Queen's University Hockey Club

Queens University Hockey Club Men's Section was formed at Queen's in the latter part of the nineteenth Century. The Belfast News Letter reported the Ulster Hockey Union AGM of 19 September 1898, and recorded that "a committee meeting was held afterwards when Queen's College Hockey Club was admitted to membership." Queen's was known as a 'College' until it was granted its Charter as a University in 1908.

Members are given a "years grace" in their playing career, to allow them to play one more season after they have left academic study at the University. In 2007-08 the first team plays in Section 1 of the Ulster Senior League.

Past

In 1911-12 Queen's University were the first club from Ulster to win the Irish Senior Cup on the field of play - Banbridge were awarded the Cup in 1907 when their opponents refused to travel to Ulster to play a Replay. The club won the Irish Senior Cup in 1972 for the second time in its history. [Ireland's Saturday Night 08/04/1972 Page 2] The Irish Senior Cup was won again in 1981 when the team was captained by Peter McCabe, later of Lisnagarvey and included future Great Britain Olympic Gold Medal Winner Jimmy Kirkwood.

Playing Strength

The Club lives from year to year, with fortunes tied to the abilities of the new undergraduate intake each year. Sides vary from being 'useful' to 'formidable', the latter was demonstrated by the 1972 team which beat Monkstown 3-0 in the Irish Senior Cup Final. This side included Great Britain and Ireland International Terry Gregg and several other players that went on to gain International recognition.

Present

The present team has had some significant success, winning the Linden Cup in both 2005-06 and 2006-07. [citeweb|url=http://www.newsletter.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=3426&ArticleID=1485040|title=Newsletter 2005-06 Season Review includes mention of QUB win|accessdate=2007-06-02] Being awarded the Queen's Team of the Year in 2006 has boasted the club considerably.

The 2007-08 season started with the Kirk Cup where the team did quite well after a few years absence from the competition. The team is being coached by former Irish Senior International Coach John Clarke.

Future

The future of the club is only as good as the players that are eligible to play for the club, some seasons the club struggles to field a 2nd XI, others it could push for a 3rd XI. However, as long as the commitment and excellent facilities at Upper Malone continue to be taken forward, there should be a future for Queens University Hockey Club.

Honours

* Irish Senior Cup (3 wins)
** 1911-12, 1971-72, 1980-81.

* Anderson Cup
** 1935-36, 1941-42, 1956-57.

* Linden Cup
** 2005-06, 2006-07

ources

References

External links

* [http://www.qubhockey.tk Queens University Hockey Club]