Kate takes over as the new Pegasus captain
PEGASUS have named a new captain — Kate McConnell — to succeed the long- serving former Ireland defender Arlene Boyles as the club looks to the future when the more experienced players have hung up their sticks.
But to say McConnell will be wearing the captain's armband from now on would be inaccurate as, instead, she will be wearing it around her socks!
That's because it's too big to fit her slim arms but the responsiblity remians the same as she has now stepped up to fill those difficult shoes formerly worn by Boyles.
Kate (pictured), the daughter of former Ireland and Great Britain defender Billy McConnell who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics, says she was surprised when she was learned of the accolade.
“It's a real honour to be captain of a club like Pegasus and obviously it will be a very hard act to follow taking over from Arlene,” she explained.
“But I suppose we really have so much experience on the pitch that it's like having 11 captains.
“The older girls have been very supportive and I suppose being named captain means I am now considered one of the more experienced players myself.”
In another nod to the future, McConnell's midfield partner, Stephanie Quinn has been named as vice-captain.
Kate has had a mixed start to her reign which began with a disappointing Premier League draw with Randalstown but was followed by Saturday's win over Ards and the Ulster Shield semi- final victory over Lurgan 24 hours later.
This weekend it's the turn of the Irish Senior Cup as Pegasus make the long drive to Limerick to play Catholic Institute — they are familiar foes having played the Belfast team in the Irish Hockey League on more than one occasion.
Pegasus are expecting a tough challenge based on past experience but it is one Kate and her team mates are looking forward to.
“It's always hard playing Munster teams as they give it everything, so it's up to us to raise our game as well,” she added.
“They gave us a very good game the last time we played them down there and we were just glad to come away with a 2-1 win.
“But it will be good to spend the Friday night before the game together and it helps to have a bit of team bonding on such occasions.”
Pegasus missed out on both AllIreland competitions last season having won them both 12 months earlier.
“Our aim is to get back into Europe again and that's a great experience as I discovered when I played in two such tournaments,” Kate continued.
The big game on this side of the border sees an all-Ulster clash between the Elks and Ards at Jordanstown.
The students have been in good shape since losing to Pegasus and defeated previously unbeaten Lurgan last week.
Ards can boast two wins over 2011 champions Ballymoney already this season but had what captain Naomi Elliott described as a collecitive ‘ad day at the office' on Saturday when they fell to a 63 league defeat against Pegasus.
Armagh will have their work cut out if they are to overcome the odds and Hermes but at least have the comfort of home advantage at Ardmore. The Orchard County girls will also have been buoyed by the fact that Randalstown held the Dublin side to a 20 defeat in round one although Hermes start favourites.
Saturday also sees the second round of the Irish Hockey Trophy and the two relegated teams from last season — isnagarvey and Belfast Harlequins — should be among the favourites to win it.