’Quins essential to the game'

IT MAY be the world’s second most played team sport It may even be the oldest known ball-and-stick game, but hockey continues to languish outside the mainstream sports in this country.

However, if drive and determination at grassroot level is an indicator of future welfare, then hockey may soon make the breakthrough it yearns for.

It wasn't yet 10.30am on a Saturday as I arrived at Cork Harlequins, wrestling with a gale as I shuffled across the car park to a pitch crammed with tiny tots clutching their sticks.