David and Goalith

VICTORY in the European Nations Hockey Championship was a turning point for the sport in this country. As the Irish continue to progress on tour in South Africa, national coach Dave Passmore tells Declan Colley why.

WHEN the Irish men's team fell out of the top flight of European hockey with a series of disappointing displays at the Euro Championships in Barcelona two years ago, it was a watershed which would ultimately lead to a mini-revolution in the game in Ireland.

While few would quibble with the claim that Ireland had the personnel to maintain our status in the top rank, most would readily admit that the preparation of the players prior to the 2003 competition - both physically and tactically - was not up to international standards.