.

Brown, who plays for Instonians, amassed 151 caps, 92 of those as captain.

That achievement allowed him surpass the record of former Irish midfielder Marty Sloan.

Sloan's long-standing mark of 149 caps was beaten when Brown played against Argentina on February 8th in this year's Olympic Qualifiers in New Zealand.

Brown's decision to retire is the third in a series of retirements since the men's close call at the Olympic Qualifiers and the timing seems to be at a natural phase in the international cycle.

He had been combining his career in law with that of an amateur player and has been working in the same law company, Tughans of Belfast, along side former Irish rugby stars, David Humphreys and Mike Gibson.

"I have always been motivated by the desire to play in an Olympic Games and it was very disappointing not to win the qualifying tournament in New Zealand in February.

"Having taken some time to consider my position, I have decided that the time is right for me to step out of international competition and dedicate more time to other areas of my life," he said.

Despite his decision to step off the international stage Brown is optimistic for the future of Irish hockey and will be keeping an eye on the side.

It has always been the Irish team's ambition to qualify for an Olympic Games and the side missed out on a place at the New Zealand qualifier only by goal difference.

Brown will also be involved with his club this weekend when they compete with Dublin's Fingal and Cork's Bandon for a wild-card place in next season's All-Ireland league. Two of the three teams will go through.

Elsewhere the start of the National League play-offs begin in Hillsborough with the ultimate prize a place in European competition next season.

Cookstown, Lisnagarvey, Cork C of I and Pembroke are in one grouping with Three Rock Rovers, Glenanne, Cork Harlequins and Banbridge in the other.

The finals take place over the weekend of the May 24th.