Diocesan News26 May 04

Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross on hockey tour to Prague

BISHOP OF CORK, CLOYNE AND ROSS ON HOCKEY TOUR TO PRAGUE

As Patron of ICICYMA Sports Club, Garryduff, Cork, Bishop Paul Colton joins the Church of Ireland 1st X1 men's hockey team as they travel to Prague on Thursday May 27 to represent Ireland by competing in the Men's European Hockey Trophy.

C of I are drawn in Pool B with SG Amsicora (Italy), Slavia Praha (Czech Rep) and Kolos Vinnita (Ukraine). Depending on where they finish in Pool B, they then play a crossover match against a team from Pool A: Lille MHC (France), Dinamo Ekaterinburg (Russia), Western Wildcats (Scotland) and Whitechurch (Wales).

With 18 players in the squad, it is unlikely that the Bishop will be called upon to play, however he is a regular and keen supporter of the team, especially at Cup matches. Club Captain Jack Hanna is delighted that Bishop Colton is able to join the 40 or so supporters and their cheering and presence will be greatly appreciated. If the going gets tough the Bishop may be requested by the team to seek divine intervention!

The C of I squad is: Mark Ruddle, Karl Burns, Philip Smith, Derek Hales, Richie Dorman, Andrew Chambers, Andy Herbert, Alastair Dunne, Stephen Parker, Mark Holmes, John Jermyn, Ken Twomey, Adam Pritchard, Nigel Buttimer, David Hobbs, Andrew Whittaker, Jonathan Bruton, Trevor Dunne, Denis Pritchard (Coach), Dermot Judge (Manager), Mary Dundon (Physio).

Bishop Colton with the Church of Ireland squad as they prepare to represent Ireland in hockey.