Things are starting to move on the international hockey front. Ireland coach John Clarke has named 35 players for two trial matches at Belfield on Sunday, February 28th (11.0 and 3.30), after which a squad will be selected to play in the four-nations tournament on the European Championship pitch at Padua over Easter.

Clarke, preparing for his first major assignment in Padua in September, has cast a very wide net, including the veterans from the ill-fated World Cup qualifier in Kuala Lumpur in 1997, as well as rising stars from under-21 ranks. Joining Chris Jackson and David Smyth from the successful European junior championship team are Jason Black, Justin Sherriff and Garry Ringwood, in addition to Stephen Butler and the Hanna brothers, Darren and Colin.