As a new season of hockey gets underway, there is a new club on the scene in Galway.
Based at the University of Galway pitch in Dangan, Tribes Hockey Club aims to provide a fun and competitive environment for men and boys in Galway and the wider Connacht region.
The success of the Irish national teams in recent years has raised the profile of hockey in Ireland, and Tribes Hockey Club is looking to allow boys and men to get involved in the sport.
“As a parent of two boys who are mad about hockey, I see huge potential to grow the game here in Galway”, says AnnaMay Ellis, founder and chair of Tribes Hockey Club. “It’s a fun and inclusive team sport, which can help children keep active and develop skills that are complementary to many other sports."
Tribes Hockey Club only launched mid-way through last season, but they have already competed in their first junior blitz, and had their first friendly Senior Men’s match at the beginning of the summer. “Those were two important milestones for the club last season, to show that there is interest from the members – young and old, and that we can compete against the established clubs in Munster and Leinster”, says Ellis.
Club Secretary Cormac Staunton sees plenty of potential for boys' and men’s Hockey in Galway. “There are loads of men’s and boys’ teams at all levels in the other provinces. And not just in Dublin, Limerick and Cork, but also in the wider regions, where hurling, football, soccer and rugby are also popular. Galway is a county passionate about sport: there is no reason why boys’ and men’s hockey can’t be big in Galway too.”
Staunton added: "That’s our vision, to provide a fun sport for younger boys, but also a way into senior hockey in Galway, or wherever the sport takes them. It’s a sport that’s both social and competitive"
Tribes Hockey is a club looking to grow. “We welcome all new members”, says AnnaMay Ellis. “From 8 to 80! We’d love to hear from young lads or teenagers looking for a new challenge, or from men looking for a way back to playing hockey, whatever your level.”
Tribes Hockey Club practices in Dangan on Fridays from 5 to 7 pm, and can be contacted at [email protected] or found on Instagram @tribeshockeyclub
