Both National Senior Managers, Sally Ann Fanagan & Peter Jackons,  who retired in recent months were given their due recognition in front of a packed Awards night last Saturday at the Alexander Hotel.

Both managers were presented on stage with a gift from the Irish Hockey Association in recognition of their massive contributions over the years, below is a copy of what was read out on the evening, although words can hardly do justice to the difference both individuals have made to hockey over the years.

Script from awards night..... And finally before we move onto the final awards we have a presentation to make to two very special people in the room this evening which will be made by Dave Passmore from Irish Hockey.

Words cannot do justice to the amount of hours, effort and commitment both of these individuals have put into Irish Hockey over the last number of years. Their contribution to Irish hockey runs much deeper than this and the endless hours contributed by them epitomises the volunteer spirit that is so fundamental to the on-going success of Irish hockey. 

Irish Hockey is making this presentation not only in recognition of all that they have done to serve the sport of hockey but also on behalf of the hockey community who hold both these individuals in such high regard.

The first person we are talking about took over as Women's manager in 2006 and since then amassed 155 Caps as National Women's Manager before she retired in June this year. A role that saw her travel worldwide and take in 3 x EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS; 2 x OLYMPIC QUALIFERS (Belgium & Canada) 2x CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE (Russia & Dublin) and 1 World Cup Qualifier.

Please put your hands together and show your appreciation for the very popular Sally Ann Fanagan as we welcome her to the stage.

The Second person we are talking about will be no stranger to anyone, having started his career as an international manager at an U16 level he first became involved with the senior team in 2006 as a stand in manager heading to Cairo, Egypt. Since then he has managed an international team over 200 times 96 of which were with the Senior Side before retiring after the World League 1 this September.

We are of course talking about the one and only Peter Jackson.