With the Leinster Indoor Cup taking place this weekend in St Columba's College, Rathfarnham, hockey fans should enjoy a faster and more skilful version of the outdoor game. As a forum for the all-round development of hockey skills, the indoor game is unmatched and the goals scored very often more spectacular than outdoors.

Recent correspondence received from the European Hockey Federation suggests that Ireland as a nation would be welcome to participate in the European Championships. Ireland did once play indoors at international level and were very proficient. The commitment of Leinster hockey players is proven over the years but can the same be said of Ulster and Munster.

As Kevin Costner said in the sports movie Field Of Dreams: "Build it and they shall come." Time for the Irish Hockey Union to give the game the push it deserves.