Sunday, September 14, 2008

Railway Union

Last Season: 1st (Division Two)

Record: Won 15 Drew 1 Lost 2 Pts 46 Goals For 78 Goals Against 23

Coach: Paul Cooke

Captain: Kevin O’Brien

Players In: Dave Jenkins (Monkstown)

Players Out: Stephen Jones (Bray), Reuben Holden (Suttonians)

Summary: A decent preseason thus far with a win over Belfast Harlequins (3-1) and a draw with YMCA (4-4) before the likes of Kevin O’Brien and Kenny Carroll are back in the fold due to cricket commitments would suggest Railway can win the battle with UCD and Kilkenny.

Having Paul Cooke on board – veteran of 92 caps for Ireland – as part of the coaching set-up is a huge bonus too. The former Instonian was in charge when YM reached the ISC final and is involved with a number of Ulster youth sides.

Dave ‘Shahbaz’ Jenkins is a good addition as well. Speaking about the season, Paul O’Brien suggests this year will be about consolidation and bringing through some of their talented youngsters into division one like Eoin McArthur and Peter English.

To that end, Cooke’s experience with the youth teams shows his value to a club that has attempted to tap into non-hockey playing schools to pick up new club members.

First three games: Three Rock Rovers (a); Glenanne (h); Kilkenny (a)

Prediction: 8th

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think you're confusing paul cooke with paul hollaway...
Will