Pegasus keeper Sammy Jo hangs up her pads
GOALKEEPER Sammy Jo Greer has quit Pegasus after three years to take a complete break from hockey, representing a blow to the club’s chances of capturing silverware this season.
The 26-year old had been a consistent performer since joining from Ballymoney, but her work commitments, which include evening shifts, have forced her to call time on hockey, perhaps temporarily.
Greer has left the club with many happy memories having also represented Ulster and Ireland at every age-group since she started playing when she was 11.
She said: “While at Pegasus, I’ve had the opportunity to play in the European A Division, played in an Irish Cup final and two all-Ireland play-offs.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with Pegasus immensely and can’t thank the girls or the club enough for the opportunities I’ve had.
“Special mention should go to goalkeeping coaches Sammy Downes and Sharon Moffet, and also my mum, who have been a source of continuous support.
“I’ve been playing hockey now for 15 years but, unfortunately at this time, due to work commitments, I felt it was time to take a step back as I couldn’t give 100% to training and league matches and I wouldn’t want to go into a season half-committed.”
Megan Todd, who joined from Queen’s this season, is likely to take over the goalkeeping duties as Pegasus bid to get back among the trophies after reaching the EY Irish Hockey League play-offs and Irish Cup final last season.
On Sunday, they host Loreto in a top of the table clash at the Dub, aiming to make it five successive wins.
The Dublin side have lost just once this season and, with Irish World Cup stars Hannah Matthews and Ali Meeke in their line-up, will be expected to pose a stern test for the leaders.
There is also an important game at Londonderry Park, where Ards will be vying to get their first win when they take on newly-promoted Old Alex.
So far, Ards have managed just a single point from four starts and have yet to score a goal.
Belfast Harlequins travel to UCD after a much-improved display in beating Muckross 2-0 a fortnight ago. They hope to have Irish international Zoe Wilson back on board following an eye complaint.
In the IHL’s second-tier, Queen’s will be out to make it a third consecutive win when they host Trinity at the Dub on Sunday, having beaten the Dublin students 2-0 at last weekend’s Irish Inter-Varsities series.
In the Ulster Premier League, champions Lurgan and Ballymoney have a chance to make up ground on leaders Lisnagarvey, who have a day off.
Money travel to Antrim Forum on Friday night to face Randalstown while, on Saturday, Lurgan are at home to top-flight newcomers Ballymena and bottom team Mossley host Rainey, who got off the mark with a 2-0 victory over Banbridge last weekend. Tough call: Work commitments have forced Greer to retire