Garvey fear Brexit may scupper bid to host Euros

LISNAGARVEY have made an application to host this season’s EuroHockey Challenge tournament at their Hillsborough base in May.

However, the Ulster outfit are concerned that the continued uncertainty over Brexit might harm their chances of success.

Garvey chairman Roger Kennedy said: “There was a section on the forms asking whether there would be any visa issues affecting visiting teams and we replied: ‘not at this time.’

“However, while we don’t think there should be any problems for teams from countries in the European Union, we are just a little bit concerned that the continued impasse over Brexit might affect our chances.”

Lisnagarvey qualified as EY Irish Hockey regulation season champions, having won the title last April and will be playing in the third-tier event following Glenanne’s relegation from the Euro second division last May.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s men and women will learn their fate today when the draw for the Olympic qualifiers take place at the International Hockey Federation headquarters in Lausanne.

Both national teams face a double-header with a place in Tokyo the reward for the aggregate winners over two legs.

Significantly, Ireland’s women will have home advantage against one of Belgium, Korea, USA or Canada due to being higher-ranked at eighth in the world.

The men, who have slipped to 13th on the global-list following their relegation at the European Championship, must travel to either Great Britain, Spain, New Zealand or Canada.