IT would be incident to let 1995 slip by without recalling that it was an outstanding year in the history of the Irish Hockey Union. The most notable achievements were Ireland's fifth place finish (the best ever) in the European Championship and, prior to that, beating the Netherlands for the first time in 24 matches.

In the admirably organised (and televised) European jamboree at Belfield, Ireland recovered from a woeful defeat by Switzerland to force England into a 1-1 draw in the 85th joust with our greatest rivals. There followed an exhilarating 3-1 victory over Spain and ultimately, with Liam Canning running free, a 4-3 conquest of Poland in a fighting finale. It was Marty Sloan's 149th international and the next day, after Germany had retained the title in a shoot out against Holland, Ivan Bateman of Kinsale was voted goalkeeper of the tournament.

Bateman and his fellow Munsterman, Ger Burns, had also played defiant roles in the remarkable 2-1 defeat of Holland at Belfield some weeks earlier when Jimmy Kirkwood probed twice for Robbie Taylor to notch the two goals. Cees Koppelaar had cause to celebrate his 100th international in charge of the Irish team. During the long, hot summer, Ireland played 17 matches, winning eight, losing five and drawing four.

While the defeat of the Dutch, at senior level was highly motivating, there were also two significant results recorded against Germany in youth circles. First the under 21s held them to a scoreless draw in Prague (though failing to reach the finals of the European junior championship) and then the under 18s gained a first victory over Germany at any level. This was in the European youth Olympics at Bath where a goal by David Smyth created a major upset. Ireland, coached by George Blackwood, went on to take the silver medal.

There were changing times on the domestic front, too. With Ulster and Lisnagarvey on the wane, Leinster regained the senior interprovincial laurels while Pembroke Wanderers captured the all Ireland league crown and Instonians won the Irish Senior Cup for the first time.