As Irish hockey puts to bed one of the most memorable years in its history, the men’s national team will hope to break even more new ground in 2016.

While Ireland’s men are still riding high on the back of Olympic qualification, the same can’t be said of South Africa.

Goalkeepers and defenders throughout the hockey world can breathe a sigh of relief from next season as own goals will no longer be possible in the sport.

Irish head coach Andrew Meredith has labelled the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as “amateurish” on the eve of the World League round two in Delhi following a late decision to adjust the tournament parameters.

The Irish Hockey Association’s hopes of easing some of their financial worries by hosting round three of the FIH World League have been dashed, it was revealed yesterday.

New Irish senior men’s coach Andrew Meredith has revealed himself to be a former art director and lover of graphic design — his method of switching off from “a hotel room that looks like NASA” while away at hockey tournaments.

Top Irish umpire Carol Metchette has admitted she was forced to retire from international tournaments against her wishes.

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.

Ireland’s quest to feature at major tournaments could be made easier by a new World League which will revamp the qualification process.

Ireland men's hockey coach Paul Revington is to step down this summer after more than three years in charge.

IRELAND senior men’s coach Paul Revington received a deserved early Christmas gift yesterday when he was named as one of world hockey’s best coaches for 2011.

IRELAND’S senior men’s London 2012 hopes received a huge boost yesterday as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed Dublin will host an Olympic qualification tournament from March 11-18.

MIRIAM CROWLEY has been handed a chance to prove her international credentials at the highest level, after she was the bolter named in Gene Muller’s squad for the EuroHockey Nations Championships in Moenchengladbach, Germany later this month.

IRELAND’S quest to qualify for major tournaments looks set to be made much tougher after details of a new worldwide league were announced yesterday.

IRELAND’S senior women’s hockey team have finally mapped a path to their World Cup qualification campaign in Chile, following a week of uncertainty.

THIS week’s Champions League semi-final first legs will go ahead as scheduled despite the current restriction on European air travel due to the volcanic ash cloud.

ONE of the top figures in Ulster hockey has said he looks forward to seeing its young stars in the green of Ireland, after the issue of Ulster’s U18 players being encouraged to declare for Great Britain was seemingly put to bed.

CONCERN is growing within Irish hockey circles that talented young Ulster-based players may be lost to Great Britain.

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.

Dubliner Ray O'Connor, in his third Olympic Games as an umpire, has been chosen to officiate at tomorrow evening's men's hockey final between the Netherlands and Australia at Athens' Helliniko complex.

THE draw for the first round of the Irish Junior Cup pairs cup holders Lisnagarvey II and the 2002 winners Pembroke Wanderers in what should be the match of the round.

Ireland 3, Belgium 3