Latest News > Hockey Comes to Kinsale
2012 has been an eventful year for the young hockey players of Kinsale. The Irish Hockey Association (IHA) introduced their “Tricks for Sticks†programme into four primary schools in Kinsale; Gaelscoil Kinsale, St.John’s N.S, St.Joseph’s N.S and Dunderrow N.S. This programme proved to be a huge success, thanks to the sterling work of Dave Egner (IHA Coach), and Kim Kerins who liaised between the schools and the IHA to help make the whole programme possible.
In April this year, the first ever Kinsale Primary Schools’ Hockey Blitz took place in the Saile Grounds (opposite Kinsale Community School). Each of the four schools above and St.Multose N.S, participated and it turned out to be an extremely enjoyable day. Mr.Jim Good, an ex-international hockey player himself, presented the Jim Good Perpetual Cup for fair play to Gaelscoil Kinsale.
After the schools’ blitz it was decided, in conjunction with the IHA, to run four advanced coaching sessions every Friday afternoon in May. Phil Oakley, Regional Development Officer, and Dave Egner co-ordinated and ran the sessions. They also used their experience to help out our 8 local coaches, two of whom are ex-international players themselves. Such was the interest that over 60 children attended each week and our thanks must go to Anne Murphy of Saile, who helped out in so many ways to ensure the smooth running of each session.
Due to the huge popularity of these coaching days, a meeting was held to explore the possibility of setting up a hockey club in Kinsale. Phil Oakley addressed the meeting and outlined the process required to achieve this. An interesting discussion followed, and it was unanimous that a meeting be held on MONDAY 27TH of AUGUST, at 7pm in The Trident Hotel, to elect officers for Kinsale’s first ever Hockey Club.
It is clear that this club has a bright future but it will only succeed if there are enough local volunteers to help get the club up and running. Remember, experience is not necessary! All we ask for is your enthusiasm and a small bit of your time. If you are interested in helping in any way, please email us on [email protected].
Schools Programme
As part of our promotion of hockey across the general Kinsale area, we to run a primary schools taster programme each year, with the support of the Irish Hockey Association. We hope to give all children the opportunity to try out the game.
