1891 - 1950

Founded in 1891, hockey became the School’s principal game from 1895. With Old Boys continuing to play for the School, a “Past and Present” Hockey Club was formed. They won the Irish Junior Cup in 1897, and soon became strong enough to play in Senior League and Cup Competitions. The present Club was re-formed in 1929 and has entered teams for Senior and other League and Cup Competitions ever since. The Club has played at the site of the present School since 1936, then fielding two teams.

1950-2000

Since the opening of Newpark School in 1973, the growth of the Club has been phenomenal; both in terms of numbers and success. The Club had four men’s teams in 1972, and this had grown to eight Men’s teams and four Ladies teams in 1976, a Ladies team having first been fielded in 1973. When Newpark School was first envisaged, the then Principal of Avoca and Kingstown School, at the request of the President of Avoca Hockey Club, wrote to the Department of Education, identifying the existence of the Hockey Club as a past pupils Club and seeking assurance of the continuing recognition of our special status. This assurance was given and confirmed in a letter received from the Department of Education. Avoca Hockey Club made a considerable contribution in terms of labour and finance, to the maintenance and marking of the two old Grit pitches at Newpark. Consideration was given to changing the name of the Club to “Newpark Hockey Club” but this was not followed up due to wide recognition of the existing name. Avoca Hockey Club has a high standing in both Leinster and Irish Hockey. Thirty-six of our players have gained full Senior International Caps (Outdoor) and seven (Indoor). The Club dominated Leinster Hockey, both outdoor and indoor right up to the mid 1990’s with a particular triumph culminating in the Capture of the Irish Senior Cup in 1996.

2000 to date

After the monumental Victory in the Irish Senior Cup, which was coupled the following year by Newpark School winning the All Ireland Schoolboy Championships, the club underwent a restructuring and re-growth period. Avoca applied for the re-development of the two grit hockey pitches and successfully received a grant from the National Lottery. A new state of the art water based Astro turf pitch was completed in time for the 2006/2007 season and is still in use today. Currently the Club boasts 3 Mens Senior Teams and 5 Ladies Senior Teams, competing in a range of provincial leagues and cups as well as national trophies. The ladies in particular have enjoyed recent success gaining promotion for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2009. The Club also continues to enter an Indoor Side into National Competitions every year and has been a strong supporter of Indoor Hockey in Ireland. In 2010 the Ladies entered the National Indoor tournament for the first time, At the other end of the scale, the Club runs Colts Hockey catering for boys and girls in the Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 age groups. People over the age of 16 can play in the Clubs Senior League teams. Coaching and equipment is provided for these young people. The Club provides, therefore, not only the facilities for sports enthusiasts, but a community service in engaging the interest and tapping and directing the energy and enthusiasm of young people from an early age. The Club also knows how to enjoy itself and has a vibrant social scene, particularly in ‘the clubhouse’, also known as The Wishing Well. Members are frequently spotted throughout the week, particularly on a Saturday night after Match Day. The Club hosts a number of social events throughout the year as well as a number of important fundraisers, notably the Annual Race Night, Dress Dance, Table Quiz as well as a host of other social nights out.

The Future

Avoca Hockey Club are committed to grass roots hockey. We have recently re-affirmed our commitment and investment in the development of hockey in Newpark School as well as the Colts/Fillies section of the club to nurture the development of young players for the future. We are always looking for and welcoming new members as well as some old faces to the club. If you are interested in joining or have any questions about Avoca Hockey Club please visit our contacts page or email info@avocahockeyclub.com