Hectic schedule inspired Institute move, admits Cregan

Eimear Cregan has revealed that the pressure of combining full-time work and training programmes with a thrice-weekly commute to Cork was behind her decision to sign for Catholic Institute.

The 154-times capped Irish senior women’s skipper, a teacher at Laurel Hill Coláiste in Limerick, opted earlier this week to link up with Ger O’Carroll’s side after three seasons with the Munster champions, Harlequins.

Cregan, who has been recovering from a knee operation and has yet to play club hockey this term, insisted it was not a decision she took lightly.

“My decision to move was a very difficult one and one that I thought long and hard about,” she said.

Eimear Cregan (centre) insists she did not come to her decision to leave Quins after three seasons easily. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

“I have had three fantastic seasons with Harlequins, who have been hugely supportive of my hockey career, and for that I will always be truly grateful.

“The high quality of players at the club enabled me to develop and mature as a player at a domestic and international level.

“Unfortunately, full-time employment and full-time training with the Irish squad have made it difficult for me to continue commuting to Cork for weekly training sessions.

“My commitment to the Irish squad is set to increase two fold over the coming months in the lead up to the World Cup qualifier (in Chile in April), and in order for me to be in the best physical shape for this tournament, I need to maximise the quality of my training and my ability to recover.”

While mid-season moves are rare in hockey, Cregan’s desire to switch was sanctioned by both the Munster Branch and the IHA, on account of the exceptional circumstances – namely that it is in everyone’s interest that Cregan is available to lead her country in Chile.

Of her new club, Cregan said: “I have recieved a warm welcome from Catholic Institute. I look forward to representing my new club in the near future, and I hope I can add to their squad over the coming months.”

Speaking about Cregan’s departure, Quins captain and fellow Irish international, Cliodhna Sargent told the Evening Echo: “Naturally I and the club are disappointed that Eimear is leaving us. She has been a superb player for us and any side would miss someone of her quality.

“Obviously she has her reasons for switching and Eimear has to do what’s best for her. In that regard I fully understand her decision to move back to a Limerick side and I wish her all the best for the future with Institute.

“From a Harlequins point of view all we can do is concentrate on our own game and concentrate on winning our games in the months ahead.”

Quins coach, Eddie Gash, echoed Sargent’s words saying: “Of course I am sorry to see her go but I understand why she has moved, especially as she is working in Limerick and the travelling up and down a couple of times of week can’t have been easy for her.

Amy Kate Trevor shone for C of I against Institute last weekend, and her side will be looking to bounce back from that defeat with a win at Waterford. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

“I would like to wish Eimear all the best for the rest of the season, and I hope this move helps her as she prepares for upcoming international games, in which she is a crucial part of the team setup.”

Cregan will not be in harness for Institute’s Irish Hockey Trophy quarter-final trip to Knock, where they will head with confidence after turning over Cork C of I away from home last week.

The latter will look to bounce back with a league win at Waterford, while Bandon meet basement side UL for the second time in seven days. Ashton are the other Munster side in IHT action, hosting Wexford in the last eight.

Meanwhile, UCC are in for a busy weekend of battles with Cork Harlequins in the Munster men’s league.

Neil Welch’s students meet both Quins B and Quins A on consecutive days, with the former clash a must-win as they seek to make up ground on free-scoring Bandon — who host C of I B.

Champions C of I A, currently 11 points clear with many other clubs having played up to four games less, should add to their tally as they welcome Catholic Institute to Garryduff.

Meanwhile, Irish senior women’s coach Gene Muller found a positive in the form of the impact of new caps Audrey O’Flynn (UCC) and Nicci Daly (Loreto), despite watching his charges crash to a 3-0 defeat to Belgium on Friday.

The girls in green showed plenty of rustiness in a below-par performance in Nivelles, where they were playing their first tie in six months just hours after touching down in Belgium.

Roisin Flinn saw a second-half strike ruled out for dangerous play from Ireland’s only short corner while they were 1-0 down, and the hosts added two more in the latter stages for a comprehensive win.

Muller said: “We were rusty tonight after a six-month break from international matches, conceded some sloppy goals we also failed to score from high quality chances.

“On a positive note, our two new caps, Nicci Daly and Audrey O’Flynn acquitted themselves well.”

Ireland take on the Belgians again on Sunday at 10am Irish time.

Men’s Div 1: Bandon A vs C of I B (Bandon Grammar, 12pm); UCC A vs Cork Harlequins B (Harlequin Park, 2.30pm); Cork C of I A vs Catholic Institute A (Garryduff, 3pm); Sunday: Cork Harlequins A vs UCC A (Harlequin Park, 1.30pm);

ESB Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy quarter-finals: Ashton vs Wexford (Ashton School, 2.30pm); Knock vs Catholic Institute (St Colmans School, 1pm);

Munster Div 1: UL vs Bandon (UL, 1.30pm); Waterford vs Cork C of I (Newtown School, 12.30pm).