Greenfields HC are selected Irish Hockey Club of the Year

Date Published: 25-Oct-2012

GREENFIELDS Hockey Club were duly rewarded for their fantastic 2011/12 season when they won the coveted Club of the Year award at the Irish Hockey Association Gala dinner in Dublin’s Alexandra Hotel on Saturday night last.

This was the seventh year of the awards ceremony which honours an array of people and clubs for their outstanding achievements throughout the hockey season. The night was hosted by RTE’s top sports presenter Dara Maloney and Iron-man Gerry Duffy was the guest speaker.

Greenfields’ achievement followed their fantastic 2011/12 season when they became the first Connacht club to win a National trophy, as well as winning the Connacht and Senior Junior cups.

Also nominated were Imelda Brennan for volunteer of the year, Neasa McGettigan for senior player of the year and Ailbhne Finnerty for U-18 player of the year. The latter award went to another Connacht player Elaine Carey of Greenfield’s great rivals, Galway Hockey Club.

Greenfields beat off strong opposition from clubs in the other provinces. One of the other highlights at the awards ceremony was a presentation to recipients of first Irish senior caps or other milestone caps such as fifty or one hundred.

At this ceremony, Brenda Flannery, former Greenfields player and currently UCD with UCD, was awarded her first Irish Senior cap. Brenda started her hockey career with Greenfields at eight years of age. She represented the club on the Connacht and Irish teams at U-16, U-18 and U-21 levels. She captained the U-18 and U-21 teams.

Brenda also excelled at soccer and gaelic football but choose hockey as her main sport. She is on a Sports scholarship at UCD and the presentation to her crowned a fantastic night for Greenfields club and for her parents, former Greenfields player, Dorinda, and John.

Greenfields have been growing their junior hockey numbers and it is unfortunate that lack of facilities in the city now means that they are full capacity at the fifth andsixth class age group and have a waiting list.

There were great celebrations when the club was announced as Club of the Year 2012 and Brid Horan, Executive Director of Electric Ireland presented the trophy to a delighted Club President, Denise Dunne.