Pictured left, back row, left to right: Paul O’Brien (Coach) Miguel Villar, Richard Forrest, Mark English, Nicolas Wilmshofer and Simon Thornton.
Front Row: Kenny Carroll, David McCarthy, Rob Abbott (Captain), Mateus Nowakowski, Kevin King, James Dick and Bruce Thompson (Manager).
Image supplied by David Carroll.
Railway Union win Leinster Indoor Hockey Cup
In keeping with the inclusive ethos of Railway Union, whereby players and supporters from all parts of the world and diverse backgrounds are made most welcome, the Railway Union Men’s Indoor Hockey team featured English, Spanish, Australian, German, Polish and Irish players, when beating Three Rock Rovers in the final at St. Columba’s College on January 11th.
Player of the tournament Mark English started the scoring from the penalty spot. Railway’s second goal came with Captain Rob Abbott getting on the end of an attack down the left. Three Rock Rovers pulled one back from their first corner but David McCarthy squeezed home another almost instantly for a 3-1 half-time lead.
The start of the second half was cagey, with both sides employing a half-court setup, protecting the middle ground with neither side able to breakthrough for 15 minutes.
When Railway did, it was the killer blow, as Mark English looped an audacious lob over the goalkeeper from the right of the circle that landed perfectly just inside the far post. Kenny Carroll whipped home a corner for 5-1 to complete the victory.
The Dublin 4 side are bound for Rotterdam for their fifth European indoor tilt which runs from February 13th -15th. We wish them well.
Meanwhile, outdoors, both Railway Union Men’s and Ladies’ team are enjoying successful seasons. The Men’s team have reached the semi-final stages of both the Leinster and Irish Senior Cups. The Irish Cup semi-final will take place at UCD, Belfield on March 28th versus Cork Church of Ireland and all support will be very welcome.
The Ladies, with several young players coming to the fore, are having an excellent League season and will play Ulster Elks away on February 21st in the Irish Cup semi-final.
By David Carroll
