MEN'S HOCKEY: Irish coach David Passmore has named a young squad to compete in the annual Celtic Cup tournament this weekend in France. Ireland will play the hosts, Scotland and Wales over three days and are using the three games to finalise selections through to 2008.
Following squad training at Lisnagarvey's ground two previously uncapped players, David Harte and Adam Pritchard, will travel with the team. They are also the youngest in the squad at 18 and 19, respectively.
At the other end of the experience spectrum, a number of players will be lining up for Ireland this weekend, including Mark Irwin who is expected to win his 100th cap. He is currently on 98. Paddy Brown (111 caps) is also in the squad, as is the 74-times capped David Hobbs.
But several notable figures are taking a rest following a hectic 12 months of international competition including Ireland's two highest goalscorers, the 99-times capped midfielder and penalty-corner specialist Stephen Butler and Pembroke's Justin Sherriff. From Munster neither of the Black brothers are involved, nor is John Jermyn.
IRELAND: A Barbour (Cookstown), P Brown (Instonians), K Burns (C of I), T Cockram (Lisnagarvey), M Gleghorne (Loughborough), R Gormley (Pembroke), D Harte (Harlequins), D Hobbs (C of I), M Irwin (Instonians), G Lennox (Banbridge), I Lewers (Annadale), E Magee (Banbridge), P Maguire (HTC Holland), G McCabe (Banbridge), S Nicholson (Harlequins), A Pritchard (C of I), J Quigley (Annadale), M Watt (Grange, Scotland). Reserves: S Redpath, P Blakeney, C Harte.
FIXTURES: Today: Ireland v Scotland, France 4.00; Tomorrow: Ireland v France, France 4.00; Sunday: Ireland v Wales, 9.00am.
