MENS HOCKEY: It was inevitable that there would be a number of international retirements following Ireland's successful tilt in Rome at the European Championship Trophy three weeks ago. Following their triumph in that tournament, three senior players have decided to draw a line under their international careers.
Striker Gordon Elliott retired last week and goalkeeper Wes Bateman earlier this week. Irish coach Dave Passmore can now add the name of Nigel Henderson to that list as the 37-year-old Pembroke goalkeeper has now also decided to opt out of the gruelling build-up towards the World Cup qualifying event in China next April.
The announcement represents a definite changing of the guard in the senior men's team. National coach Dave Passmore opted for experience for his Rome campaign but fully acknowledged there were several younger talented players who were unlucky not to make the final 18. The stepping down of these three senior players will now open the door for new talent to move into the Irish squad.
But there is no doubt the three retiring players take a huge pool of experience with them, with 162 caps earned between them in distinguished careers.
Henderson - who may take some comfort from the fact his younger brother, Charlie, will be in the running for one of the new goalkeeping berths - finally called it a day after an 18-year involvement during which he held the Ireland captaincy from 2000 to 2004.
"International hockey has been a major part of my life for a long time now and with the physical and mental demands to keep you on top of your game it gets harder and hard every year so I want to step aside and allow younger talent to develop," said Henderson.
"I have enjoyed my international career, having played under five national coaches, and the success in Rome was a highlight.
"The team is in good shape now. The professionalism that we have been in need of for years is now in place and with the right commitment and single-minded dedication I feel this team can go a long way."
Henderson plans to continue playing for his club Pembroke, with whom he has won two Irish senior cups and two club championships.
Interestingly, he also has plans to start an elite goalkeeper coaching company.
LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE: Division 1: Railway Union v Corinthians 12.00pm, Park Avenue; Monkstown v Three Rock Rovers 1.30 Rathdown School; Avoca v Pembroke Wanderers 1.45pm Newpark; Glenanne v YMCA 2.15pm Glenanne Park; Dublin University v Fingal 12.00pm Santry. Division 2: Naas v Suttonians 2.45pm Naas; UCD v Skerries tba; Clontarf v Kilkenny tba; Portrane/St B/PP v Bray 1.00pm DCU; St James Gate v Weston 1.15pm Iveagh Grounds
