Ireland: Irish face Italian job in European build-up 
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| Irish Hockey |
August 12, 2004
Belfast Telegraph, UK
> Page Views 2425
The Ireland men's hockey team is set to play Italy in at least two internationals in Dublin next summer, it was confirmed today.
The games will be part of the build-up for the European Nations' Cup tournament which is being staged in Rome next August.
"It's important to get a programme worked out in good time before other nations snap up the slots," said Irish manager Stephen Hiles today.
"So we are delighted to be able to get the Italy games pencilled in so soon. They'll likely take place in May.
"The next step is to get a coach appointed but that shouldn't take long and hopefully one will be appointed by next month."
Ulsterman David Scott was in charge on a caretaker basis, following John Clarke's decision to step down, and he certainly did a good job, steering a depleted Irish squad to the runners-up position at the Celtic Cup in Dublin before last week's famous victory inGermany over an Indian team bound for the Athens Olympics.
Meanwhile Armagh have entered the race to sign another hockey player who's currently at the Olympics - New Zealander, Rachel Sutherland.
The Qualifying League outfit will face stiff competition from senior teams Belfast Harlequins and Pegasus when she returns from Athens and links up with fiancée Paul Steinmetz, the Ulster rugby star.
The couple have set up home together in Co. Down after getting engaged there on New Year's Eve.
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