We were truly blessed with the weather on Saturday. Not a cloud in the sky and a balmy 11 degrees (as Nicky Cox estimated) in the mid-morning brought throngs of eager tag rugby and hockey players to Alexandra College. The organising committee were there early to set up the three tag pitches and the 4 hockey pitches for the tournament along with the famed 10 metre tent. The Luke family were there in force, and after much discussion and many opinions, the tent assemblage got the better of everyone and the plan was abandoned. In the day that was in it, we didn't need it and instead everyone basked in the sunshine for the entire afternoon. There was a shop, run by the Hourie's, keeping everyone fed and watered throughout the day. It was a wonderful sight to see so many people out picnicking and chilling out to the tunes.

For the actual tournament, we had 12 teams and approx 120 participants in the tournament which consisted of playing three 15 minute tag games and three 15 minute hockey games for each team. The winners of the pool games went on to play in the semi finals. We had a number of mixed Old Alex and Old Wesley combinations as well as some outside teams, including the eventual winners, Team KH (captained by Heather Hastings from King's Hos) who over came The Cereal Killers (featuring Rebecca Coll, Lauren Kingston, Liane Costelloe and a guest appearance from Erika Hinkson).

Winners: Team KH

There was a quick turnaround to head down to Old Wesley RFC for a BBQ, the Leinster game and the prize giving. There was a fantastic buzz in the club,  plenty of sun blushed faces and some sore bodies ready to party the night away. And that they did, thanks to MC Smashie and his drinking games.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped in the organisation: Babs (& family!), Deb, Tanya from OAHC, and Mick, Jamie, Scott, Alan, David and Heather from OWRFC.
Also to our umpires: Jenny McN, Mandy, Nicky Cornick and Orla Galvin and Referees: Michael Hastings, Brian Moore, Brian Hughes and Wayne Sheridan.

And also a special thanks to all the participants. A great day was had by all, even if the bodies/heads were quite sore on Sunday!
We managed to raise almost €1000 for Old Alex in the process and hope to hold another one, perhaps in September...watch this space...

NOTIFICATION OF OAHC AGM FOR SEASON 2011/2012

Notice is hereby given of the Old Alexandra AGM to be held in Milltown Golf Club, Milltown at 7.30pm on Saturday 26th May 2012.


All proposals for or any issues to be raised by any member must be furnished by email to the Club Secretary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than Monday 14th May 2012.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

- Teams of 6 to 10 people (min 3 girls). If you don't have a team we'll assign you to one.

- Each team plays both Tag Rugby and Hockey

- All games will take place in Alexandra College, Milltown.
View Old Alex Hockey Club in a larger map

- There are two ways to sign up see this form for details. Pay now or on the day!

- The tournament will kick off from 12noon with registration from 11am.

- Details of the day and the rules and regulations can be found here .

• BBQ and Prize giving in Old Wesley RFC from 6.30/7pm
• ALL FOR JUST €20!!!
• Drink specials in Old Wesley:
  
• Pints: 4 euro Spirit & Mixer 5 euro
  
• Shots 3.50 euro

BEST OF LUCK TO

OLD ALEX  

in the

 IRISH SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINALS

Saturday 28th April

Push back 1pm in Milltown

SEE YOU THERE!!

Sat 21 April 2012

Old Alex 2 Armagh 0 (Hannah McDermott, Emma Russell)
Alex travelled to Armagh for the final Irish Hockey League game of the 2011-12 season. Although neither sides could progress in this competition, it was to serve as good practice for the respective Irish Senior Cup quarter finals this weekend. Despite the highs of last week's performance, Alex were slow to come out of the blocks in the first quarter and absorbed some Armagh pressure. The hosts displayed some excellent individual skills and tested Pam. Quite a few supporters travelled, (some speedier than others...) to this rather exposed pitch on a height which led to Babs regretting her choice of footwear. Into the ]=second quarter and Alex looked like a different team, dominating play, possession and territory. This paid off early in the quarter when Shirley combined with Anna Roops who slipped the ball for Hannah to finish and put Alex one up. Pam was called into action just before the half. Some controversial decisions in the second half against Alex saw frustrations get the better of a few players who were carded, but even with 10 Alex were able to control the passages of play. The final quarter was all Alex especially after Emma Russell doubled the Alex score with a stunning reverse shot after another trademark counter attack. Passing was sweet and their skill outshone the Ulster side for the remainder of the game. Next up: Irish Senior Cup Quarter Final vs Loreto. Bring it!

Saturday 14 April 2012

UCD 0 Old Alex 0
This game was always going to shape up as an interesting encounter. They met in the last competitive game of the Leinster league when UCD completed the season double over Alex with former OAHC thunder-striker Nicola Gray getting the winning goal in each game. As it stood, in order for UCD to progress to the finals weekend the needed to beat Alex by at least a three goal cushion to secure a bonus point win. Alex, out of contention for the playoffs, were playing for pride. And that they did. Alex were missing some of their stalwarts due to injury, exams and emigration prep (don't go Roisin!!!) so players from the 2nds and the U-16s were draughted in. For some it was their debut as a senior player, but they were unphased as they took to the pitch. Immediately UCD engulfed the Alex circle and were awarded a penalty corner but denied by the Alex defence. This was the theme for much of the 1st quarter, Alex defence proving too strong for any UCD infiltration. From the 2nd quarter Alex created some fantastic chances with a goal just milimetres from Emma's stick on more than one occasion, which would have been a very nice 18th birthday present! The workrate of everyone on the pitch was 110% as their confidence grew throughout the game, bolstered by the emphatic Alex supporters...! The mid-field, spearheded by Shirley, worked tirelessly throughout the game to supply attacking ball to the forwards and aided in defence. Megan, as ever, marshalled the defence with Laura and Sarah R. making some crucial tackles. UCD were awarded several shorts that were always going to be potentially dangerous, but two incredible shots were saved magnificantly by Pam that left the spectators and UCD gobsmacked. That sort of made up for her spectacular fall as she approcahed the half time huddle.... always a crowd pleaser. Anna Roops and Amber Gleeson worked well with Emma upfront exposing the college defence on a number of occasions. As UCD began to lose the heads and were being penalised for it finishing with just 9 players on the pitch, Alex remained calm under captain Canning who guided the side to the much deserved draw. Never has a 0-0 game been so entertaining.
More of the same please on Saturday girls!

6ths lost to Navan 0-2
A valiant team headed off to Co Meath to play their final game of the season against Navan. Some took the scenic route and earmarked some points of interest to be visited on the return leg in the Phoenix Park. Once the pitch was eventually located the surface had to be explained to some of the team members. "This is called a GRIT pitch, best not to try and sweep the ball..." Navan started the game with a bang and immediately put the Alex circle under siege. Quick balls and the unpredictability of the pitch seemed to be going their way, but Emma pulled off some wonderful saves. Alex were not without their chances releasing the ball to super forward Vicky. Regine held the centre putting in key tackles while Síle won every 50:50 on the pitch. C. Jean Louise was not without injury and ended up playing most of the game in midfield, a new favourite position of hers. Some reshuffling and rethinking at half time moved Vicky into sweeper so her clearances could be put to good advantage. She found Las numerous times in the Navan half and she laid off some beautiful balls to Rachel and Lara up front. Navan's defence was tight and Alex couldn't find a way through. It was a real end-to-end game with chances for both sides. The Navan goal came late in the second half after a goal mouth scramble put the home side up. Alex refused to give up and chased the equaliser. Their efforts were thwarted, however, with a second Navan goal after some confusion in the circle. With only two minutes left on the clock Alex still pushed forward but a conciliation goal was not forthcoming. A very entertaining game all round with players adapting to the "new" surface superbly. Navan was also one of the good teams to play against with some good aprés match banter. We wished them best of luck next season in Division 11 and made our way for an end of season meal in McDonalds before the long adventure home....(with plenty of wildlife and shopping centres....)

1sts lost to UCD 0-1
Despite the 0-1 defeat to UCD on Saturday, the 1sts have now secured their automatic Irish Hockey League position for next season! UCD's ex-Old Alex girl Nicola Gray scored the all important title decider for Colllege by vitrue of more wins in the season over Railway. An overall good performace from Alex and a well-earned 4th spot in this highly contested division. Still with 2 IHL games to play and the all important Irish Senior Cup quarter final versus Loreto in Milltown on Sat 28 April.