New season, new promise

HOPE springs eternal for some of the lesser lights in Munster hockey as the domestic season gets underway this weekend.

While the fortunes of the established ‘big two’ – Cork Church of Ireland and Cork Harlequins – attract the most intense scrutiny, the men of UCC and Catholic Institute’s women are among the other clubs providing talking points.

The appointment of Neil Welch as coach and a glut of new arrivals has sparked debate as to whether College – basement boys last season – can be a genuine force.