Family affair as Hartes sign up for the India Hockey League

Irish hockey's interesting Hockey Happenings brings more positive news about the Harte brothers, who are taking on the India Hockey League as a family next month.

The Ireland international twins Conor and David have both signed for Dabang Mumbai. The four-week league, which begins in January, attracts many of the world's biggest hockey names to its six franchises (one new franchise has been added, Kalinga Lancers), which are a mix of nationalities.

Mumbai, the only team on the west coact of the country, will have Indian, Dutch, Australian, English and Czech players. It will be David’s second season in the league, having played for Mumbai Magicians last year. He was bought for €41,000, making him the second most expensive goalkeeper in the league this season.

Included among Harte's team-mates will be Belgian player Tom Boon who is the most expensive player from the auction, going for €82,300. Conor signed on for the same team for a more modest €8,000. The two are the only Irish players in the league.

Domestically, unbeaten Monkstown look set to continue the form that has them top of the Leinster Senior League table. The Rathdown club meet Rathgar, who are third from the bottom with just one win.