Three Rock raise the cash for Turkish trip

Thankful for Turkey? Your average American at Thanksgiving might be, but Three Rock Rovers certainly aren’t.

The decision to hold the EuroHockey Club Champions Challenge II in Malatya, south east Turkey — over 3,700km from Dublin — has caused logistical problems for Ireland’s national indoor champions.

The Rathfarnham club initially pulled out of the competition due to the cost issue involved, risking sanctions for themselves and the Irish Hockey Association.

But some innovative fundraising has seen them collect the best part of €6,000, as they seek to return Ireland back up to the third tier of European indoor club hockey following Pembroke Wanderers’ relegation in 2011.

They will tackle the national champions of Georgia, Norway, Finland, Bulgaria and the hosts, Anadolu Atesi, but will be under-strength in more ways than one — the squad arrived last night to find that all of their sticks and goalkeeper Stephen West’s gear had not arrived ahead of today’s opening match.

Irish international West was at least released to play by the national management — Phelie Maguire and Peter Blakeney miss out, as does and Belgium-based Michael Maguire — while Stephen Bredin guests for the side, travelling from his new base in Qatar.

Domestically, north Munster takes centre stage as Limerick’s men and Clonmel’s women bid to reach the Irish Hockey Challenge finals.

The Treaty city men host Ballynahinch with Amir Khan, Robbie Ryan and Nathan Eacrett the key men while Clonmel have a semi-final away to Kilkenny with Leanne Fogarty and Jacqui Stokes their likeliest source of goals.

It’s also Munster Senior Cup weekend with Cork Harlequins’ meeting with Bandon the stand-out men’s tie as Catholic Institute host Cork C of I in the other semi-final.

Women’s Irish Hockey League qualification chasers UCC have been dealt a huge blow as midfielder Olivia Roycroft could miss the rest of the season after breaking her collarbone — ruling her out of their clash with Bandon.

Fellow students UL double up this weekend with clashes against Ashton and Cork C of I as they bid to escape a relegation battle.