The season so far - the Captains' views

Upbeat Greer frustrated with continued Covid regulations..

"2020 has been a hugely frustrating year for all of us, not only because of our lack of playing time, but having witnessed everyone put in so much effort behind the scenes and not being able to see those plans come fully to fruition. 

The 1st XI squad had their most intense preseason training in a number of years and were ready to hit the ground running for the 2020/21 season.  However, our efforts were brought to a halt after only two games played. With some new faces coming on board and welcoming back some vastly experienced players, there was a really good feeling around the team for the upcoming season. 

This feel good factor extended beyond the 1st XI and through the rest of the club with the junior numbers really growing. Members of our men’s 1st XI helped coach them on Saturday mornings. Also, a strong start to the season by the seconds meant there was a really buoyant mood in NOHC. 

With the club performing so well behind the scenes, I feel it’s up to the 1st XI to go out and reflect that on the pitch. We hope to do that sooner rather than later. However, whilst there are now new Covid restrictions in place, we will just have to keep ourselves in a state of readiness and wait until we are given the nod to return to playing by Ulster Hockey."

- Jeremy Greer (Men’s 1st XI Captain)

Ex-Banbridge man in buoyant mood about Newry 2’s prospects..

"It has obviously been a difficult season for everyone so far. With 3 games completed we had one win, a loss and a draw. Player numbers from the start of the season have been very positive with healthy competition for places.

My objectives for this season are to be able to have the same strength of squad regardless of home or away games. I would like to see the team push for promotion and build on last years finish of 3rd place in the league, and a potential cup run. We have made the final 3 times out of the past 4 years and we would like to bring the honours home again in 2021.

Although the latest lockdown restrictions may mean that we will only get to play three games in the calendar year we will be prepared and ready for the restart whenever that may be. Maybe the lockdown will show some people how much they are missing being part of a team and will maybe encourage some former players, coaches and even umpires back to the club (an issue that we have weekly).

From my own personal point of view, I feel the club is moving in the right direction. We are a family-orientated club. On a Saturday you can usually find three generations of my own family there with my mum and daughter Ellie, everyone comes down to cheer myself and the boys on. From the minute I joined NOHC I got a feeling of a warm friendly atmosphere and to be honest I wish I had joined the club much sooner in my career. I can’t wait until Ellie is old enough to be scoring the goals just like her daddy does. 

On the social side, I can’t wait to be back among the boys having a laugh and a pint after a game on a Saturday ! 

I would be very happy to hear from any former/new players who are thinking about a return to hockey. 

Q. From an umpiring perspective, 'is there anyone out there' who would like to pick up a whistle & umpire the odd home game on a Saturday?  If so, give me a shout on 07597 649701"

- Simon McCafferty (Men’s 2nd XI Captain)

Kathryn’s amazed at increased numbers in ladies hockey..

"It has been a difficult few months for everyone, and the suspension of all hockey has been disappointing for the whole club. 

Before the first lockdown in March, we saw a remarkable increase in the numbers of girls turning up for training. The enthusiasm and keenness from all the girls was fantastic to see. It was just what the squad needed, especially after a number of years where we had lost some players. 

We’re particularly delighted to have a strong connection with Newry High School, where a number of school girls have shown great interest in hockey and are now regularly attending our training sessions. We hope its not too long before we can train together again and get back to match fitness to finish off the season. Our main focus is to continue building the ladies team and further develop our skills in preparation for 2021/22. 

Given the most recent Covid restrictions that have been put in place, it now appears that we will be entering yet another 6 week lockdown. Whatever this pandemic throws at us, we will come out the other side & the team will come back stronger and with a renewed eagerness to play hockey.

The safety of all players is paramount and we will continue to follow government guidelines to ensure a safe return to hockey once we’re able to do so."

- Kathryn Baird (Ladies 1st XI Captain)

Increased enthusiasm for junior hockey

"Our Youth Hockey continues to go from strength to strength and we’re proud to welcome so many new and talented members to the Club. We were so excited to have commenced the 2020/21 season with a very strong start and excellent attendance. Numbers had more than doubled from 25 to over 60 turning up regularly on Saturday mornings.

However, like nearly everything else happening this year it was brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic. We're eager to welcome everyone back safely early in the new year and we look forward to having another successful season.

This year has also seen the launch of our new youth kit, which is now on sale in Donaghy’s Banbridge."

- Colin Henning (Youth Liaison Officer)