Irish hockey officials will be forced to explain the circumstances that led to Ireland’s much-criticised withdrawal — and subsequent reinstatement — from a high-profile tournament in Argentina.

A remarkable fundraising drive by the Irish hockey community had a happy ending as Ireland’s participation in next month’s men’s Champions Challenge I in Argentina was confirmed yesterday.

Irish hockey chiefs were last night attempting to salvage the wreckage of the decision not to send the men’s national team to next month’s Champions Challenge I in Argentina.

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

Irish hockey has waved goodbye to some of its brightest female prospects in recent weeks, as the trickle of talent heading to America turns into a flood.

Major changes are afoot in the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) after it was revealed that both chief executive Angus Kirkland and high performance director Dave Passmore stepped down from their respective roles.

Gene Muller didn’t stay around long enough to survey the damage after Ireland’s Olympic qualification near miss, after yesterday announcing he has stepped down from the post of senior women’s coach.

MYSTERY again surrounds the future of Irish hockey’s inter-provincial tournaments after the Irish Hockey Association (IHA) confirmed the senior and junior tournaments will not take place during the 2011/12 season.

IRISH hockey’s U21 interprovincial tournament is to be scrapped this season, as part of a restructuring of the oft-maligned annual competitions.

PEMBROKE WANDERERS are free to concentrate on their quest for an Irish Senior and Junior Cup double this weekend after Mossley chose not to take an eligibility query any further.