Boys Interpros – Preview

Ulster’s Under-18 boys will be hoping to build on their silver medal success at the UK School Games at the weekend when they travel to Cork for the annual inter-provincial series.

Adam Louden’s team were undefeated in the Loughborough event and, had they beaten Scotland in their final match could have lifted the gold medals. The Ulster coach believes the experience was timely ahead of the Cork showpiece but also warns that the other teams will be well prepared.

Adam said: “The other squads have different opportunities, like ourselves, to play high level hockey in their preparation. For example, Munster played Wales in a series, as did we. The UK School games is obviously a really good opportunity for us to sample tournament hockey in the build up to the inter-pros.”

 
“Mentally, it gives the players good exposure to how draining four games in three days can be and how they can prepare for recovery. It also gives us an opportunity to tweak, test or improve aspects of our game in a competitive environment.”

Adam is expecting a close fought tournament in Cork as Ulster attempt to go one better than in last year’s event.

He added: “I think going into this tournament all three provinces will want to win it. What I would say is that this year, more than I can remember, since I’ve been involved, that really is the case. All three provinces are very close and it will take every team to perform at their best to take the title home. Last year we came runners up, losing out on a one goal difference to Leinster, which again shows just how tight these tournaments are.” 

“But I’m always happy with any Ulster squad I work with. Ulster Hockey has a very good pathway of players constantly coming through so there is always talent there to work with. That was the case last year and it’s also the case this year. It’s up to us a group to showcase that talent and compete as best we can.”

Ulster’s Under-16s, coached by Rio Olympian Peter Caruth, are also in it to win it in their series which runs parallel to the Under-18 event in Cork.

“The preparations have been going great. The start of selection was tight with regards the quality that Ulster is producing at the moment through the schools and club sections which is promising. But this also makes my job a lot harder as head coach of the Under-16s. For some this is the first time they won’t have been selected or selected for a big tournament and with that are emotions but that’s part of the game.” 

“We have had a solid pre-tournament preparation taking on national and international teams and playing boys that are older to see how we can cope. I would have liked longer with the team but with Irish commitments that just wasn’t possible.”

 
Peter believes he has the squad that is capable of going all the way and praised the boys’ commitment to the cause.

He added: “This bunch of boys are great. They have listened, learned, bonded and put it into every practice and running session that I have organised. There is an abundance of talent and I’m sure that will be noticed at the tournament. The squad has a great mix of speed, skill and firepower.” 

“All of that, I think will make a huge impact on the tournament and I look forward with the team to show this on the day plus we always have a few tricks up our sleeves. We are going out to win the tournament simple as that. I don’t like to lose and neither do the boys so we have a plan and we’ll stick to it.”

Ulster U16 Boys Squad:

Coach: Peter Caruth

Assistant Coach: Shirley McCay

Manager: Hannah Walker

Ulster U18 Boys Squad:

Coach: Adam Louden

Assistant Coach: Zach McClelland

Manager: Andrew Johnston

Match Schedule

U16 Interprovincial Tournament 

U18 Interprovincial Tournament