China have also penciled in a trip to Belfast for a four-game series against Ireland in April.

The Irish Hockey Association yesterday announced Mike Heskin will take over as chief executive from Angus Kirkland.

AN enforced revamping of the pool structures for the forthcoming European Women’s Nations Championships in Dublin will see Ireland having to play hockey superpowers Spain and Holland.

HOCKEY officials are expecting an upsurge in the popularity of the sport when Dublin hosts the Women’s European Championships in Belfield next year.