IHU must face music over tournament withdrawal

Irish hockey officials will be forced to explain the circumstances that led to Ireland’s much-criticised withdrawal — and subsequent reinstatement — from a high-profile tournament in Argentina.

12 clubs, 10 from Leinster and two from Ulster, have written to the Irish Hockey Association to trigger a clause in the national body’s constitution that will force a special general meeting to be convened in the next three weeks.

The IHA’s board last week withdrew the senior men’s team from the Champions Challenge I in Quilmes, citing the absence of a coach or manager. But after facing stinging criticism from players and supporters alike — fearing the deduction of ranking points that would undermine Ireland’s rise to 15th in the world rankings — the board subsequently apologised as it became clear finance was the main issue.