Bringing an official European nations trophy home for the first time in the Irish Hockey Union's history, from the under-21 B division championship in Padua, the Ireland team may well be compared to the 1978 side which finished runners-up to the Netherlands in a memorable tournament at College Park, Dublin.
Horst Wein, Germany's roaming coaching guru, was particularly impressed with the manner of Ireland's 4-0 victory over France in last Sunday's final, saying that Ireland were well worthy of A division status. Indeed, at under-18 and under-20 levels Ireland have twice beaten Germany in recent years. So, it may well be that in 2000, possibly at UCD, the Irish under-21 side will strongly challenge the Germans for the premier division title which they won in Poznan, Poland, last weekend, beating England 3-2 in the decider.
Ireland's player of the tournament in Padua, Justin Sherriff, who struck 11 of the team's 28 goals in their five matches, will still be eligible to plunder defences in two years' time. Midfielder Garry McKee, equally adept in putting away short corners, will also be available, as will Garry Ringwood, Andrew Chambers and number two goalkeeper Charlie Henderson.
Furthermore, coach George Blackwood, whose astute positional switches and attacking policy undoubtedly contributed to the team's achievement, will be happy to remain in charge, particularly as he has been involved with the promising junior side for the past four years. Meanwhile, much is stirring in preparation for the new domestic season. On the coaching front, Simon Filgas - also involved initially with Munster - succeeds Jonathan Cole at Pembroke while Aidan Kidney moves to Avoca from Glenanne, where Eddie O'Malley takes charge. Harold de Jong is bringing Three Rock Rovers to Amsterdam to tune up in a first-division tournament this weekend.
Robin Madeley captains Rovers, taking the helm from Anthony O'Neill who has retired cheerily. Three Rock are hoping that Liam Canning at least will still be available to spearhead the developing side at European level. Peter Young leads Pembroke, who will be without Turlough O Siochain (in England), Ian Battle (stepping down after much loyal service) and Darren Hanna (heading back to Cork).
Pembroke, along with Monkstown, are taking part in the Annadale festival over the weekend. A 24-year-old South African forward, Greg Heger, will be linking up with Sherriff at Monkstown, for whom long-serving defender Tim Dunwoody is moving into the role of team manager, vacated by Tommy Allen.
