Irish team to prepare in Spain

MEN'S HOCKEY: After a week in which Irish women's coach Riet Kuper suggested radical changes to the way the women's game is run in Ireland, the Irish men's team have released details for the first of their preparatory trips for the European Championship finals in Spain, which take place next September.

Following last week's panel session and completion of the first round of senior Interprovincal matches, coach John Clarke has selected a 20-man panel for an intensive training camp in Barcelona. A squad of 18 will compete in the championship finals, which are, unusually, being run in Barcelona at the same time and at the same venue as the women's event.

The men's squad will play five matches in six days, including three internationals against Belgium who are currently ranked 14th in the world. The training camp will run from February 3rd-9th with the players based at the Real club de Polo in Barcelona, one of the top clubs in Europe.

Matches have also been arranged against Real club de Polo and the Spanish under-23 side during the camp.

Those eligible to play in the under-2l interprovincials will return home early to enable them to participate.

Domestically this weekend, the Irish Senior Cup third round gets under way with 16 matches scheduled.

Aer Lingus have a tough challenge against Lisnagarvey, but the ALSAA game is not beyond the range of the home team. Well-organised and with some pace up front, Aer Lingus have the ability to frustrate the Ulster side.

Irish Senior Cup Third Round: Aer Lingus v Lisnagarvey, ALSAA 2.30; Annadale v Clontarf, Lough Moss LC 2.30; Avoca v Pembroke, Rathdown 1.45; Bangor v QUB, Ballykillaire LC 2.30; Belvedere A v Instonians, Ballincollig 2.30; Cookstown v Raphoe, Coolnafranky 2.30; Corinthians v Kilkeel, Whitechurch 2.0; Cork C of I A v Catholic Institute A, Garryduff 2.0; Cork Harlequins v Antrim, Farmers Cross 1.30; Monkstown v Glenanne, St Andrews 2.0; NICS v Banbridge, Stormont 1.0; North Down v YMCA, Comber 1.0; Dublin University v Mossley, Santry 2.0; Newry v Railway Union, Newry 2.30; TRR v UCD, Grange Road 1.30; UCC v Naas, Mardyke 1.30