Times are moving on with young Fred Treacy being elected president of the Irish Hockey Union's Munster Branch in their centenary season. This starts with the opening of Harlequins' new pitch next Saturday, marked by a match between Munster and an Irish selection.
Another Munsterman, John Dennis of Bandon, has started his second year as president of the IHU. At Saturday's a.g.m. in Dublin, with the European under-21 B division trophy on display, he paid tribute to the team-work of all concerned in this success.
He also expressed the union's appreciation of Douglas Grey's 14 years of service as a member of the FIH council. His place has now been filled by David Balbirnie, the European secretary general. "They are our voice, they are worthy ambassadors," said Dennis.
The IHU honorary secretary, Andy Kershaw, in his annual review, said that the union was implementing a policy to ensure that young players did not become over-involved in schools and club hockey.
This season will be particularly busy for the Ireland under-16 and under-18-teams. In addition to the new European championships at this level, the home countries tournament will continue to be played, this time in Cardiff, providing a valuable tune-up for the major competition. John Findlater has been appointed under-16 coach in succession to Ronnie Dowdall.
Irish Hockey Union - Officers, 1998-99: President, J Dennis; senior vice-president, J Smyth; honorary secretary, A Kershaw; honorary treasurer, F Hollway; vice-presidents, M Gallagher, B Hanna, C Tipping, T Wynne, D Rose, W Howard; honorary vice-presidents, W Jordan, W Carpenter, T Walsh; Branch presidents, S Margetson (Leinster), F Treacy (Munster), P Wood (Ulster); executive committee: G Brooks, W Murray, P Dawson, C Clarke, M Graham; indoor committee chairman, S Butler; youths and schools committee, H Sharman; National coaching committee, B Carr; development committee, D Rose; umpires, J Connolly. Senior selectors: P Murphy, J McInerney, S Filgas, F Kelleher, D Rose, R Smyth.
The September general meeting of the Leinster Branch takes place in the Pembroke Wanderers clubhouse tonight (7.30). It will be preceded by a reception to confirm continued sponsorship by Statoil.
