EuroHockey Womens Indoor Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus
February 9th-11th 2024
EuroHockey have confirmed the European Womens Indoor Hockey Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus from February 9th-11th 2024. Along with hosts Ireland, the other nations that will compete in the tournament are Italy, Slovakia, Portugal, Lithuania and Croatia. Two promotion spots are available in the 6-team tournament to the top tier Championship. Ireland have competed once in Championship II before finishing in 6th place at Ourense, Spain in 2022. This tournament will give a massive boost to Connacht Hockey as they look forward to hosting Senior International Hockey for the first time ever.
Connacht Hockey President Martin Hughes said:
‘Connacht Hockey are delighted to be co-hosting this tournament with Hockey Ireland and the University of Galway. Indoor hockey is a highly skilful and entertaining game and is key to the development of hockey in Connacht. Playing host to the Irish and other national teams in Galway will be a proud moment for all of us at Connacht Hockey. The world class venue at the University of Galway will provide and incredible atmosphere and we are confident that the tournament will have a long and positive legacy for hockey in Connacht.’
Hosting this tournament in Ireland is possible due to the support of University of Galway and the collaboration between Hockey Ireland, Connacht Hockey and University of Galway.
Mike Heskin Director of Sport at University of Galway said:
‘The University of Galway is delighted that EuroHockey has chosen to return to our campus after almost 14 years. In the meantime, Irish Hockey has gone from strength to strength with both the men and women achievements Olympics qualification. We really looking forward to working with Hockey Ireland to providing the supporters of the west of Ireland the rare opportunity of watching live international hockey players of the highest quality and at the same time providing our European visitors a memory of a lifetime’.
Hannah Kelly Ireland National Team Indoor player and University of Galway student said:
‘The squad are delighted to have the opportunity to host this competition in Ireland on the University of Galway campus and it’s a testament to the work being done behind the scenes to promote indoor hockey in this country. It will be a great occasion and the first time that an Irish Hockey team will have played in Connacht. For me personally, as a University of Galway student and hockey club member I’m thrilled at the chance of possibly playing in front of a Galway crowd.’
Gareth Myburgh manager of the Ireland Womens Indoor Hockey Team said:
‘We are delighted to be awarded the hosting of the EuroHockey Women’s Indoor Championship II. What better place than the west of Ireland to host European teams and have them experience a true taste of Ireland and play in the outstanding facilities at the University of Galway. Hosting a tournament of this calibre was always a key milestone in our indoor hockey strategy and with the support of Connacht Hockey we have no doubt we will put on a super tournament.’
Hockey Ireland would like to thank Connacht Hockey and University of Galway. We would also like to thank EuroHockey for awarding the right to host to Ireland in which is a move which will help develop the 6 a side version of the Olympic sport of hockey. We would also like to thank our indoor hockey volunteers and players through their commitment have made this opportunity possible. More details will be announced in due course including opportunities to be part of the volunteer team around the tournament.