Despite the wealth of talent in DCU hockey club - more recognition is needed

After a promising Intervarsity series for DCU’s Hockey teams, David Harte was one of three players selected to attend trials for the Irish Universities team. I spoke to him about his sides fortunes, the trials and the games increasing profile in Ireland.

He spoke optimistically about the clubs progress over the past year and was happy with the team’s performance at this years Hockey Intervarsity tournament in Kilkenny.

“We reached the semi finals in difficult circumstances. Only 13 players travelled down to Kilkenny. To compete in a tournament lasting a whole weekend you would normally need a squad of maybe 18.”

With a threadbare squad the men’s team had to negotiate three difficult games to secure their progress to the semi finals. In their first match they were missing all of their international players but managed to comprehensible beat Royal College of Surgeons 11 – 1. While a 3-2 victory against UCC and a 2-2 draw against Trinity was enough to progress.

The men’s hockey squad is made up of both seasoned professionals and lads who have only turned their hand to the stick in the last few years.

“It was a great weekend for us, the lads who have only really been playing for a year or two really impressed for us.”

David and his twin brother Conor from the men’s team and Doireann Bergazzi-Nevin from the women’s team were selected for trials for the Irish University team after impressing down in Kilkenny.

“Myself and my twin brother Conor were selected. The trials haven’t been announced yet but I fancy my chances. I think 25 players were selected and this will be cut down to 18 or 19.” said David.

Despite the wealth of talent that DCU’s hockey team posses they do not receive the same kind of recognition as other sports. David explains that it is difficult compete with other sports for funding.

“Hockey’s profile is getting bigger in Ireland, RTE are beginning to cover it more. Because were not a high profile sport in college we’re not as well looked after by DCU. In fairness though we did get money towards our accommodation in Kilkenny for the weekend.” said David.

The Hockey club will surely look to its recent intervarsity efforts and the success of some of its individuals to bolster the profile of the club and the game in DCU.