U16/U18 Girls’ squads Named

Following the announcement of Linwoods Health foods as the official Health Food Partner to all Ulster performance teams, Ulster Hockey is delighted to announce the Under 16 and Under 18 girls’ squads for the forthcoming Hockey Ireland Interprovincial Tournament 2020.

Despite enforced lock down through the early part of the year, both panels have invested in their respective training programmes since July and the standard of competition was very high. All players and staff are looking forward to the tournament scheduled to take place at the end of this month.

Under 16 girls’ Head Coach Davy Menaul commented:

“Due to the current circumstances around the world this year’s programme has been extremely challenging for all the players. The squad have not only adapted to the ‘new norm ‘ but have went on to excel in it by driving the bar upwards in every training session and practice match we’ve had.  They have fully committed to their strength and conditioning programmes and to our principles of play. This is an exciting  group of young athletes who we as a coaching team are very much looking forward to watching perform in a high performance environment.”

Under 18 girls’ Head Coach Joel Cathcart commented:

“The U18 squad have been working hard in a very challenging period of time for us all as we seek to return to some normality with Covid. Selection was tough and both the players moving up from the U16s and the girls returning from last year’s set up made for some difficult decisions. The interpro set up this year is slightly changed but never the less I’m excited for this group to show the style of play we have been developing together since July. It’s a great opportunity to show what they are capable of and how they seek to play together”

Ulster Hockey Talent Coach Shirley McCay commented:

“Since we have been able to return to hockey in July, it has been fantastic to see both the underage staff and players commit to their respective programmes. Everyone has had to adapt and I am extremely grateful to the coaches, parents and coaching staff who have invested in the cause, adopted all of the new safety measures we have put in place and shown so much commitment to giving these girls their chance to play for Ulster. It is a testament to them that we are looking forward to playing some competitive hockey in a few weeks time and I am excited to watch some quality underage hockey. Playing for your province is always a special occasion and given the circumstances it is a particularly monumental achievement of which the players should be very proud.”

The interprovincial schedule will take a different format this year. Games will be played over Halloween week and all games will take place at Three Rock Rovers.

Tuesday 27^th October v Connacht – details to be confirmed

Thursday 29^th October v South East – details to be confirmed

Saturday 31^st October v Munster and Leinster – details to be confirmed

Manager: Emma Dunlop
Head Coach: Davy Menaul
Assistant Coaches: Caroline Adams, Christine Russell, Chloe Mitchell
Goalkeeper coach: Adam Henry

Manager: Shirelle Wilson
Head Coach: Joel Cathcart
Assistant Coaches: Carolyn Burns, Andrew Brown
Goalkeeper Coach: Gemma Ferguson