Irish Hockey Awards Shortlists Announced

The Irish Hockey Association has today announced the shortlists for the various categories for the 2011 / 2012 Irish Hockey Awards. In addition to the below 12 awards there are 2 players players awards for the National Teams voted on by the internationals themselves and the President's award which is decided upon by the IHA President.

This year Irish Hockey changed the structure and voting process for the awards facilitating much more involvement from the hockey community and the response was overwhelming with 5,000 of the hockey community getting involved. Their involvement determined the shortlists and winners for the majority of the awards categories (shortlists for the Club of the Year; Youth Club of the Year and Developing Club of the Year were determined by specialised committees but winners by the hockey community).

The Awards night takes place at the Alexander Hotel on October 20th and is a night to celebrate all involved and connected to our sport, not just those who are shortlisted but the community at large. The night is being hosted by RTE's top sports presenter Daragh Maloney and Irish Hockey are delighted to reveal that Gerry Duffy will be guest speaker. Gerry firmly believes that human beings can do so much more than we give ourselves credit for and is keen in leading by example and is a massive inspiration to anyone who hears him speak. In the summer of 2010 Gerry ran 32 Marathons in just 32 Days he has also completed a DECA Ironman (24 Mile Swim, 1160 mile cycle and 262 mile run) but beyond that in June 2011 Gerry along with 19 other competitors went to the start line of the inaugural UK DECA Enduroman Ironman Challenge. Dubbed the 'Toughest 10 Day Endurance event in the World' , Gerry finished first by over 22 hours.