Kuper continues as senior national coach

IRISH ladies’ hockey coach Riet Kuper is to remain in the job, despite recent speculation to the contrary.

Following a recent meeting with IHA officials, Kuper has announced she will continue in her role as senior national coach. Kuper had threatened to leave the job if too many of her senior players retired after the World Cup, but as it transpired, that was not the case and only three of them decided not to cotinue.

She attended the Women's U21 Interprovincials in Kilkenny last weekend and will return for the Women's Senior Interprovincials in Cork from March 7-9 next.

She will then announce her panel of players to take her through to the European Nations Cup in Barcelona, in September.

The three players who announced their retirement from international hockey are Arlene Boyles, Tara Browne and Karen Humphreys.

Arlene Boyles' international career began in 1995 when she won her first cap against Russia. Fittingly, her 122nd and final cap was awarded in the 1-0 win over Russia at the 10th Women's Hockey World Cup in Perth last December.

Tara Browne's Irish career also began in 1995 when she won her first cap against Belgium. Her 71st cap was awarded in the 4 3 loss to Ukraine at the Perth World Cup.

Karen Humphreys' made her debut in 1993 when she won her first cap against Italy. Her 100th cap was awarded in the 1-0 win over Russia at the World Cup.

Meantime, Belvedere Div 5 ladies are looking forward to the Div 5/6 Combined Cup Final this weekend against Waterford. Waterford are a strong side which are doing well in the league at the moment and beat a good Fermoy side in the semi-final to reach the final.

Although Waterford has already beaten this Belvedere side in the league just before Christmas, this does not deter the Belvedere ladies.

Belvedere have had some great wins recently, including the victory over the strong Church of Ireland 1 side in the semifinals and Bandon in round two of this cup.

Recently in the league, they also have had some good wins over Fermoy. The final is to be played in Midleton on Sunday at 3.30 on the pitch in the grounds of Midleton College, adjacent to the distillery.

BELVEDERE: Debbie Cashman (GK), Deidre Attridge, Una Brosnan (Capt), Elaine Burke, Sorcha Keneally, Maria Murphy, Bernadine Campion, Claire Kelliher, Noirin Murphy, Kellie Dwyer (Coach/Player), Cora Keohane, Sharon Keohane, Ciara Moriarty, Kate Forde, Ruth Hegarty, Susan Long.