New deal has Ulster hockey on move

That was the message that came through loud and clear from executive manager Angela Platt and in-coming president Ann Rosa as they announced that the men's Premier League and the prestigious Kirk Cup competition are to be sponsored for the first time in several years.

As the province slowly comes out of the recession, the arrival of Gerry O'Connor Estate Agents to support the men's major competitions couldn't have come at a more appropriate time for the game here.

The pre-season Super Nines competitions start next weekend and within a few weeks the men's Kirk Cup and Linden Cup, women's Senior Shield and Senior Cup, and both men's and women's league programmes get under way.

The Union has had to operate without major sponsors in recent seasons but remains buoyant, and with the senior, junior and youth levels all thriving, the fan base increasing, and the overall participation meeting the Strategic Plan targets, there is every reason for optimism for the season ahead.

"It is a further major boost for us to announce GOC Estate Agents as official sponsors for the men's top two competitions," said Platt.

"Working in partnership with GOC, we are focused on raising the profile of these two keenly contested competitions and look forward to building on our relationship over the next few years."

GOC directors Gerry and Kirby O'Connor feel it is the right time join the Ulster Hockey family.

"Whilst never being directly involved in the sport, we have much client and associate involvement," said Gerry.

"We feel it is the right opportunity for us to support our key markets of families, young professionals, students and other business associates who are playing and involved in hockey."

The Ulster Elks have swooped to sign two Americans ahead of the new Premier League season under a community sports scholarship scheme.

Emily Bowker, a midfielder who can also play in attack, will be joined by defender Danielle McNally in the squad which has already been boosted by the arrival of Ireland captain Megan Frazer.

The two girls have completed their studies at a university in Indiana and will be part of the University of Ulster's INSPIRE community outreach scheme at Jordanstown.

"The two girls have been part of the vast USA talent system and coming from the highly professionalised varsity set-up in the States they will bring a new fresh dynamic aspect to the Elks," said team manager John Cathcart.

The students also hope to have former Canadian international Stephanie Jameson back for another season but her compatriot Michelle Weber is taking a year out.

Meanwhile Frazer will again lead Ireland into action tonight (7pm) against France in the latest Three Nations tournament in Dublin.

Ireland lost the first two mini-series to Spain after successive 2-1 defeats, the latest on Monday.