Anyone, from whatever obscure origin, who has ever represented Connacht in men's hockey circles, will feel stirred this morning. Yesterday, the first trophy to be carried west of the Shannon at any level was won at Blaris in the junior interprovincial championship.

Connacht's historic success was achieved as Ulster, the holders, were edged out on goal difference (12-5 to 11-5). The "westerners" had fought back to draw 3-3 with the host province on Saturday; they then beat modest Leinster 60 and finished with a 3-2 defeat of Munster. Ulster also collected seven points, but the margin of their 4-2 win over Leinster in the final game was not sufficient to deny Connacht the title.

The new champions, recruited and led with much spirit by Emmet O'Connor of Galway, probably owed their success to the accomplished Dublin-based midfield trio of Dave Fanning, Morten Pedersen (the leading marksman) and Colm Brady. But O'Connor would prefer the achievement to be recorded as an admirable team effort. "Put it down to our love of the game," he said.