Exams rule out Jermyn as Irish squad named for Dutch test

CORK Church of Ireland’s John Jermyn is one the notable absentees from the Irish senior hockey squad to take on Holland next month.

Jermyn is omitted due to exam commitments as the side continues the build-up to the European Championships in Manchester in August.

Coach Dave Passmore unveiled the 18-man selection yesterday and bemoaned the loss of Jermyn.

“It is important that John focuses on his exams at this time, but frustrating that we will not see one of our most talented athletes against class opposition,” said Passmore.

The side will partake in a three-day training camp as well as one test match against the Dutch on March 20 in Pinoke Hockey Club.

Passmore, will use the exercise to evaluate individual player performances as he plans for the future.

Said Passmore: “This match will be a tough task for us, particularly during the club season. Holland have strength in depth and we will need to match their pace and intensity to compete. However, it will be an ideal opportunity to assess players against a side ranked in the top four in the world.”

Assistant coach, Craig Fulton admitted: “It’s going to be a tough match and individual performances will be crucial. In regards to our current world ranking, we come into the match as clear underdogs and have no delusions about this. It will be a good challenge.”

Passmore, who has selected 18 players for the training camp, will only be able to use 16 for the actual game. He has left midfielder Jermyn behind due to college exam commitments.

The Irish team will leave for Holland on March 18 for three days.

The test match against Holland will take place on March 20 at 7.30pm.