Hockey Ireland to maintain support for Irish U21s

Dave Passmore has received clearance to run an ongoing women’s U21 programme from Hockey Ireland.

It is a big boost for the age group which has had a chequered run. Initially scrapped in 2004 due to costs, Ireland re-entered European competition in 2012 at the bottom rung of the ladder, earning promotion through the ranks to the A division for 2017 in Valencia.

The women stayed in the top tier when Spain were unable to field for their decisive final game due to a norovirus outbreak.