Monkstown Hockey Club and Hermes have agreed in principle to merge following meeting between the two clubs over the last two months.

Hermes, which does not have a men’s section and Monkstown, who have both male and female members, are expected to agree the move before the beginning of next season with a view to competing as one club for 2016/’17

Approval from Leinster, Ireland and Europe is being sought by the clubs so that Hermes will effectively take their place in next season's EY Hockey League as Monkstown/Hermes with all of the other teams below that level playing as Monkstown.

In effect the move will make Monkstown one of the super mixed clubs, which is commonplace in Europe. Around 40 new members will make the move, making Monkstown a club with 600 young players and 200 senior players.

Hermes will bring their European level of hockey to Monkstown, which has a thriving women’s section but one that plays several levels below. Hermes will represent Ireland at European level this year.

It will be a huge change for the Donnybrook-based Hermes club, who have been in existence since 1966 but it is one that the clubs have approached in a very positive way. Both told their members on Monday that pending approval for the move it would be happening.

For Monkstown it will mean that for the first time in the club’s history there will be more women’s teams than men’s. The women will jump from four to seven teams with five men’s sides competing.

Top level

For the proposed new club ambitions for both the male and female players to play at the top level in Ireland and in Europe can be met.

“It is agreed in principle,” said a Monkstown spokesperson. “The good thing is there has been nothing negative from either side. It’s a good fit and from a Monkstown point of view it means that the young talent coming through can aspire to play at the top level whereas now it is very difficult to make that leap to where Hermes are playing at the top of the sport.”