Hockey officials to tackle thorny issue of anthem and flag

THE CONTENTIOUS absence of the tricolour and anthem during Ireland’s hockey internationals will be raised at the Irish Hockey Association’s AGM in Dublin today.

For many years, the Irish men’s and women’s teams, made up of players from all 32 counties, have played only under the IHA flag, and have paid due attention to Ireland’s Call and not Amhrán na bhFiann.

But, following embarrassing scenes at the European Championships in Barcelona last year when the tricolour was hoisted and then taken down again during a women’s international against Italy, the issue is to be brought up at today’s IHA annual general meeting.