Hockey: While the Irish Hockey Association plotted and planned the future of the game in Ireland at the Montrose Hotel in Dublin on Saturday two of the country's top women's teams got on with the business of points-chasing in their Leinster League fixture yesterday.
The result merely confirmed what was already a commonly-held assumption: Hermes, the defending Leinster and Irish league champions, are the team to catch. Again.
Goals from Jenny Osborne and Jenny Burke, one in each half, gave Hermes a 2-0 win over Old Alexandra at Milltown, a result that puts them level on points at the top of the table with Loreto. And, after the game, Burke confirmed she will be available for selection for Ireland's trip to New Zealand in March for the Olympic Qualifier.
Burke retired after last year's World Cup but returned for the European finals in Barcelona last month, at the request of coach Riet Kuper, where her two goals and inspirational display against France helped Ireland to a sixth place finish at the tournament.
"The whole experience was just so enjoyable, from start to finish, and even though I know New Zealand will be a lot, lot tougher I want to be there, to be part of it all," said Burke. "I was never too sure about my decision to retire, but as soon as I made it I knew I would miss being involved. I loved being back, there'll be plenty of time to be retired after it all."
Burke's team-mate Caitriona Carey is, however, unlikely to make an international return under Kuper, with whom she fell out two years ago.
"I feel as if I'm finished now with Ireland," she said yesterday, "but you can never say never. I have a hectic work schedule these days, my job is very busy - it's difficult enough to play for Hermes, but they accommodate me. If the game was more nationalised and I could train intensively where I live, then maybe, but for now, I don't think so."
When asked if she would play for a different Irish coach Carey simply replied: "That's best left."
On yesterday's game Carey expressed relief at the result, but conceded that the scoreline was harsh on Alexandra. "I have to compliment them, they really are an improved side. Maybe 2-0 wasn't fair to them, but I think we deserved to win in the end.
"It was a super result for us, especially after that draw with Loreto last week. Yes, we had a game in hand, but we found ourselves fifth in the table so we knew if we didn't get something out of this game it would make it a difficult season - especially because we'll be losing three of our best players to Irish duty in three weeks' time. I'm relieved and thrilled."
