This week has been busy for those involved in Irish Senior Cup games. Hermes played Pegasus in the final on Sunday, it was a great game of hockey played by two very talented and creative teams. Pegasus showed their experience of handling the pressure of big ties, prevailing 3-1. Railway Union also have been training hard for their impending Club European Championships this weekend.
On Saturday evening we had a bit of a party with the whole squad as well as some oldies to officially celebrate Bridget Cleland's and Eimear Cregan's retirement. Both girls provided many years of loyal service to Ireland, were so committed and determined so it was nice to be able to show our appreciation. We gave them some jewellery and a scrapbook with some memorable photos and messages to reminisce over!
On Tuesday morning we held an event in our gym at UCD which saw some of our employers and college lecturers invited to see what some of our training involves. The event allowed them to see our weights training and also to remind them of the work we are doing and to thank them for allowing us to take time off work and miss lectures because of training and competition. It was a great success; those who came seemed to enjoy it and commented on how hard we are working!
This weekend we will entertain France for a three match series at UCD. It is exciting times for us as this is the first capped matches we will have played since the CPP began in October. Saturdays match is at 3 in Pembroke, and Sunday and Monday’s matches are in UCD at 5 and 12 respectively. Monday, fingers crossed, will be a proud day for me as I am hoping to get my 100th International cap for Ireland. The time seems to have flown since my first cap in 2007, and I am incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to represent my country. This squad is so talented and I am undoubtedly excited about the future! Best of luck to Railway and Ireland this weekend, come and watch some great hockey in Dublin this weekend!