HOCKEY WOMEN'S:GENE MULLER'S confirmation that he is considering a proposal to "centralise" his senior squad in Dublin from September in an attempt to boost hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games has caused something of a stir, with the Belfast News Letter quoting an unnamed "senior figure in Ulster hockey" as saying it would "rip the heart" out of the club game in the province.
The plan, which is only at the discussion stage, would see a squad of around 20 players, from all provinces, based full-time in Dublin for a year, where they would take part in up to 10 training sessions a week.
England adopted a similar policy last year, with its squad setting up base at Bisham Abbey.
The less than positive response in Ulster to rumours circulating about the proposal, which Muller has so far only discussed privately with players and officials, prompted the coach to clarify his thinking on the issue to the News Letter.
“We have to do something unprecedented to get Ireland into the Olympics and I am very seriously considering centralisation as the way forward.
“This is all about improving the standard of hockey in Ireland and being seen on the world stage at the Olympics,” he said.
He also insisted “there is no way” he would exclude from selection players unable or unwilling to take part in the scheme.
“It will only happen if there is buy-in from the players – they are the primary stakeholders in all of this,” said Muller.
“The European Championships are being played in August 2011 and the top four teams will automatically go to the Olympics. We only need to move up one position to achieve that, (but) we need the squad to train together for a year before then, we must increase our training frequency, volume and standard to give us a real chance.”
The Irish Hockey Association is examining the proposal, not least its cost, and “will carry out individual feasibility studies for each of the relevant players”.
“Forcing young women to move to Dublin will have a detrimental effect on their studies, work and relationships,” said the unnamed Ulster figure. “It will put immense pressure on the players, many of whom are still very young. It will also rip the heart out of Ulster club hockey.”
A goal from Alexandra College’s Christina Martin decided yesterday’s Minor League final against Wesley College at Grange Road.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday– Irish Junior Cup, quarter-finals: Railway Union II v Galway II, Park Avenue, 4.0; Greenisland II v Old Alexandra II, Carrickfergus, 12.30; Loreto II v Randalstown II, Beaufort, 1.30; Lurgan II v UCC II, Lurgan, TBC. Irish Hockey Challenge, quarter-finals: YMCA v Mallow, Claremont Road, 1.30; Limerick v Raphoe, Villiers School, 1.30; Tipperary v Fermoy, Canon Hayes, 2.15. Leinster League – Division One: Trinity v Loreto, Santry, 11.0; Glenanne v Railway Union, Tallaght, 12.0; Pembroke Wanderers v Corinthian, Serpentine Avenue, 12.30; Hermes v UCD, St Andrew's, 1.30; Bray v Old Alexandra, Loreto Bray, 2.0. Munster League – Division One: Cork Harlequins v Univ of Limerick, Farmers Cross, 12.30; Bandon v Church of Ireland, Bandon, 12.0; Ashton v Waterford, Ashton School, 3.0.
Sunday– Irish Hockey Challenge, quarter-final: Clonmel v Monkstown, Rockwell, 2.30.
