DUHC LOOK TO THE FUTURE
After the heartbreak of a last-minute Division 1 playoff loss to UCD at the end of last season, Dublin University Hockey Club went on a soul-searching mission this summer. Little comfort was found in the aftermath of that game as the DUHC legacies of Craig Moore, Henry Butler, Chris Tyrrell and Ian Gorman came to an end as they bowed out gracefully after a combined stint of over 15 years service.
After spending the summer searching for a coach, with treble-winning coach André Villa-Boas rejecting us citing budgetary restraints, we’re very happy to welcome another treble-winning coach into the fold from Monkstown fame, in the form of Billy Evans. In pursuit of new players, the squad went worldwide on a scouting mission, scouring continents for the best up-and-coming talent. A number of players found potential prospects in Thailand however they may, in fact, be better suited for DULHC. Early signs suggest positive reinforcements with Connor Montgomery and Steven Nolan, both provincial representatives, signing up. Cian Speers (pictured), sports scholar and a past Ireland under 18s captain, takes on the role of First Team Captain with aplomb and an abundance of experience.
As the oldest hockey club in Ireland and an esteemed alumni featuring the very best of Irish hockey, DUHC has a proud history and looks to continue that history as they strive for promotion this season. With 4 teams lining out on a weekly basis, we welcome players of all standards and abilities. Training takes place in Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club, Grange Road, on Mondays 8.30-10.30 and Wednesdays 6.30-8.
Highlights throughout the year include weekly socials with the ladies club; DULHC, the Inter-varsities competition (held in Galway), Colours, the Fresher’s cable-tie pub crawl and the infamous Tour.
A new addition to the hockey club this year will be Indoor Hockey which will take place in the Gym on campus on Tuesdays and Fridays and we would encourage everyone to come along to that. The 4ths shall continue their rise to fame in front of the Pavilion as they aim to play their home matches in College Green again after a successful year last season and for those seeking a more social game, this could perhaps be for you.
