For frugal reasons, the Leinster under-21 squad agreed to dispense with the modern custom of staying in the tournament hotel for the interprovincial championship in Dublin last weekend - and it did nothing to diminish team spirit. Indeed, the side was particularly buoyant in recapturing the title from Ulster.
It may well be the case that in staying at home in their own beds, away from excessive central heating, and not remaining awake into the small hours watching Sky television or playing games in the corridors, they probably were more refreshed - and saved the branch £600.
It seems to have been a sensible arrangement in these days of excessive spending in so many areas of sport, all the more so because the players knew each other very well and spent more time in practice sessions than the other provinces. "There may have been some mixed feelings about not staying in the hotel," said team manager Donal Halpin, "but perhaps it was even good for myself and (coach) Aidan (Kidney)."
All of the successful squad will be returning to club hockey tomorrow, notably in the two most significant Leinster Senior League games. Simon Kershaw may well continue to show his opportunism for Pembroke Wanderers, whose more widely travelled side will be expected to maintain their full-points record by beating Monkstown at Serpentine Avenue. Pembroke, though, will need to be sharp in all sectors against their rapidly-developing younger visitors.
Glenanne, who are now motoring pretty strongly, should also win this weekend, at the expense of Railway Union at Park Avenue. There promises the be an extremely keen midfield duel here between Railway's pivot Paul O'Brien and Alan Browne, two figures again firmly in the reckoning for the Leinster senior team.
Incidentally, Irish under-21 players will be playing for the Shamrocks in the senior inter provincial championship, so the Leinster coach John McInerney cannot yet start much restructuring of the squad which triumphed last season.
Tomorrow: Leinster League, Division One - Pembroke Wanderers v Monkstown, Serpentine Avenue, 1.30; Railway Union v Glenanne, Park Avenue, 3.0; Dublin University v Three Rock Rovers, Grange Road, 5.0; UCD v Corinthians, Belfield, 1.0; Avoca v YMCA, Rathdown, 1.30; Division Two - Portrane v Eastern Health, Dardistown, 1.0; St Brendan's/ Phoenix Park v Clontarf, Phoenix Park, 12.0; St James's Gate v Carlow, Iveagh Grounds, 1.30; Suttonians v Aer Lingus, Sutton Park, 12.0. Ul- ster Senior League - Cliftonville v Instonians (1.0); Annadale v Mossley (2.30); Cookstown v Newry (2.30); Raphoe v Banbridge (1.30); Holywood v Lisnagarvey (4.0). Munster Pre- mier League - Cork C of I B v Bandon, Garryduff, 12.0; Cork C of I A v Galway, Garryduff, 1.30; Harlequins A v Belvedere, Farmers Cross, 1.0; Harlequins b v Waterford, Farmers Cross, 2.30; UCC v Catholic Institute, Mardyke, 12.30.
