Hockey Ireland chief executive Jerome Pels says the lack of a viable international stadium and the organisation’s financial history – rather than performance levels – scuppered Ireland’s hopes of being part of the Pro League.

Further recognition of Ireland’s ascension to world hockey’s top table came yesterday when Craig Fulton was named as the International Hockey Federation’s coach of the year.

Irish hockey fans have long claimed national captain David Harte as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and extra validation came yesterday as he was named as hockey’s top netminder for 2015.

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.

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.

The focus turned to fundraising yesterday after the Irish Hockey Association’s board made an “unreserved apology” to the national senior men’s team and its supporters over a row that engulfed the sport this week.

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 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.

THEY both support Manchester United and list Roger Federer as their sporting idol — but twin brothers Conor and David Harte also have plenty of less superficial things in common.

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 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.

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.