IRELAND'S hockey squad has had its first sip of professionalism. As a reward for their presence in the HOC tournament in Holland, the players each received 30 guilders from the sponsors "to buy drinks." But they were still left with some change as their illustrious hosts, including several Olympic gold "medallists, went straight home, after losing 5-2 to the buoyant Irish side.

That was a fortnight ago and now to more serious matters. The issue has already resurfaced as to whether postponements should be granted in the Leinster Senior League to clubs who, through varying circumstances, cannot field a full-strength team.

Avoca, without Peter Darley, Colin Hade, Robert Ryan and Galahad Goulet - resting their limbs before setting off on Ireland's World Cup assignment in Cagliari - are obliged to play Monkstown in tomorrow's opening series of games. But Avoca are still appealing to the management committee to have their matches against Corinthians (October 5th) and, Glenanne (12th put, back until their international figures return from Sardinia.

It can be claimed that such postponements are too disruptive to the fixture list and that, certainly, in Avoca's case, they have a sufficiently talented pool of up and coming players to give a good account of themselves and to gain experience at top level, Yet, whether they can take full points will be open to doubt and the Irish Senior Cup holders are among those who assert that as the league is the second most important competition (leading to Europe), it should not be devalued by matches being staged without maximum player power.

It will be interesting, nonetheless to see how Avoca's newer recruits such as Stephen Kinsella, David Hanna, Graham Dowling and Dara Gallanagh acquit them selves at Rathdown tomorrow against their youthful Monkstown counterparts.

Ultimately, it may well be a case of Avoca and Pembroke Wanderers remaining the strongest challengers to Three Rock Rovers (who are in Cardiff this weekend to open a new pitch with Wales, Scotland B and Old Loughtonians also involved). But the Mills Cup holders, Glenanne, led again by Roly O'Donoghue, have the nippiness to enjoy the abolition of offside. And Corinthians, whom they take on at Whitechurch Park tomorrow, will continue to benefit from the impetus of their Tasmanian player-coach Colin Stewart. The first XI is captained by Bruce Campbell and new members in the running for places include Stephen Pim (from Three Rock), Glyn Murphy (back from UCD) and Neil McKay (from Scotland via Serpentine Avenue).

Railway Union and YMCA who meet at Park Avenue have both attracted a Carlow striker. Railway, with, Gareth O'Meara back, too, will have Neville Kanagh 19 boost their finishing ability while Ian Rynhart has joined YM, who welcome the return, notably, of Stuart Taylor and Michael Fry,

The ubiquitous John Findlater has taken up a fresh coaching role with St Brendan's/Phoenix Park, with Dessie Farrell's brigade opening their programme against Portrane at Dardistown, Also on the coaching front, Simon Filgas of Avoca is going to lend his experience to Monster as well for the Interprovincial Champion ship, in which Stephen Martin will be directing Ulster.