Limerick's So Hockey acquires Dublin-based ED Sports

Hockey is going through unprecedented growth at grassroots, with new clubs forming and over 32,000 members affiliated to Hockey Ireland. File picture: iStock

Sports company So Hockey, based in Raheen, Limerick, has expanded into the Dublin market for hockey and cricket equipment through the acquisition of Edward Dwyer Sports Limited, which trades as ED Sports.

So Hockey is a leading online seller of hockey equipment across Ireland and has been operating since 2011.

The firm is led by Lorraine McGowan.

ED Sports operates two stores and supplies many clubs and schools. The company, led by Edward Dwyer, commenced trading in 2000 at Pembroke Wanderers HC, which is located on Serpentine Avenue in Sandymount. A second premises was opened at Three Rock Rovers HC in Rathfarnham in 2005. An online store was added in 2012.

Hockey is going through unprecedented growth at grassroots, with new clubs forming and over 32,000 members affiliated to Hockey Ireland. The all-island sport has players ranging from beginners under six years of age, to over 80s competing at masters’ competitions.

Cricket is also experiencing a surge in popularity, with participation numbers steadily increasing. According to Cricket Ireland, over 50,000 men, women, and children engaged in the sport in 2023.

The potential for further growth is particularly promising among the ‘new Irish’ communities.

Immigrants from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have bolstered existing club memberships and led to the establishment of new clubs.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

S&W’s Corporate Finance team in the Dublin office, led by Con Casey and supported by Siddharth Patel, provided sell-side lead advisory services to ED Sports in its sale to So Hockey Limited.

Commenting on the acquisition, partner at S&W in Ireland Con Casey said:

“We are delighted to have worked with Edward Dwyer in finding the right buyer for their business and the deal highlights, again, our unrivalled expertise in selling family-owned mid-size businesses.”

Mangan O’Beirne provided legal services to ED Sports in the sale with MHP Sellors Solicitors advising So Hockey.