Hockey Ireland has become the lastest sport to bow to the impact of Covid by abandoning the 2020/21 EY Hockey Leagues.
Three rounds of the Leagues were played in the brief window permitted in the autumn but as time has flown and restrictions remained in place through the winter it became inevitable that the Leagues would fall.
“Unfortunately this has become an inevitable decision as COVID-19 continues to impact on all of our lives,” said Hockey Ireland Chair Eric Brady.
“We know that this is very disappointing for all clubs and players, but we simply no longer have the time to complete this year’s leagues.”
“However, we are continuing to look at other avenues that may provide players and clubs with competitive hockey at some stage, should this become possible.”
That may include Cup competitions or other shorter interim tournaments, depending on when sport at club level is allowed to come back.
“We are committed to bringing hockey back to our clubs and players and will be creative and flexible to provide some form of alternative competition should we be cleared to do so by the relevant authorities,” said Jerome Pels. Hockey Ireland CEO.
“Hopefully, hockey activity can resume at some point this season and players may return to the pitch as soon as we exit higher level restrictions.”
The plan for the EY Hockey Leagues is that they will return in the same format and with the same line up of teams in September.
The Irish Women’s team has been able to train and travel to play in an Olympic warm-up tournament in Spain in recent weeks as part of the exemption granted to elite sport and those tracking towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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