MEN'S HOCKEY: Douglas Grey, former honorary secretary and vice-president of the Irish Hockey Union, is set to become honorary treasurer of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). This means that two of the foremost positions in the administration of the game worldwide will be held by Irishmen, as Grey's fellow Dubliner, David Balbirnie, is secretary general of the European Federation.
Grey, having been asked by the president of the FIH, Els van Breda-Vriesman of the Netherlands, if he was prepared to stand as treasurer, has been nominated to go forward by the Irish Hockey Association. He is due to be voted into office, unopposed, at the FIH Congress in Perth (Australia) on December 5th, succeeding Robert Lycke of Belgium, who is not standing for re-election.
The first Irish person to become a member of the FIH Council in 1986, Grey (59) is well known in international circles, particularly as a tournament director in recent years. He was in charge of the 2002 Champions Trophy event in Cologne. A former goalkeeper, his affinity at home is to Corinthians.
Meanwhile, Irish internationals Stephen Butler and Justin Sherriff return from Belgium next week to take their places in the Leinster squad for the interprovincial championship tie against Ulster at Belfield on Saturday. They will return to Antwerp for a league game on Sunday. Last weekend, the pair again played leading roles for the Royal Dragons who swept to a 4-0 victory over the league leaders Waterloo. It was the Dragons' fourth win in a row. Sherriff has scored 11 goals and Butler has registered nine.
This Sunday, for the fixture against Wellington, the Irish coach John Clarke is expected to be in attendance to assess the experience being gained by both players.
The most significant match on the home front tomorrow is the Leinster League clash at Tallaght between Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers, who meet for the first time since the departure, respectively, of Butler and Sherriff. Glenanne's defeat of pace-setters Three Rock Rovers last Saturday was an indication of their resolve to retain the title.
Three Rock can stay top by beating Avoca at Rathdown but second-placed Corinthians will have a more testing assignment against Railway Union at Park Avenue. Corinthians will be without their captain James Benson who has returned to Australia for the funeral of his brother who was killed in a plane crash in Manilla.
It has been a doubly tragic week in hockey circles, for the death has taken place in Belfast of Heather Gregg, wife of former Ireland centre-forward and leading international coach Terry. Condolences are extended to Terry and to his children, Chris and Jenny.
TOMORROW'S FIXTURES
Irish Senior Cup (first round) - Belfast Harlequins v South Antrim, Deramore, 2.30; North Down v St Brendans/Phoenix Park, Comber LC, 2.30; Queens University v Bray, QUB playing fields, 1.0; Skerries v Weston, ALSAA, 12.0.
Leinster Senior League: Division One - Avoca v Three Rock Rovers, Rathdown, 1.45; Glenanne v Pembroke Wanderers, St Mark's, 2.30; Monkstown v Aer Lingus, St Andrew's, 2.0; Railway Union v Corinthians, Park Avenue, 12.0; UCD v YMCA, Belfield, 1.0.
Munster Senior League: Division One: Bandon v Cork C of I B, Bandon GS, 12.0; Belvedere v Catholic Institute, Ballincollig, 12.0; Cork Harlequins A v UCC, Farmers Cross, 1.0; Harlequins B v Galway, Farmers Cross, 2.30; Cork C of I A v Limerick, Garryduff, 2.30.
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