Muller plans for key trip to New Zealand

Women's hockey: The Irish squad is on its travels again, this time heading for a 10-day training camp in New Zealand where they will play four matches - two against China and two against their hosts - as part of their build-up to April's Olympic Qualifier in Canada.

Having visited South Africa and Spain so far this year coach Gene Muller will hope his players acquire as much invaluable experience as they do air miles ahead of the tournament in Vancouver.

"This tour is probably the most important element of our preparation for the Qualifier because of the nature of the opponents we are playing," he said. "New Zealand and China are top 10 teams and have both qualified for the Olympics - we have two Asian teams to play in Canada so it is very important to get to play against these skilful and fast-paced teams."

Muller won't finalise his qualifier squad until after the games against Britain at Belfield in late March. Ballymoney's Bridget McKeever returns to the squad having been unavailable for the Spanish games and, if fit, will reach the 100 mark in caps against China in Wellington on Tuesday, Ireland's first match of their tour.

On the club front Hermes and Loreto have testing league fixtures tomorrow before they meet in Sunday's Leinster Senior Cup semi-finals - Trinity and Railway Union II make up the other semi-final. Loreto have what looks like a tricky away game against UCD tomorrow while Hermes host Railway, one of their rivals in the title chase. Leaders Pembroke are at home to Three Rock.

In Munster Church of Ireland will look to maintain their title challenge when they play the University of Limerick. Cork Harlequins still top the table, but only on goal difference from C of I.

IRISH SQUAD : C McKean, N Small, L Healy, N Symmons (all Loreto), C Parkhill, S McCay, E Clarke (all Randalstown); R Flinn, L Jacob (both UCD); M Goode, L Moore (both Pembroke Wanderers); J O'Halloran, H Moffett (both UCC), C O'Brien (Chelmsford), E Cregan (Cork Harlequins), E Stewart (Armagh), B McKeever (Ballymoney), J McDonagh (Belfast Harlequins).

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday: Leinster League - Division One : Hermes v Railway Union, Booterstown, 1.45; Corinthian v Genesis, Whitechurch, 2.15; UCD v Loreto, Belfield, 2.30; Pembroke Wanderers v Three Rock, Ballsbridge, 3.30. Munster League - Division One : Church of Ireland v Univ of Limerick, Garryduff, 11.30; Ashton v Bandon, Ashton, 12.0; UCC v Belvedere, Mardyke, 13.0.

Sunday: Leinster Jacqui Potter Cup - Semi-finals : Trinity v Railway Union II, Santry, 10.0; Loreto v Hermes, Beaufort, 2.30.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times