Major revamp as IHA sets new goals

RADICAL plans to improve competitiveness and performance standards of club and interprovincial hockey have received a broad welcome.

The changes, announced by Irish Hockey Association chief executive Paul Varian on Saturday, will answer long-standing calls for men’s and women’s All-Ireland leagues and provide European qualification for the winners of each.

However, the proposals will mean the winners of the Irish senior cups - men and women - will no longer qualify for Europe as that honour now falls to interprovincial championship winners. The IHA wants the All-Ireland league to be in operation in September 2007.