2004 News In Brief

This has perhaps been the busiest Polocrosse season to-date. 2004 saw the first ever Ireland v Australia test series hosted and held at a number of the larger clubs within the association. A slightly daunting task hosting the World Series Champions (the Aussies) and although they easily won the entire test series, their visit has given us much 'food for thought' and long term goals and targets which the association will be working towards in the future. It is envisaged that more planning and lead time will be given for future home and away test tournaments and the suggestion of more tournaments with teams of 6 players (as opposed to sections of 3 players) for 2005 is presently under review by the IPA board. See photographs of the Test series on our Gallery page.

Much credit must be given to the IPA's out going Chairperson Dervla McCormack for her task in producing the new updated members handbook. Not only containing the international rules, it also is filled with numerous club contact details and goes on to clarify the IPA's interpretation of many of the rules. If you have any comments or suggestions you would like made for the next members handbook, please inform your own club IPA representatives.

One of the highlights of 2004 was the Tri-Nations Win by the Irish Under 16's squad at Cardiff Castle. Congratulations to the players and their families, along with all the support crew but in particular, full congratulations to team coaches Avis Watton and Aidan McDonagh for all their efforts in bringing the Irish Junior Side to the winners' enclosure. The IPA will host this event next year at a venue to be decided and the team selection process will commence early in 2005.