New bursary scheme could change face of Irish hockey

Support for the Irish women’s team took a giant leap towards a semi-professional basis with the announcement that Park Developments will roll out a four-year support package which will see up to 23 players initially benefit from bursaries.

It offers the potential for a dramatic increase of “contact hours” with the funding going to compensate players, allowing them to go into camp for three days a week and not be out of pocket.