Last Tuesday December 26th, 2023- St Stephen’s Day - will etch and live for a long time in in our memories - playing in the Neville Cup Final -a cup the club donated to the Leinster Branch in 1979/80 in memory of 3 of the Clubs greatest ever players, Paddy, John and Dick Neville. To have finally reached this prestigious Cup final for the first time and to successfully beat a resilient and brave, Clontarf on a 3-0 scoreline was just magical. The 3-0 scoreline flattered Portrane, it was a much closer game than the scoreline suggests..

It was wonderful to see such a huge attendance present in their support- to have members of the respective Neville families - for Darren a club stalwart and grandson of John to present the Cup to Chris a grandson of Dicks was a joy to behold. To also have young Dylan Farrell in the squad, a great grandson of John brought a great sense of history and new generation to the occasion. Success like this does not happen overnight - it has taken years of toil,hard work and coaching / gatherings by a great array of wonderful club volunteers, many with deep connections to the club and many that our new to our club over the last 10-15 years and it’s this blend that has brought the club in such a positive direction and made last Tuesday, once a pipe dream now turned into reality.

The fruits of this work was there for all to see on Tuesday, a true band of brothers, relations and strong friendships that made them a very special team under the captaincy of the outstanding John Skehan and the vice captaincy of the rock solid and determined Chris Neville. To have a Birds eye view and see the enormous improvement in the Mulvey brothers Tom & Noa- the Graham Brothers- Daniel who had a great game in goal along with Davy & Sean, Liam Walsh, Ossian Elmiger, Cameron Shoebridge, Dylan Eustace they have all been around the club for years but still all so young. To these Boys parents who bring them and have brought them for so many years to many training sessions and matches some with longer distances to travel than others, a massive thanks for your sacrifice and time - your efforts and commitment to the club all played a huge part in Tuesday’s success.

Incredibly our last Leinster Senior Hockey Cup success was in 1964 when we won the Mills Cup having been beaten in the final in 1961 by Three Rock Rovers. On a personal and very much nostalgic note, I was incredibly proud on Tuesday to see both Noa Mulvey at 15 years of age and Liam Walsh at 16 eclipse me as the youngest ever Portrane players to win a Senior Hockey Cup winners medal. It was just incredible to watch Noa on Tuesday stand out playing in the most technically challenging position in hockey, Left half where I also played most of my career. I would love to say at the same age I had the same confidence and skills as Noa and Liam but I know I hadn’t, what futures both of these outstanding young boys have in hockey. For me to be on the same pitch as the Neville brothers, Byrne brothers with their years of experience was immeasurable and I’m sure it’s the same for all our current young players to be sharing a pitch with the likes of John Skehan, Chris Neville, Adrian Sweeny, our crew of players from South Africa and not forgetting of course our present day club legend, Imran who was absent Tuesday back in Pakistan but whose dedication, loyalty and truly world class skillset played a huge part in laying the foundations to Tuesday’s memorable day.

So now as we turn to the second half of the season, it really has been a great year so far, the standout highlight of course our young Senior Women’s 1sts who won the Irish Challenge Trophy for the first time ever back in May - another great day and historic breakthrough for our re-emerging club. We still have plenty to play for in the rest of the season - playing, taking part, forging lifelong friendships and real enjoyment are the most important things from all ages and teams — winning cups & trophies is but a bonus in the journey along the way- a great fillip.

I will conclude by thanking Mike Shoebridge for his Social media updates, they are legendary across Irish hockey. I also want to pay tribute to the back room team to Tuesday success, Ross, Adrian, Paul and Anja. And finally to the below squad of players, a massive well done, you created your own piece of history and we are all in the club incredibly proud of each and everyone of you.

John Skehan

Chris Neville

Dan Graham.

Sean Graham

Davy Graham

Tom Mulvey

Noa Mulvey

Nic Pio

Grant Pio

Liam Walsh

Ossian Elmiger

Cameron Shoebridge

Dylan Eustace

Adrian Sweeny

Dylan Farrell

Anthony Glutz

Pierre Botma

The very best wishes, happiness and good health to all in Portrane hockey club and your families for 2024 .

Paschal Henchy,

Club Chairperson..