Five Galway hockey players were to the fore as Irish
teams put in strong performances at the European Masters Hockey Finals, held in
Krefeld, Germany.
Marion Waites-O’Brien, a former Kinvara Hockey Club
player, collected a bronze medal with Ireland’s Over 50’s. Ireland, the current
World Champions, defeated Scotland 1-0 in their 3rd/4th place playoff.
Neil Kearns of Galway Hockey Club scored his first
international goal against Germany as Ireland secured fourth place in the Men’s
Over 50’s competition – the team’s best performance to date at European level.
Kearns started every match and played strongly at left midfield.
Siobhan Glynn of Renmore HC, represented Ireland on
the Women’s Over 55’s team. Sandra Barrins of Renmore Hockey Club played for a
Barbarians-style international selection, Global Dutchies, in the same
competition.
Martin White of Galway Hockey Club played in goal
for Ireland's Over 55s.
Kate Boyle of Gortnor Abbey, Mayo, played on the Fr
34 international teams took part in ten days of
stiff competition in the blistering August heat and high humidity.
The most improved Irish side was the Men’s Over
50’s, which went one better than last year’s fifth placing. They finished
second in their group, following three stunning victories over Italy 2-0, USA
5-0, and Spain 2-0. However, they suffered an 8-3 semi final defeat to host
nation Germany. Ireland then lost their 3rd/4th place playoff to England. The
Netherlands defeated Germany on penalties, to claim the O50's trophy.
The Men’s Over 55’s side was playing with a weakened
squad, drawing three players from the O60 panel, and was hit by critical injuries
in defence early in the competition. This meant that Martin White was probably
the busiest goalkeeper in the tournament, as he fought to keep out the strong
hockey nation of Holland, as well as Spain, Wales, Italy and eventual winners,
Germany.
All the Galway players can all be proud of their
achievements. The tournament brings home some of the great things about hockey,
which is a skilful, non-contact team sport with an international dimension,
which can be played at many levels, from fun up to competitive, well past the
age of 50.
