Clarke resigns

THERE was widespread disappointment last night at the announcement that John Clarke has resigned as Ireland’s senior men’s hockey coach.

Clarke’s current contract was due to run until next September, but he has left the post early when he was informed the contract would not be renewed.

And last night the Irish team manager Stephen Hiles expressed his disappointment that the Irish Hockey Association had delayed making the decision not to extend Clarke’s contract until now.

“The time to make the decision was after the European Championships in Barcelona,” Hiles said.

It is understood that it was Clarke’s wish to remain in charge through Ireland’s next phase of international action which will culminate in the European ‘B’ Championships next year, but the Irish Hockey Association’s coaching committee took the decision not to renew his contract when the current one ends in September.

The official announcement was made Saturday.