As announced last week, the council and committee are in the process of developing a strategic 5 year plan for the club.

We are very keen to hear the thoughts and ideas of all club members on where each of you see TRRHC being in the year 2020. We want to hear as many voices, ideas and opinions as possible before developing this plan. Ultimately, as members this is your club and we want to know how you want it to develop.

With this in mind we are holding an open forum on Friday October the 17th at 7.15pm.

All members, parents of juniors, past and present players, are all welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting. We want to hear from you!!!

The meeting will be delivered by Ali Keogh, on behalf of the council, who will briefly outline examples of ideas/a draft plan, before opening the floor to all thoughts, ideas, questions and comments.

Prior to the meeting, all we ask is that you consider the following question:

Where do you want TRRHC to be in 5 years?’

There is no right or wrong answer to this, but it can be considered under numerous heading, including :
– facilities
– membership numbers
– team success/league positions
– events (social & general)
– finances
– and many more

A good weekend all round for our mens teams last weekend, with all squads getting full points on the board!

The mens 2nds had a comfortable 5-2 win over Kilkenny, the Roberts brothers scored 3 between them, while Peter McConnell and Luke McSharry nabbed the other two. The 3s also put 5 away against Mullingar, with Ryan Shirley, Tom Christie, Stephen Findlater and Roly Budd scoring. Ryan also nabbed two later in the day for the 4ths 2-1 win over Kilkenny bringing his total for the day to 4! And finally the mens 5ths brought their total tally to 17 in two games, as they beat Bray 9-3!!!

On the ladies side mixed fortunes prevailed. The 3s and 4s once again had 1-0 wins over their opposition of Railway and Rathgar respectively. Rebecca Moffett scored for the 3, while Mary Phelan grabbed the 4ths. The 1s and 2s though could not find the net as they were beaten by strong Pembroke and Avoca sides, 2-0 and 4-1 respectively.

This weekend sees plenty of action once again. The mens 1sts return to competition, and welcome Railway Union at home at 5pm, for the first of this seasons IHL games. Earlier in the day, the 2s travel up the road to Corinthians at 2.15, while the 3s and 4s both make a trip to Tallaght where they play Glenanne at 11am and 12.45 respectively. The 5ths are the only other home mens game, playing at 3pm on the front against North Kildare. On the ladies side, the 1s host Naas at 11am, before the 2s follow up with Newbridge on the front at 1pm. The 3s and 4s are away, playing Our Ladys at 1pm and Clontarf at 4.15.

Plenty of time then for most of our teams to get back to HQ to watch the first IHL game of the season, and enjoy the comforts of the clubhouse and bar for the evening!! Best of luck to everyone over the weekend, we look forward to seeing everyone Saturday evening in the bar!

This years social events will kick off with our annual cocktail party! This year the cocktail party will take place on Saturday the 1st of November.

The theme of this years event is Masquerade!

Tickets are €15 including two free cocktails. The night kicks off at 8pm til late, with a DJ in place for the night also. For the 4th year in a row the ladies 1s are in charge of the night, with Grace, Maebh and Aisling heading up this years event.
Contact Mandy for tickets, or your team captain.

Dress code is smart with some sort of mask a necessity!

LHA 16 boys panel
We are very proud of our 11 u16 boys who have been named on the latest Leinster training panel for the upcoming interpros. Its incredible to have 11 out of 26 as part of our club….good luck to them all in the rest of the selection process:
Alex Flynn
Alex O’Regan
Ben Walker
Cameron Ruttle
Louis Glass
Matthew Walker
Nicholas Judge
Peter Lynch
Robert McCollum
Sam Ryder
Tom McLoughlin

IHL in full
At last weekend EGM the proposal for a full IHL for the 2015/2016 season.

This will mean that should our mens 1st XI finish in the top four of the Leinster league this season, they will automatically be placed in the Full IHL next year, along with the top 4 in Ulster, top 1 in Munster and a final wild card spot.

The same situation will exist for the ladies side, meaning that Leinster Division 1 will also be restructured, resulting in a knock on effect for the remaining divisions. This will mean that our ladies 1sts team league position will also change for the upcoming season. What exactly this will be is not yet known, but either way huge changes are on the way for Irish hockey as a whole.

For more information on the EGM, check out Stephen Findlaters piece at www.hookhockey.com

Pitch maintenance
Can all members with dogs please ensure they are kept on a lead, and off the pitch at all times. Dogs that enter the surrounds of the pitch obviously have the ability to defecate on it, which is unacceptable and inappropriate for a number of reasons. We of course welcome dogs in the grounds, but firmly ask that they are never allowed onto with AstroTurf surface

Any longstanding members will hopefully know and recognize the changes that TRRHC has undergone in recent years. A new club structure has seen the creation of committee and council, with committee now being fully able to focus on hockey matters only, while the council deals with the running of the grounds and complex. This has allowed numerous developments occur, which a number of years ago would simply have not been manageable.

The most obvious examples include the first fundraiser in years, the introduction of club dinners, clear understandings of our budgets, the replacement of the front pitch, and the much needed updating of the clubhouse to name but a few.

Although we are happy with the efforts we have made, there’s a lot done and a lot more to do! To that end, we recognize the need to develop a plan to guide future committees/councils, and most importantly, all club members on where we as a club are heading. Decision such as the replacement of the back pitch, growth in membership etc., can all only be undertaken with a clear vision of what we want TRRHC to ultimately be.

With this in mind, the first steps in developing a 5 year plan are being undertaken. In order to develop we feels its important to recognize and decide where and what we want to be, by the time 2020 arrives. The most important aspect of this plan is knowing what each one of you as members wants and desires for your hockey club.

The starting point for this plan therefore is to run 1-2 open forums in the next few weeks, where all members and junior parents can attend if they wish to help us in the development of this plan. As players and parents of players, we would like you to have the strongest say in the direction we take as a club.

Dates for these forums will be announced soon but in the meantime, please consider your own answer to the following question:

‘Where do you want TRRHC to be in 5 years?’

There is no right or wrong answer to this, but it can be considered under numerous heading, including :
– facilities
– membership numbers
– team success/league positions
– events (social & general)
– finances
– and many more

Please take the time to think of this question. The thoughts and ideas of all our members, regardless of time within the club, team, gender and age are invaluable to us. Details on the forum will be announced soon!

A successful start to most league campaigns was enjoyed by 3 out of 4 of our ladies teams last Saturday! The 3s and 4s both won 1-0 against Clontarf and Pembroke, while the ladies 1s beat Trinity 3-0, Val Aoife and Sadie with the goals. The 2nds fought a tight early game with Pembroke but were unfortunate to lose 2-1.

They’ll be hoping to repeat the same again this weekend, as some tough fixtures come up early in the season. The 1s host Pembroke at home at 11am, while the 4s play at the same time on the back pitch against Rathgar. Horribly early game of the week this Saturday goes to the lucky 3s as they visit Railway at 9.30 before the ladies 2s finish off the day at home at 4pm against Avoca.

On the mens side, mixed fortunes greeted the start of the leagues. The 5ths proved to have win of the week as they put 8 past Clontarf. The mens 1s followed next by beating Corinthians 5-2 with Jody (x2), Blakers, Mitch and Daragh Walsh all getting on the scoresheet. A 0-0 stalemate befell the mens 3s against Rathgar, while the 4s and 2s lost 3-1 to Rathgar and Pembroke respectively.

This week the mens 1sts have a bye in the Irish Senior Cup so can enjoy a rare weekend off. The 2s play at home to Kilkenny at 1pm, while the 3s face Mullingar on the back at 1.30, followed by the 4s home game to Kilkenny at 3.30

The season officially starts here for all of our ladies sides and mens teams 2-5!!! After a long pre-season we know players are itching to get started and the first week of games is throwing up some interesting games!

The ladies 1sts kick off the home action at the weekend as they face Trinity 2s at 12pm on the front pitch. Later in the day the ladies 4ths host Pembroke at 4pm, while the mens 5ths will play Clontarf at 3.30pm.

Most games of the season have been drawn as away fixtures with the ladies 2nd being the lucky team set to face Pembroke away at 9.30am!! The mens 2nds also visit Serpentine Avenue but at the more palatable hour of 2pm. The mens 4th and 3rds both travel down the road to Rathgar at 12.30 and 2.15 respectively, while the ladies 3rds have to wait until 6pm to kick off their league against Clontarf.

Fresh from a 3-0 and 2-0 win over Glenanne and Avoca last weekend, the mens 1sts play their 5th league game of the season in a local derby away to Corinthians at 2.15.

Many thanks to all involved in last Sundays official pitch opening!

The club was packed throughout the day as the u16 girls, u16 boys and mens 1sts all took on Avoca in a series of games.

Present on the day were invited guests Angus Kirkland (EHF Director General), Percy Henchy (LHA president), Richard Kendrick (IHA president), Roger West (DUHC president), Ian Roberts (pitch consultant), and Councillor Neale Richmond, along with our club trustees. Our own club President opened the pitch by thanking the pitch committee for their work in selecting the turf. The committee were Tony Nicholson, Siobhan Madeley, Cedric Christie, Geoff Brooks, Grace O’Malley, Jody Hosking and Ali Keogh, who were all expertly advised by Ian Roberts. Ailis then cut the ribbon with two of the youngest members of the club Samuel Nichols and Eimear Cummins.

The crowd then watched as the mens 1sts played their first league home game of the season, beating Avoca 2-0. Following the game, cake was enjoyed by all, along with the refreshments provided by the Wooden Spoon Café. Richard Kendrick spoke on behalf of the IHA congratulating all in the club on the fundraising and effort that went into the relaying of the new surface. Club captains Andrew Walker and Mandy Bools then presented the mens 1st XI with their medals from last years Irish Senior Cup win.

Photos from the day can now be seen in the photos section of this site

Subs now due
Please note that subs are due to be paid by October 1st so that playing members are insured to play. When paying your sub, please be sure to also fill out the attached registration form.
Details of subs can be found below: Please send subs to Andrew Walker or Jess Rule, c/o Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club

Subs rates for the year are as follows:
Subscriptions for the 2014/2015 season will be as follows;
Full membership
€375 (if paid before 1st Oct 2014. €420 if late)
* early payment entitles members to €4 x 10 bar vouchers
Student membership
€210
* early payment entitles members to €4 x 5 bar vouchers
School/Junior membership
€150 u14- u18
€130 u8-u12
Veteran membership
€135 women
€275 men
*early payment entitles members to €4 x 3 and €4 x 6 bar vouchers respectively
Pavilion membership
€50
OFFER!!! Junior Parent pavilion membership: 2 pavilion memberships for the price of 1!

Our pavilion members are offered the following :
€4 x 9 worth of bar vouchers
Invitations to all our social events, including some pavilion lunches
Discounted rate at our annual club dinner

Payment options are as follows:
1) Cheques made payable to Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club, to be sent to;
Mandy Bools – ladies side
Andrew Walker – mens side
2) Cash
3) Electronic transfer to account number 43634986 , sort code 900084. PLEASE reference your name!! This is essential for us so that you dont get people chasing you when you have already paid. Details are as follows:
IBAN: IE10BOFI90008443634986
Paper form: IE10 BOFI 9000 8443 6349 86
Branch: Dublin – St Stephens Green
BIC: BOFIIE2D

Clubhouse and changing room care
Can all members please ensure when they leave the changing rooms and clubhouse during the day, and especially during weekday evenings, that lights and showers are turned off and that the doors are firmly shut behind you if you are last out. This is especially true of the clubhouse for safety reasons.

All mens fixtures announced
The LHA last week confirmed the remaining mens fixtures for the season. All league games for every senior team are now uploaded onto this site, and to the LHAs own site.

LHA IHL meeting
The Leinster Hockey Association will hold a discussion and information evening to discuss the IHL proposal for the forthcoming IHA EGM to be held on Sunday 5th October

ON: Monday 29th Sept 2014
Venue: Pembroke Wanderers Serpentine Avenue
Time : 19:30

There is no registration required for this information meeting but all interested in the future of Irish Hockey are urged to attend

The purpose of the meeting is to ascertain the views of all Clubs in Leinster.

The Board of the LHA prepared a document (attached) where we outline the LHA “wish-list” for an All-Ireland Competition.

The LHA are concerned that the strength of the current Leinster Leagues are preserved. The aspirations and expectations of the vast majority of Clubs, Schools, Players and Administrators in Leinster must also be considered, not just those who will participate in any new Competition.
You may be aware that the Ulster Branch has indicated that their Clubs may not attend the EGM.

HUGE news for the club this week as we are honoured and proud to have been announced as this years hosts of the EuroHockey Club Trophy 2015!!

The club will play host to seven other teams from across Europe between the 22nd and 25th of May 2015 for the 2nd tier of European club hockey. The mens 1st XI are in the competition courtesy of their Irish Senior Cup win in February of this year. The guys go into the tournament as 7th seeds, with teams from Wales, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Italy, and Scotland, above them, and a team from the Czech Republic making up 8th spot.

The club is delighted to have been given this opportunity to showcase ourselves across Europe and within Ireland.

Club President Ailis Kennedy echoed our excitement to Stephen Findlater in the Hook earlier this week.

“While we have hosted local events, this will be the biggest event at the club since 1994, the club’s centenary, when we hosted an international tournament featuring England, Holland and Germany.
“It is the perfect way for us to celebrate a wealth of improvements at the club. We relayed our front pitch this summer and are opening a new club cafe – The Wooden Spoon – this week with all welcome to drop in.
“These are great times to be involved in the club and we look forward to a huge volunteer effort to make these Europeans a spectacular success.”

We have plenty of experience of hosting and participating in events throughout the club and so we are looking forward to making this the event of the season in the Irish hockey calendar. We are looking forward to making this a great club event, one that is inclusive to all members young and old. Indeed, in the coming months there will be plenty of opportunities for all members to be involved in some aspect of the organisation, whether it be fundraising, liaison officer, steward, sponsorship, entertainment and many more activities. In the coming weeks we will be setting the wheels in motion to plan for this event. Please consider what area you will be able to help us with in the coming months as it will be all hands on deck!

We are sure that this will bring the club together from all angles to make this the event we know it can be, and support the mens team in their quest to increase Irelands ranking points within Europe.

Between this, the new pitch and the refurbished clubhouse, these are very exciting times for the club!!

Full details from the Hook and the European Hockey Federation can be found here..

Rovers ready to host 2015 Euro Champions Trophy

http://www.eurohockey.org/featured/eurohockey-club-championships-2015/