Garvey captain in favour of full IHL season

The Irish Hockey Association will meet on Sunday 5 October to vote on proposals that could result in a two-tier All Ireland League for the 2015/16 season.

“I’m 100% in favour of it,” he said.

“I think it would be a really exciting development for Irish hockey.”

Ulster Hockey have asked the province’s consituent clubs not to attend the meeting, instead wishing to send two Ulster Hockey officials on the clubs’ behalf. However, Bell has urged all clubs to take their own seat.

“The result of the EGM could fundamentally reform the structure of club hockey in Ireland,” he said. “It is therefore appropriate and important for Ulster clubs to attend and take an informed stance.

“The proposals are very exciting and offer a long overdue alignment of our club structure with the rest of Europe. From chatting to players across Ulster, there seems to be a real appetite for change and progression.

“An IHL will radically enhance the profile of hockey in Ireland, with more competitive leagues potentially contributing to more successful national sides, more local interest and ultimately greater levels of participation - the ripple effect of these changes will benefit clubs at all levels. I’ve no doubt if a full IHL is introduced we will all look back in a year or two and ask what all the fuss was about.”

There are other worries as to how the changes would affect school hockey and clubs at a financial level. For Bell, the money aspect shouldn’t be an issue.

“Some people have said that costs are a worry but it will consist of four day trips to Dublin and one overnight stay in Cork, which we usually do anyway,” he said.

“I think a full IHL is what Irish hockey needs.”