Major tests for Ireland as big hitters lined for Dublin tournaments

SOME of world hockey’s big hitters will descend on Dublin next month as University College Dublin becomes the focal points for two top-class tournaments.

With pivotal European Championship campaigns on the horizon in August for Ireland’s senior teams as they bid to secure European qualification, the women’s FIH Champions Challenge I and the men’s Four Nations tournaments will provide vital preparation.

Gene Muller’s women’s side have been drawn in Pool B against world number 10 Spain, India (11th) and Azerbaijan (14th), with Scotland, Japan, South Africa and the USA making up the other pool at the competition, which will run from June 18-26 at Belfield.