MEN'S HOCKEY: The news that Eurosport is to broadcast the first Indoor Hockey World Cup in Leipzig, Germany, from February 5th-9th could have been a good opportunity to expose Irish hockey to a wider audience, but that won't happen.
The indoor game, despite Avoca's participation in the European C Division this year in Belgium, has been left to wither. Funding, broad interest and the supposed benign Irish winter weather have all been used as reasons why the country does not need the game.
In the men's division, Ireland would not have been out of their depth if development in the game had continued from the 1980s. France and South Africa are involved in the finals, both teams we used to beat when we took the game seriously.
This indoor World Cup will get the highest TV exposure of an indoor hockey event with 15 matches over the five-day tournament being broadcast with 10 matches live. The screening will reach a potential 250 million viewers in 93 million homes in 54 countries. Finding a team sponsor with those figures would probably be less arduous than normal.
"This important development is the latest achievement of FIH's drive to get hockey on TV. It is particularly significant for indoor hockey, ahead of its inclusion in the programme of the 2005 World Games in Duisberg," said Peter Cohen, FIH honorary secretary general.
That said the domestic programme outdoors continues unabated in temperatures close to freezing with leaders Three Rock Rovers looking for a much needed win against Aer Lingus after a few weeks of so-so form. Glenanne's home game against Corinthians also has a healthy, competitive edge to it while Pembroke Wanderers need something to keep them in the hunt for a top three place when YMCA travel to Serpentine Avenue. Mills Cup matches have been postponed.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
LEINSTER SENIOR LEAGUE (Saturday) - Division One: Three Rock Rovers v Aer Lingus 1.30,Grange Road; Avoca v Monkstown 1.45 Rathdown; Glenanne v Corinthians 1.30 Tallaght; Pembroke v YMCA 3.30 Serpentine Ave; UCD v Railway Union Postponed. Division Two: Weston v Skerries 4.15 King's Hospital; Dublin University v St Brendan's 1.30 Santry; Portrane v Naas 2.15 College of Surgeons; St James' Gate v Clontarf 12.00 Iveagh Grounds Bray v Suttonians 2.30 Loreto Bray.
