International indoor hockey is set for a return in Ireland with the Men’s and Women’s teams in action against Scotland in the Antrim Forum.
The indoor hockey season, usually during the colder winter months, has started elsewhere. But a return to “the boards” in Ireland is part of a major drive to showcase the fast-paced indoor format.
TweetVenue Ready!!!! International Indoor Hockey returns tomorrow after 30 years at the @ANBorough Antrim Forum. Ireland men’s and women take on Scotland in a three game test series. Tickets are sold out. Matches will be live streamed via @irishhockey YouTube channel. #indoorhockey pic.twitter.com/YbAayVUiT8
— Ulster Hockey (@UlsterHockey) December 27, 2021
This series follows the U-21’s debut in the Eurohockey Indoor Junior Championships in early December in Paredes, Portugal.
The side lost all of their fixtures, yet will have learned much from the experience.
These Christmas fixtures also mark a return of international hockey at the venue, with Antrim last hosting Ireland against Pakistan in 1991 to mark the opening of their outdoor pitch.
Tickets for the games are mostly sold out, however some are still available by contacting Hockey Ireland directly.
Meanwhile in outdoor hockey, a quickly developing Covid-19 situation has seen a postponement of the Neville Cup final on December 26th between Railway Union and YMCA.
Thankfully this much anticipated series against Scotland has been able to go ahead, putting an end to the 30 year wait for international indoor hockey in Ireland.
All of the action will be streamed live on YouTube.
TweetThe wider squads for this week's fixtures are in – here's who @IIndoorhockey and @ScottishHockey will be selecting from over the next two days!
— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) December 28, 2021
Men's link (6.30pm): https://t.co/NsFpR1GV7x
Women's link (8pm): https://t.co/DrN6VWvEct pic.twitter.com/tVoIKmaUNc
Men’s fixtures:
Tuesday, December 28: Ireland v Scotland, 6.30pm
Wednesday, December 29: Ireland v Scotland, 10am; Ireland v Scotland, 2pm
Women’s fixtures:
Tuesday, December 28: Ireland v Scotland, 8pm
Wednesday, December 29: Ireland v Scotland, 11.30am; Ireland v Scotland, 3.30pm