THE Irish Hockey Union and coach Cees Koppelaar are considering an invitation to compete in a four nations tournament in Barcelona on May 17th-19th. Spain, Argentina and the US, three teams tuning up for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, would be Ireland's opponents.

The tournament would provide an opportunity to bring fresh figures into the Irish panel. This though, would be a special challenge for any candidates from Pembroke Wanderers, who are engaged in the European club championship (B division) in Prague the following weekend.

Ireland's major objective this year is the World Cup pre-qualifying competition in Cagliari (Sardinia) in October. It is envisaged that the squad will play at the Italian venue in a warm up tournament in September, preceded possibly by matches in Scotland.

Meanwhile Instonians have set off for the European Cup Winners Cup (B division) in Gibraltar this weekend. Irish Olympic Games umpire Ray O'Connor will be officiating in the A division in The Hague. Then he goes to Atlanta for, a six nation pre-Olympic tournament starting on Wednesday.