Railway Union News – Strong preparation for a tough season ahead

Pictured:1sts Ladies Railway Hockey Team.

Pictured:1sts Ladies Railway Hockey Team.

Since early August both Railway Union Mens and Ladies Hockey squads have put in a strong preparation for an exciting second season of the elite All Ireland Hockey Leagues sponsored by Ernst and Young.

The leagues got under way on the weekend of September 24th and 25th, with both sides having two matches in the first weekend.

The men’s side will look to build on an 8th place finish last season, with a new-look extended panel. The club welcomes Stuart O’Grady and Peter Catchpole, who have both joined from UCC, while Jeremy Mc Keever, Michael Fulham, Felim Kelly, Aaron Rooney and Conor Montgomery all make a step up, seeking to play at a higher level after joining from Leinster Division 1 sides. We also welcome Kieran Springett from Australia. Jack Kavanagh and David Mills both return to Ireland after living overseas for some time.

A big challenge for coach David Bane is how the team replace the goal-scoring prowess of James Dick, who has returned to his native Tasmania. However, Mateusz Nowakowski played and scored for Poland seniors during the summer and has shown signs of added sharpness in pre-season and should step up.

Pictured: 1sts Men’s Railway Hockey Team.

Pictured: 1sts Men’s Railway Hockey Team.

Railway Union have retained the same management for the third year. David Bane continues to mould this larger squad in his own image as a hard-working side with plenty of flair. He is assisted by former first team player, now first team manager, Stewart O’Higgins.

The ladies team have Colm Blennerhassett back for his second season as head coach. Additions of Anna-May Whelan (Trinity) and Maja Heiden (UHC Hamburg- Germany) are a great boost to the squad. The ever-reliable Orla Fox will captain the side this year.

Colm Blennerhassett has added former South African international and current Three Rock Rovers player, Jody Hosking, as his assistant coach, as well as enlisting the help of Jean McDonnell, former Railway sharp-shooter, as a specialist forwards coach.

The squad has recently been buoyed by the inclusion of seven players in the U18 Leinster team: Grace McLoughlin, Niamh Carey, Michelle Carey, Katie Fearon, Nina Heisterkamp, Kate O’Hogan and Niamh Shaw, in addition to 17 year olds Michelle and Niamh Carey getting called up to the Ireland U-21 Panel and Development squad respectively.

Goalkeeper Grace O’Flanagan has returned to the Senior Irish set up this summer, along with the addition of the exciting and intelligent midfielder, Anna-May Whelan, who earned her first Senior Irish cap this summer, which makes this an exciting year for the squad and club. They will be looking to build on last year’s good first season with Blennerhassett, which saw them reach the National Finals Weekend.

Railway Union Football update

After promotion last season, Railway’s Senior Mens football team will compete in the AUL Senior Saturday division for 2016/17. This is the highest level in the AUL for Saturday football.

The schoolboy season has begun and all teams are looking forward to their campaigns. After winning a number of cups last season the under-13 team are particularly looking forward to starting 11-a-side matches. The under-8 and under-10 squad welcome new players. Training is on Wednesday evenings from 5-6pm. The ‘Soccer Academy’ is every Wednesday, 5-6pm and all new players from 5-10 years old are welcome. Please contact David Grouse (groused@tcd.ie)

Bowling

Ultan Daly, winner, and Bryan Fields, runner-up, of the Singles Handicap Championship at Railway Union Bowling Club. The club has enjoyed a very good season, gaining promotion back to Division 1 of the Bowling League of Ireland.

Images By Taz Stedham.

Images By Taz Stedham.

By David Carroll