Hockey:Denis Pritchard was today named as assistant coach to the Irish women's hockey team and will work closely with head coach Gene Muller.
Pritchard spent 12 years working with the underage international teams and more recently has been coaching the national development squad within the men's game.
"I am delighted to have Denis on the coaching staff of the women's national team," said Muller. "He brings a track record of success and experience in high performance hockey which will be critical for our progress in future."
Dave Passmore, the men's national coach, recognised the work Pritchard has done in the men's game to date and will be sorry to see the coach switch to the women's game.
"Denis has made a tremendous contribution to the senior men's program since I arrived just over two years ago," said Passmore. "He has given a tremendous amount of his time to both the regional and national preparation. Our loss is the women's gain and I feel he will bring significant experience to the women's game"
Pritchard is currently academy coach with UCC ladies will commence his new appointment when he travels with the women's senior team to South Africa where they will play six internationals early in the New Year.
"This appointment presents me with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the progression of this group of bright, enthusiastic and talented players," said Pritchard. "Also, working with a coach of Gene's calibre will be of huge benefit to my own development."