MENS HOCKEY: Occasionally, we question the level of hockey played in Ireland and whether it is of a similar quality to that played in European countries.
Recently, two players - Glenanne's Stephen Butler and Pembroke's Justin Sherriff - went to Antwerp, Belgium, to play professionally for local team Dragons.
How are they faring?
The two have played six games each for their new club, with their current goal tally running at 19. Sherriff has netted 10 goals and midfielder Butler nine.
Last weekend Dragons beat league side Relax 11-0. Sherriff scored four goals and Butler, on the short corners, scored three. In their previous game, Dragons beat rivals Antwerp 2-1, with Butler scoring both goals.
Not a bad start for two players unfamiliar with the Belgian game and the spree could well continue until December 8th when the outdoor season in Belgium and the rest of northern Europe closes down for indoor hockey.
While Ireland have obviously little to learn in terms of the quality of players it exports, perhaps there is an argument to have a close season during the worst of the winter weather and give the indoor game in this country a chance to flourish.
Closer to home, the Leinster Senior League continues with Railway Union facing Monkstown in what is an important match for both sides.
Monkstown have shown this season that they are adept at holding possession with players like Ian Allen, Dave Jenkins and Cliff Baily all technically well equipped. Their patterened play and deft touch on the ball has, with last week's exception, seen them perform well so far.
But Railway have an underdog strength which may surprise a few teams this season and once again the O'Brien family are deeply involved.
Paul is the traffic cop in the middle of the park while Connor plays in defence. Regular Gerard, another defender, is unavailable, but Niall and youngest of the lot, Kevin, may expect a run.
And it is not just a lads thing, with sister Ciara travelling with the women's Irish World Cup squad this week for hockey's biggest event of the year in Australia.
