From the Archives - 1982 Zandvoort

On 8th April 1982 a group of intrepid players and supporters from NOHC set off for the club's first European tour to Zandvoort Hockey Club in the Netherlands.

Zandvoort, a seaside resort west of Amsterdam, is better known as the home of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix. The hockey club is one of the largest clubs in the Netherlands and is situated in the sand dunes in the middle of the racing circuit.

This is how the local newspaper 'The Outlook' from Rathfriland reported the trip on Thursday 15th April 1982...

"For the first time in its long history, the Newry Olympic Hockey Club has competed in an international hockey tournament. On Thursday last, a party of 26 club members flew out to Amsterdam from Dublin to take part in the tournament organised by Zandvoort Hockey Club, Amsterdam.

It was after a hockey tournament in North Kildare that Olympic received an invitation to this prestigious tourney. Also competing in the competition were the cream of Dutch, German and English Hockey, and Newry Olympic were the N Ireland representatives.

The grounds of the Zandvoort club, at which the tournament took place, are situated within the Dutch Grand Prix circuit. The trip, which was a great experience, lasted four days, with the party returning on Tuesday.

On this highly acclaimed trip, the club took two of their newly sponsored kits. These are sponsored by Mr A. Crozier, Safe Installations, Newry and well known publican Mr N Brown.

After the return from Holland the first match the 1st XI have is one of the most important for many years - the final of the Irish Junior Cup. This cup has only been won twice by the club in consecutive seasons: 1934/35 and 1935/36. On the 34/35 season they also win the coveted Braddell Shield.

The locals used the Dutch Tour as a relaxed build-up to this exciting final, which will be on Saturday. It is hoped that the club's 1st XI can rise to the occasion and return this famous Irish hockey trophy for the third time in its history."

The trip was a great success for the club both on and off the pitch. The break obviously worked for the 1st XI too, as they went on to win the Irish Junior Cup on the following weekend, but that's a story for another day!