Banbridge begin their Irish EY Hockey League campaign with a bolstered panel ahead of a big date with perennial top four rivals Three Rock Rovers.
This season, Adam McAllister and Callum Robson join their ranks from Annadale to add more international experience to a side that already featured Peter Brown, Johnny McKee, Luke Witherow, Fergus Gibson, Luke Roleston and the Rowe twins Louis and Charlie.
They overcame a mixed regular season last year to win the Irish title, going through the EY Champions Trophy wildcard round en route before defeating Three Rock and Lisnagarvey in the finals weekend, making it three titles in a row.
This time, their panel has a typical family flavour. The Rowes are part of four brothers in the squad Jake and Edward who have both returned to the club following time in America on golf scholarships.
Indeed, they are part of an incredible sporting tradition with mum Sonya having represented Ireland at Equestrianism and father Ken playing tennis for his country.
Both Johnny McKee’s parents are former Irish internationals (John & Glenda) with Johnny matching his father’s 100 caps for Ireland. Another set of brothers are Matthew and Adam McKee (no relation to Johnny).
Captain Alex Tinney shows his commitment to the club by traveling from Raphoe in Co Donegal three times a week to train and for matches, a round trip on each occasion of over 250 kilometres.
Goalkeeper Roleston has recently taken time out from qualifying as a nurse to concentrate on his hockey career.
Recent addition Robson is the brother of 150+ capped Michael; he also spent a season at Crefelder HTC in Germany as did Johnny McKee. Bann’s assistant coach John Clarke has previously held the role of Head Coach to the Irish senior men’s team. The majority of the squad are all former pupils of Banbridge Academy who the club have strong links with.
Banbridge have had a productive preseason that included friendlies against KHC Dragons and a double header against Surbiton, now an annual fixture.
Their league season begins on Saturday against Three Rock at Havelock Park whom they drew with 3-3 in the equivalent fixture last year but crucially, Bann won the playoff battle.
Head coach Scott McCandless – now in his fifth season in the role – is looking forward to their EHL KO16 date with Bloemendaal, saying: “The draw gives the players and staff the opportunity to test themselves against one of the iconic clubs in Bloemendaal. It is the first occasion Banbridge has encountered Dutch opposition at any level in European competition and the squad cannot wait for this opportunity.”
