Men’s U21 tournament launched at Mossley Mill

Pictured at the U21 Men's Hockey International 4 Nations launch are Mike Heskin (CEO Irish Hockey), William Stewart (President of Ulster Hockey Union), Newtownabbey Mayor Fraser Agnew, Dr Sean Ogle (Sport NI) and Denise Watson (UTV). Photo: Freddie Parkinson

Organisers hope the tournament, which is set to be staged at Mossley Hockey Club (February 11-13), will provide hockey fans with a chance to watch some of the world’s best teams at U21 level, including the recent World Cup winners, Germany.

“I am delighted to see such a high-profile tournament come to the borough and we look forward to visitors from Germany, Scotland, England and the four corners of Ireland seeing what Newtownabbey has to offer,” said the Mayor, Alderman Fraser Agnew at the launch.

“We would also like to thank Sport NI for the opportunity to bring an event of this calibre to Newtownabbey.”

The CEO of the Irish Hockey Association, Mike Heskin, said: “Both Irish Hockey and Ulster Hockey are delighted to bring this quality of competition to the area, showcasing some of hockey’s young stars while at the same time providing them with top quality opposition.”

Ulster Hockey President, William Stewart added: “Everyone within Ulster Hockey is delighted to see this standard of competition played in our region. It’s great that we can now attract such a high calibre of teams ... and it is great for the Borough as a whole. ”

The event has been funded by both Sport Northern Ireland and Newtownabbey Borough Council.