Kit sightings: both of Ireland's GK's in Obo

With the Ireland - England game over and done with on Thursday, it was interesting (if only slight!) to pay attention to what Ireland's goalkeepers were wearing. And Obo seems to be it, which actually put the the three out of four goalkeepers (including both choices for each team) in Obo; Patrick Smith also being sponsored by Obo, wearing almost the exactly same set-up as Fitzgerald actually as both prefer the Mercian Ultimate rhp for its hybrid technical uses (as this photo illustrates link).

West was in TK softie leg guards and kickers a while ago so the change to Obo is worth making note of. Both Irish goalkeepers were also wearing Obo's elbow guards; the current ones as opposed to the ones Kyle Pontifex was using at the London Olympics and others have been trialing.

http://www.hockeyimages.co.uk/3a46896

Great photos to demonstrate what's just be written, by none other than Peter Savage as ever. Wasn't able to get to the game myself, so only able to go by photographic evidence!

Ireland with young options

At the time of David Harte's rise to prominence in Ireland and on the international scene, there were three goalkeepers in the running for the first team spot. In goalkeeping terms this meant that the talent they had was young and promising; the years have passed and Ireland has its own goalkeeping star, with a capable second choice in David Fitzgerald waiting his turn should he ever be needed. Which, unfortunately him, won't be too often, as Harte is considered the heir apparent, much like trying to get playing time when you're benching for Buffon. I.e. it's not going too happen pretty much, unless because of injury!

Though David (Fitzgerald; there seem to be a few famous David's in the Irish Goalies Union!) is getting his chance in friendlies, and with England getting some warm up games in before the World Cup over the summer, and for the coaching staff to get a look at some of their options going forward, he is getting a chance to add to his caps for his home nation.

That is alongside youngster Stephen West. West, a goalkeeper for Three Rock Rovers, has come up through the junior ranks and impressed enough to get included in the larger training squad (in comparison to the slimmer version, where cuts are made for the starting 11 and subs!) and is considered Ireland's future in goal.

You can read more about the three way battle for the no. 1 jersey from a few years back here:

http://www.hookhockey.com/index.php/2011/08/fitzgerald-bides-time-for-major-euro-call-up/

Fitzgerald switches to Mercian rhp design

Equipment sighting wise, Ireland's second choice David Fitzgerald, is currently using Mercian's recent rhp design with the more popular larger profile stopping area and diagonal design to help push away shots more easily when connecting with the right hand (rather than bringing the left hand across!). Fitzgerald who has taken over from previous second choice Iain Walker is currently backing up Hoofdklasse standout David Harte at the current World Hockey League tournament competition round in Rotterdam. The Monkstown starter is proving his worth in the Irish national league, helping his team to win IHL final in May.

You can see him in action with it here:

http://irishhockeyphotographers.zenfolio.com/p324861429/h5AA353D8#h5aa353d8