Clubs give backing to AIL hockey plan

THE PROSPECT of an All-Ireland hockey league moved a step closer yesterday when detailed proposals were unanimously endorsed by the majority of clubs in the country.

It is expected that new league, which will not be up and running until the 2008/9 season, will be rubber-stamped by an Irish Hockey Association special general meeting next May.

Outline proposals for the new national league, which will not be formally named until May’s egm at least, were provided yesterday by Inez Cooper, the chairman of the Competition Reform Working Group, to those attending the sport’s annual “Hooked” conference in Dublin.