07.06.2012
Dalkey Take the Honours in Diocesan Hockey Clash
Seven teams turned out for a thrilling evening of intense competition at the Diocesan Inter–Parish Hockey Tournament which took place at St Andrew’s College on Wednesday night. Sun shone where floods had been forecast and there were no ambulances needed. Although some players could be heard muttering about defibrillators, everyone went home largely in one piece bar a few bruises.
Many of the players were clearly in peak physical condition and those who came out of retirement are believed to have undergone an intense training regime prior to the tournament. While the evening is nominally about having fun, teams were keen to defend the honour of their parishes.
The team from Dalkey, debuting at the competition this year, emerged the winners, beating Rathfarnham on goal difference. They took home the Archbishop’s Hockey Cup. At the other end of the table, Bray struggled and went home with the most coveted trophy in Leinster hockey, the Archbishop’s Chamber Pot – an award they have attained for a remarkable eighth time in the competition’s 17 year history.
Following the tournament, in which each team played four matches, co–organiser Revd Gillian Wharton thanked the parishes for getting their teams out. She also thanked those who acted as umpires for the night. She commended Dalkey on their win on the first time of entering and hoped they would return next year to defend their title. She also commented on Bray’s astonishing record in the competition.
Teams took part from the parishes of Whitechurch, Dalkey, Bray, Rathfarnham, Stillorgan, Wicklow and Newcastle.