Hockey genes were resonating like wildfire off the Grange Road phone masts during the Leinster Under-21 Cup final on New Year's Day, reflecting once more the vigour of the game in family circles. Not only were Three Rock Rovers rich in familiar names, but UCD were just as alive in this respect. Names such as Mellon, Findlater, McConnell, Tilson, Blakeney, Willis, Jenkinson, O'Meara and Treacy were spread widely through the two teams, occasioning some nostalgia as well as encouraging prospects for the future.
Whether, though, the hockey fraternity remains too close-knit a society is a question which lingers. In fact, it is difficult to break new ground, particularly as soccer, rugby and Gaelic games are promoted largely through greater resources.
Nevertheless, the pure amateur spirit and sociability of the astro-turf game can hardly be matched, and there is a situation this weekend which emphasises these elements, even if it also draws attention to the familiarity factor. It seems that Angus Dunlop, who had semi-retired, will be in the Three Rock Rovers squad for tomorrow's Senior League game against YMCA, the team he coaches on Saturdays.
Dunlop played in the Mills Cup tie against Suttonians before Christmas, when under-21 international Garry Ringwood also reappeared for Rovers. Their continued presence would add substance to Rovers' spring campaign.
Monkstown won 2-1 against Corinthians in September, but this is likely to be reversed at Whitechurch Park as the home club's Australian brigade launch a full press for honours.
Tomorrow: Leinster Senior League Division One - Aer Lingus v Railway Union (2.0); Corinthians v Monkstown (1.30); YMCA v Three Rock Rovers (3.0); Division Two - DCU v Naas (1.0); Skerries v Portrane (1.15); St James's Gate v Eastern Health (1.0); Suttonians v St Brendan's/Phoenix Park (12.0); Weston v Bray (12.0); Munster Premier League - Catholic Institute v Belvedere (12.30).
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