Duke wary of Gareth Grundie influence on Czechs

HOCKEY BRAIN: Gareth Grundie in Irish mode in 2021 Pic Adrian Boehm

Deirdre Duke is hoping Ireland’s women do not fall victim to an inside job from the “hockey brain” of Gareth Grundie as Ireland face the Czech Republic in Saturday’s vital EuroHockey Championship Qualiifer at the Sport Ireland Campus.

Grundie started work with the Czechs as head coach this summer having worked with the Green Army from 2018 up until last October. The understated Ulsterman was a key assistant to Graham Shaw and Sean Dancer in the World Cup silver medal and Olympic qualification.