Players in fundraiser to salvage Argentina trip

The focus turned to fundraising yesterday after the Irish Hockey Association’s board made an “unreserved apology” to the national senior men’s team and its supporters over a row that engulfed the sport this week.

The board drew widespread anger on Tuesday when announcing their intention to withdraw the side from the Champions Challenge I in Argentina next month, citing the lack of a coach and manager as their primary reasoning.

With the Irish players venting their frustrations at the decision — about which they weren’t consulted — it soon became clear finance was actually the main concern.