The Irish Hockey Association has announced the appointment of head coaches and managers of the newly formed senior development squads.
“At present there is a massive gap between the current senior athletes and those outside these squads. These roles are fundamental in the preparation of a flow of future senior athletes, who can not only compete but win at the highest levels of the game,” high performance director David Passmore said.
“The appointment of these staff has been made by the national senior coaches as the relationship and continuity between the squads is paramount. The squads will fall under the senior squad budgets and structure”.
Richard Willis has been appointed head coach of the women’s development squad. Willis has worked previously on the junior boy’s side of the international game at various levels.
Aine Kearney will support Richard as manager to the squad after her successful trip with the senior women to the KT Cup in
Denis Pritchard has been appointed by David Passmore as head coach to the men’s development squad. Pritchard has a wide range of coaching experience having been involved most recently as head coach of the Under 21 men’s team.
Patrick Grimes of Banbridge will support Pritchard as manager.
