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The Early Years of Hockey in Ballyclare High School Hockey was first introduced in the 1930's by Mr Fowweather, the Headmaster at that time, who was also responsible for makring out the school's first hockey pitch. In those pre-war years both girls and boys played hockey, the latter with considerable success, winning the Ulster Schools' Cup in 1930 and again in 1935. However, with the appointment of Mr R E Russell as Headmaster in 1939, hockey for boys declined in favour of rugby. In 1947 there were three girls' teams, the 1st XI, 2nd XI and under 14s and by 1956 a third senior team and under 13 team had been added to the club. Also during 1956 the school was brought its first girls' hockey honour when I A Moore represented Ulster. Previously in 1948 H Fee and E Kirkpatrick both played in the Inter-pro trials and reached the final stage but were unfortunate not to gain a position on the team. 1957-61 were not quite as successful years with the under 14s going out of the Junior Cup in the second round and the other teams were equally unsuccessful. However, 1964 saw the under 14s winning the Junior Cup and more hockey teams were added to the club. By
1968
the school had three hard pitches. It was quite a change from waling to
the grass pitches which were situated away from the school grounds. The
hard pitches caused some difficulties as many of the players overhit the
ball but it wasn't long until everyone became accustomed to them and in
fact the standard of hockey greatly improved. By 1970 the club had increased its hockey teams to six. P Lorrimer played for the Ulster squad in the All Ireland Tournament and the 1st XI reached the quarter final of the Senior Schoolgirls' Cup. As the 1970's progressed the school's success in hockey was also increasing. In the season 1975-76, three members were chosen for trials. Also this year saw a chnage to the tour location from Dublin to Manchester. The tour proved to be successful with the team winning all its fixtures. In the 1978-79 season, the number of teams was increased to eight. The 2nd XI reached the final of the McDowell Cup but was sadly defeated and had to settle for runner up. Also P Robson was chosen to join the Ulster Schoolgirls' squad and in the 1980-81 season N Thompson received an Ulster Schoolgirl's cap as well as being nominated vice captain of the squad. In 1985 the 1st XI were most unfortunate to be put out of the Senior Schoolgirls' Cup very early on but the girls certainly made up for it by winning the Senior Schools Plate competition. In the 1989-90 season a very talented under 14 team was unfortunate to have to settle for the runner up place in the Junior Cup after a very good match against rivals, Ballymena Academy. In the 1990-91 season great honour was brought to the school when Stephanie McGowan was selected to play for and captain the Ulster U16 side. After this Stephanie also gained an Irish U16 place. In the following season, Stephanie continued her successes when she was chosen for the Ulster U18 squad while Emma Caldwell, Jenny Simpson and Gillian McGrugan joined Stephanie in the 90-91 U16 squad. Also in 1990-91proudly won the Senior Schools' Plate for the second time since 1985 having been put out in the first round after a very tough match which went into extra time. In 1991-92 two of the three selected for the U18 trials, Stephanie McGowan and Jenny Simpson were successful in being chosen for the Ulster Squad. Stephanie continued her success when she gained a place on the U18 Irish Squad as well. This means that Stephanie gained five honours blazers which no-one else in previous years had managed to achieve. However, it was unfortunate that the 1st XI goalkeeper R Currie having reached the final trial was unable to take up her position on the Ulster U16 squad. Each year the teams have had their ups and downs but each member thoroughly enjoys playing hockey and there has been a great team spirit whether victorious or defeated. (A full updated history of hockey in Ballyclare High School will follow over the incoming months. If however, you have details of hockey in the School which do not appear here, please forward these details into the school. If you have photographs of this early period of hockey in Ballyclare we would be happy to include them and to ensure the safe return of you original photographs.) <<<< Return to the Hockey Report >>>> |