Irish sides relegated to Division B

IRELAND have been relegated to Division B of the European Junior Ladies’ and U21 Men’s Championships for 2005 and 2006 following the conclusion of their respective championships at the weekend.

The men’s U21 team finished eighth in the Europeans in Belgium on Saturday after losing 4-3 to Scotland.

A top six finish was required to retain Division A status and a place at the 2005 Junior World Cup in Holland.

Goals from Gleghorne, Cockram and Redpath saw them level with the Scots at full time, but it was their opponents who got the extra time golden goal to leave the Irish in last place after the event in Nivelles.

Despite a fine 2-1 win over France in Dublin on Saturday, the Junior Ladies will lose out on a place in the 2005 Junior World Cup in Chile as, once again, a top 6 finish was required. The Irish ladies needed a golden goal in extra time to finish in 7th position when they played France. Both teams were evenly matched in the first quarter with France gradually taking control. A penalty corner in the 15th minute was converted by Marie Sabourin to put France ahead.

The score remained 1-0 at half time, but after the break Ireland came back and, following a melee in front of the French goal, Sarah Wilkinson put the ball in the net in the 41st minute.

Ireland continued to press but wasted a lot of possession through loose passing and weak tackling.

The score remained 1-1 at full time and the first half of extra time remained scoreless. However, after the turn-over Ireland attacked the French circle and were awarded a penalty corner, from which Chris Quinlan’s strike rebounded off the post and Nikki Keegan was on hand to bag the golden goal to win the match and finish seventh.

FRANCE: Sabourin, Wosniak, Richard, MC Lamas, Bellet, Berly, Dutel, Commenges, Clin, Orefice, Chevalier (GK). Rolling Subs: Labbaye, Rogeau. Subs not used: Guillou, S Lamas, Perreira, Menesson, Lacroix (GK).

IRELAND: Hales, Keegan, Harte, Quinlan, McCollum, Wilkinson, Martin, Cooney, Frey (GK), Sullivan, Lynch. Rolling Subs: McGowan, Murphy, Connery, Simpson. Subs not used: Lappin (GK), Deacon, Stewart.

In the meantime, the Irish senior men’s team went down 2-1 to India in a challenge game yesterday in Germany.

The Irish Hockey Association has announced it is seeking a coach for the Irish Men's Senior Team. The move follows the resignation of John Clarke earlier this year and the temporary appointment of caretaker coach David Scott.

The IHA said applicants should have coaching qualifications commensurate with a position of this nature and, in addition, they should also have proven ability and experience of coaching an international team.

“The Coach will also be involved in the implementation of the Development Policy of International Players. The initial contract will be for a period of two years with a review after each Major International Tournament. It is intended to appoint the successful candidate in September 2004,” an IHA statement said.

Applications should be submitted with a detailed resume to the Irish Hockey Association at 6b Woodbine Park, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.