Hockey's top clubs call for 'elite' competition status

A number of clubs are calling on Hockey Ireland “fight harder” for the sport’s top leagues to be recognised as “elite” competition. Featuring World Cup silver medalists and Olympians, the EY Hockey Leagues were called to a halt when government moved to level 5 restrictions with only those “elite” competitions remaining on the agenda.

Hockey Ireland – in consultation with Sport Ireland – felt the club game was more suited for the secondary “senior club championship” classification, a huge source of frustration for a growing number of clubs. That second tier of competition was offered an exemption to proceed under Level 3 restrictions, but the onset of Level 5 halted action after three weeks.