Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary welcomed members of Waterford Hockey Club to City Hall on Friday June 16th to celebrate their successful 2022/23 season.
At a reception across the road from the club’s first meeting 90 years ago the Mayor reflected that, “While yours might be deemed a minority sport in Ireland, it certainly isn’t in Waterford. In fact, hockey is the second most played sport in the world, after football. Hockey gives your 450 members and 25 squads a connection in over 100 countries across the globe.”
He invited the club for a reception to celebrate the Senior Women’s 2nd team winning their league, Senior Men’s 1st team winning the Munster Charity Cup and reaching the Munster Senior Cup Final, the Men’s 2nd team retaining the Munster McClean Cup and adding the Munster Barber Cup to their collection this year.
As well as team accomplishments seventeen members of the club represented their province during this year’s interprovincial tournaments, from under 16s to Masters. Four of which went on to play for their country. Also, two former members are currently training with the Irish Senior Men’s squad.
Mayor O’Leary paid tribute to the volunteer base, “All this in just one season is a serious accomplishment, and a credit to the players, their parents, coaches and the management of the club. Not to mention the fifty plus volunteers who make it all possible.”
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