Difficult tests for Ireland

DAVE PASSMORE, the Ireland senior men’s hockey coach, is expecting a testing time in this weekend’s Tri-Nations tournament at the water-based pitch in Garryduff.

Passmore’s side face Italy tonight (8pm) and Canada on Sunday (2pm) as the hosts prepare for the European Nations Trophy tournament in Rome in September.

Ireland drew 3-3 with the Italians in a midweek match in Dublin and Passmore expects two tougher tests over the next 48 hours.