WOMAN'S HOCKEY: BRIDGET CLELAND, one of Ireland's most capped players, announced her retirement from international hockey this week, the Ballymoney defender bowing out after making 150 appearances for her country in an eight-year career.
Cleland (nee McKeever) was one of the 24 players named in Gene Muller’s Central Preparation Programme squad back in September, but, she said, increasing work and personal commitments mean “I am unfortunately unable to meet the demands of international sport”.
A PE teacher at Dalriada School in Ballymoney, the CPP proved an especially difficult challenge for Cleland, in contrast to her Dublin-based team-mates who are not in full-time work.
Cleland, though, remains a supporter of the CPP, insisting such a programme is essential if Irish hockey is to progress.
“Irish Hockey is entering an exciting phase with the introduction of the central programme, an initiative which I fully support,” she said. “It was evident having played for Ireland for the past eight years that we needed to make a positive change in order to compete at this level.”
Coach Gene Muller paid tribute to his former vice-captain. “Bridget has been an excellent player and leader for Ireland in the last few years,” he said. “She was a tough defender, a consistent performer and a mature leader who held enormous respect within our team. Her retirement leaves a gap that will be hard to fill.”
Meanwhile, back on the club front, the hope is the weather will be kind enough to allow the weekend’s schedule to be uninterrupted.
There are two key fixtures due to played in the Leinster first division, with leaders Loreto away to champions Railway Union, now fifth in the table, while second-placed Hermes meet UCD, just a point behind in third.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Tomorrow – Leinster League, Division One: Hermes v UCD, St Andrew’s, 1pm; Railway Union v Loreto, Park Avenue, 4.30. Irish Junior Cup, first round: Queen’s v Portadown, Queens, 1pm; Railway Union v Ulster Elks, Park Avenue, 12.45; Lurgan v Armagh, Lurgan Junior HS, 2.30; UCD v Catholic institute, Belfield, noon; Belfast Harlequins v Greenisland, Deramore Park, 2.30; Old Alexandra v Church of Ireland, Milltown, 1.30; Bandon v Loreto, Bandon Grammar School, 12.30; Pegasus v Victorians, Queen’s, 1.30; Dromore v Corinthian, Farris Park, 2.30; Randalstown v Pembroke Wanderers, Antrim Forum, 1.0; Lisnagarvey v Glenanne, Hillsborough, 2.30; Hermes v Cork Harlequins, St Andrews, 2.45; Ashton v Galway, Ashton School, 2.30; UCC v Genesis, Mardyke, 1pm. Trinity awarded a walkover after Omagh withdrew from the competition. Sunday – Jacqui Potter Cup, First round: Trinity v Our Lady’s, Santry, 3.30; UCD v Corinthian, Belfield, 4pm.
