South Antrim’s Centenary celebrations conclude

South Antrim Hockey Club wrapped up its Centenary Year celebrations with a visit to the Stormont Estate at the invitation of Lagan Valley MLA, Brenda Hale. A group of around 25 members were treated to a guided tour of Parliament Buildings and were able to take advantage of a number of photo opportunities on a memorable night. The First Patron of the Club was Sir James Craig MP, later to become Lord Craigavon and then the First Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
Eric Cunningham (Treasurer), Lagan Valley MLA Brenda Hale, Andrew Brown (Chairman) & Lee Marshall (Club Captain) on a visit to Stormont recently.Eric Cunningham (Treasurer), Lagan Valley MLA Brenda Hale, Andrew Brown (Chairman) & Lee Marshall (Club Captain) on a visit to Stormont recently.
Eric Cunningham (Treasurer), Lagan Valley MLA Brenda Hale, Andrew Brown (Chairman) & Lee Marshall (Club Captain) on a visit to Stormont recently.

Attention now turns to the new season which has just got underway. South will once again field five senior men’s teams. Within the Men’s Club, membership numbers are on the rise as the Club continues to develop and expand. The Ladies’ Club is now in its third season and has an ever increasing junior hockey section providing further evidence of the Club’s growth.

The Club embarks on a new and exciting chapter in its story this season as it relocates from Laurelhill Sportzone to Friends’ School Lisburn. Friends’ are in the process of laying two state of the art sand dressed pitches which will be completed within the coming weeks. Once finished, South will establish their new home at Friends’, something everyone at the Club is extremely excited about. In addition to the hockey pitches, SAHC will have use of the school’s other fantastic sporting facilities including the sports hall. This represents a tremendous opportunity for the Club with the ability to train both indoors and outdoors at the same venue. The move will provide the Club with facilities to rival the best clubs in Ireland, North and South.

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John Massey has once again taken up the role of Head Coach of the 1st XI. John’s wealth of experience, along with the drive and enthusiasm of Assistant Coach Ross Johnston, will ensure the Club is in the reckoning for a shot at promotion to the Premiership come the end of this season.

The Club is also about getting enjoyment from hockey and has a calendar of social events throughout the year in conjunction with the Ladies’ section. The first event this season will be a fancy dress party at the Racquets Club on Saturday 19th October.

South Antrim wants to invite any hockey player who is keen for a change of scenery, wants a new challenge or is simply bringing the stick out of retirement to come along and see what makes our hockey club tick. Details of training times and venues can be found on their website at www.southantrim.com or find them on Facebook. You can also be one of their 500+ followers on Twitter @SouthAntrimHC.

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