This week Caolán Conroy caught up with Peter Jackson, Ireland Hockey Senior Men’s Manager, at the Five Nations international tournament in Malaga.

 

Tell us us about yourself and your role at Hockey Ireland. 

I have been involved in hockey as a player, and in managerial roles as a volunteer for nearly 50 years.  It sounds long but that is the beauty of sport. It becomes an obsession. I have managed Ulster and Ireland men’s teams at every level.

I come from a Merchant Navy and Emergency Planning background; this background and leadership experience as well as travelling the globe have helped with leading sports teams. I have also been on the Board of Directors for Hockey Ireland, Anti Doping Officer, Chair of High Performance. I remain a member of the Disciplinary Panel and a Volunteer for ‘The Hockey Museum’ based in Woking. Occasionally I still Umpire for my local Club at Mossley.

Hockey runs in the family as my wife played and is the Men’s Team Medical Officer. My eldest son plays for the Team and has 231 Senior International Caps (one of Ireland’s most capped players in their history).

Hockey has taken me worldwide but Cairo was probably the most interesting in the Mubarak Stadium. I even had a brush with the law! Hockey sticks look remarkably like rifles when the light is fading. I was walking across the pitch towards the official post game reception when I was challenged and detained. The Egyptian people treated the team with huge warmth and respect but Cairo was incredibly edgy at the time and – it was only a few weeks later that Sharm El Sheik was targeted in an explosion.

 

Why is 2018 such an important year for Irish hockey? What would constitute a success for the Irish international teams this year?

In Rio

2018 is a noteworthy year for hockey in Ireland. Both men’s and ladies’ teams have qualified for the World Cup: the ladies in London (July/August) and the men in Bhubaneswar, East India (November/December). This is the first time both teams have qualified for World Cups in the same year.

The world ranking of our teams should not be underestimated. When I started as Manager the men were 24th. We are now ranked 10th and indeed qualified for the Rio Olympics in 2016. We are the only amateur hockey team in the world top 10. Success in any sport is always based on results.

However, achievements should be balanced against resources, particularly in team sports. Unfortunately, hockey does not have the sponsorship of rugby, GAA, cricket or football. It’s not for the want of trying to attract funders. It bemuses me that given its participation profile and world exposure, hockey has not been able to attract a major sponsor.

 

How do you think hockey is perceived in Ireland? What would you like to see done to grow the sport?

I guess hockey is perceived as a middle class grammar school sport.  It is played across a whole spectrum of Irish society, north and South. Its origins are in Egypt as much as hurling and shinty. The games are remarkably similar.

Too often I have heard it being described as a “girls’ game.” The critics should try it or even go to watch an international match. With ball speeds of up to 120km/hour and a player covering up to 9km in 60 minutes, it far outstrips football in terms of energy. I hope the sport can grow outside of its traditional base.  It is one of few sports you can keep playing despite maturing age. There are veteran international teams for the over 65s, mum’s groups and mixed hockey. The social side isn’t bad either.

My passion is for indoor hockey as a variation to develop the outdoor game, especially for kids. In January, I was at the England Indoor Finals at the Olympic Park in London. 5,000 spectators attended and the atmosphere was fantastic. It’s the way to go, especially in the middle of winter and with our climate.

 

Did you know Ed Sheeran was a huge hockey fan?

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am retired so I spend a lot of time reading. A habit I picked up when I was sailing on long voyages. I particularly like military history. Sporting tactics are often derived from battlefield manoeuvres. I did assist in research on Irish hockey internationals killed during the First world War. The book by Stephen Walker, Ireland’s Call, is a very poignant read.

I have a fascination with the history of Belfast. I have travelled the world, but no city compares to its richness.  I just wish we could all appreciate it a little bit more.

I also support Antrim in GAA. Although I may be  biased, I believe it is the best county in Ireland, without a doubt.

 

Who are your sporting idols or inspirations?

I have no particular sporting idols. I am too old for that but I do admire sport men and sportswoman for longevity. Roger Federer is currently above the parapet of sporting greats on and off the court. Locally, Jonathan Rea stands out for me. Outside of that I wish I could write, orate and have the wit of Winston Churchill.

 

What are your 2018 predictions sporting and otherwise?

Ireland someday will win a World or Olympic Hockey medal.  We won European Bronze in 2015, beating England into fourth place. If it had been football, sponsors would be crawling over us.

I would love to see Irish sports, including hockey, participating in the Commonwealth Games. Why not? We did it up until 1938 and there is a British and Irish Lions Rugby Team. I suppose politicians would choke on their tea if they read such a suggestion, but it could have huge benefits both North and South.