Ireland's two senior teams are getting ready to embark on the biggest tournament to take place in Ireland this year, the Setanta Sports Trophy.
The Setanta Sports Trophy sees some of the big hockey nations descent on Dublin to compete in the tournament from 13-17 June at the National Hockey Stadium, UCD. Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and Olympic Champions Germany make up the pool on the women's side of the tournament and Ireland, Canada, Egypt and Wales make up the competition on the Men's side.
Both Ireland's senior teams are excited about competing in front of home crowds and these matches are key in their preparation for the Europeans which are now just two months away.
Speaking to the Director of High Performance and the Men's National Coach, Dave Passmore commented on his team's preparation 'After a good training camp at the weekend we are ready and excited about the Setanta Sports Trophy. The tournament provides three different styles of opponent which helps us in our preparation for Europe and beyond'
'Our aim is to play a positive style of play and set a high tempo of hockey which should make the matches exciting to watch for hockey enthusiasts or the public in general. We have targeted a final spot as our objective and if we can achieve that then we will take it from there. We worked hard at our set pieces over the weekend and despite missing Gleghorne and Cockram, they were going well' he continued.
Match tickets have been selling fast for what is going to be the biggest hockey international tournament to hit Ireland this year, to reserve your tickets now go to www.hockey.ie or go to the ticket box office at the National Hockey Stadium to purchase tickets.
Men's Match Facts:
The Men's side is going to be extremely competitive and evenly matched with three of the sides with genuine Olympic aspirations.
Ireland last played Egypt in the China at the World Cup Qualifiers in 2006, they lost 2-3 after dominating the game being up 2-1 with 12 minutes to go. Ireland also played Canada in the World Cup Qualifier where they won 2-1, the current Women's Irish Coach Gene Muller was coaching Canada at the time. Ireland last played Wales in the Celtic Cup 6-0 where they had a convincing 6-0 win.
Women's Match Facts:
Ireland's Women's pool is very exciting with South Africa who are currently ranked two places ahead of Ireland in the world rankings and the Olympic Champions, currently ranked fourth in the world. Scotland also provide tough opposition for Ireland most regularly at the Celtic Cup.
Ireland last played South Africa at Gene Muller's first full on training camp with Ireland in South Africa last January. In very competitive matches and with a number of younger members on the squad they lost their first game 2-1, lost the second 2-0 and drew the third 3-3.
Match Schedule ÔÇôNational Hockey Stadium, UCD, Belfield, Dublin.
Wednesday 13 June 2007
18.00 Ireland v South Africa (w)
20.00 Ireland v Canada (m)
Thursday 14 June 2007
17.00 Germany v Scotland (w)
19.00 Egypt v Wales (m)
Friday 15 June 2007
13.00 Germany v South Africa (w)
15.00 Canada v Wales (m)
17.00 Ireland v Scotland (w)
19.00 Ireland v Egypt (m)
Saturday 16 June 2007
13.00 South Africa v Scotland (w)
15.00 Ireland v Germany (w)
17.00 Egypt v Canada (m)
19.00 Ireland v Wales (m)
Sunday 17 June 2007
09.00 Women 4th v 3rd
11.25 Women 2nd v 1st
14.05 Men 4th v 3rd
16.30 Men 2nd v 1st
