Now that the Golden Oldies have completed their romp in the 71-team international festival at Marlay Park and the representatives of the Hurling Club of Buenos Aires head for Croke Park to celebrate their 75th anniversary, it is time for more serious activity to resume in Dublin hockey circles. As usual, the season tips off this weekend with the Three Rock Rovers tournament in which Grange of Scotland defend the Budweiser trophy.
Possibly, the most vigorous challenge will come from Glenanne, who will be fielding Leinster sweeper and Dublin All-Ireland football medal-winner Dessie Farrell from St Brendan's. Other Glenanne recruits include Alistair McMahon from Skerries and Englishman Richard Chappell.
If Instonians travel in sufficient strength, they are bound to make an impact for Ulster while similarly, Cork C of I can give an indication of their prowess.
Grange Road Line-Up - Group A: Holywood, Grange (Scotland), Newry, Three Rock Rovers; Group B: Instonians, Corinthians, Cork C of I, Glenanne. This evening: Corinthians v Instonians, 6.0; Grange v Newry, 7.0; TRR v Holywood, 8.0; Cork C of I v Glenanne, 9.0.
Bobby Bailey, who has died in Dublin, aged 77, was a stalwart of the Monkstown club, first in his playing years in relatively lean times at Royal Terrace and then as an international umpire. Though an unassuming figure, he particularly enjoyed the halcyon days of Leinster hockey in the 1960s. He was awarded his FIH badge in 1963 and was Ireland's representative among the umpires for the first European Championship in Brussels in 1970. His family continue to be much involved in the game, notably through his son, Noel, and grandsons, Glen and Cliff.
