With the weather this week, the idea of a winter break for outdoor hockey in favour of indoor was once again raised - this time by Irish legend Lynsey McVicker - coinciding neatly with the finals day at National Basketball Arena.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph this week, she said "I definitely think it is worth considering reverting back to indoor hockey over here and taking a mid-winter break from the outdoor game."
Her former Ireland colleague Clare Parkhill recently had a successful stint with her English club Bowden Hightown in the national finals in Birmingham - receiving an airing on satellite television.
Four Ulster sides had initially agreed to take part in this year's competition, planned for a three-day tournament starting on Friday, February 6. This date for National Basketball Arena was booked for the event in March 2008 but the subsequent organisation of an ISC round meant the competition had to be separated over two Sundays.
The travel involved for the Ulster sides, in addition to IHL and ISC commitments, saw their withdrawal but the IHA would seem to be keen, too, on re-introducing the indoor game to the national schedule. They will hold their first meeting this evening in this regard.
In on-pitch action, last year's finalists, Monkstown and Three Rock Rovers, hold the major initiative going into the finals day of the 2009 Indoor League today at the National Basketball Arena. The tournament offers one of the three places in European club competition currently available to Irish clubs with the winner decided on Sunday night in the final at 7pm.
In on-pitch action, last year's finalists, Monkstown and Three Rock Rovers, hold the major initiative going into the finals day of the 2009 Indoor League today at the National Basketball Arena. The tournament offers one of the three places in European club competition currently available to Irish clubs with the winner decided on Sunday night in the final at 7pm.
Reigning champs Rovers lead the way in Group One thanks to two impressive wins over Trinity (11-3) and Glenanne (8-3) and lead the way on seven points. The tournament is serving as perfect preparation for their trip to Cambrai, France next week to represent Ireland in the European Indoor Clu
b Champions Challenge.
Corinthian are next best with a win and a draw, with their passage to the last four likely to be determined by their face-off with Glenanne in the final group game.
b Champions Challenge.Corinthian are next best with a win and a draw, with their passage to the last four likely to be determined by their face-off with Glenanne in the final group game.
In group two, Monkstown lead the way with Railway second. Their match at 12.40pm will prove crucial, though. A win for the Town could open up the possibility for any of the groups remaining participants to snatch a semi-final spot.
Indoor League – The Tony Byrne Cup (Sunday, February 8)
Group 1: Corinthian v Dublin University , 9.20am; Three Rock Rovers v Kilkenny, 10.10am; Kilkenny v Glenanne, 11.50am; Corinthian v Glenanne, 1.30pm
Group 2: YMCA v Avoca, 8.30am; Pembroke Wanderers v Avoca, 11am; Railway Union v Monkstown, 12.40pm
Semi-finals: Winner Group 1 v Runner-Up Group 2, 4.50pm; Winner Group 2 v Runner-Up Group 1
Final: Indoor League Final, 7pm
Group 1: Corinthian v Dublin University , 9.20am; Three Rock Rovers v Kilkenny, 10.10am; Kilkenny v Glenanne, 11.50am; Corinthian v Glenanne, 1.30pm
Group 2: YMCA v Avoca, 8.30am; Pembroke Wanderers v Avoca, 11am; Railway Union v Monkstown, 12.40pm
Semi-finals: Winner Group 1 v Runner-Up Group 2, 4.50pm; Winner Group 2 v Runner-Up Group 1
Final: Indoor League Final, 7pm
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