We’re back at Banbridge

Ulster U21 pair Jamie Wright and Neil Gilmore have rejoined Banbridge. They had left for Portadown to play first team hockey but Bann Head Coach Mark Tumilty has fought off interest from other clubs to bring the boys back to Havelock Park.

Jamie Wright and Neil Gilmore have both rejoined the club from Portadown.

Both players have been training with Ireland U21s and both helped Ulster U21s to the inter-provincial title back in February.

Jamie also played for Ireland in the international U21 tournament this year and they’re Banbridge Head Coach Mark Tumilty’s first signings of the summer.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get them in. They’re both away on Irish U21 training camps at the minute so these aren’t just ordinary run of the mill players we’re adding to the squad.

“Hopefully we’ll have a stronger squad next year with these guys coming in.

“They played for us three or four years ago before leaving to play in Portadown’s first team. I’ve always kept tabs on them and met them to discuss coming back to Banbridge. There were a few teams after them. Garvey, Cookstown and Instonians were all looking them so I’m just delighted to get them signed and get it all sealed.

“They’re both young lads at 20 and they’ll add a lot of pace and energy to the team.

“We’re looking forward to next season already. I was a bit down after the IHL final but the boys have trained so well since then and they’re in great physical shape.”

Tumilty is hoping the door isn’t shut on any further arrivals at Havelock just yet although Josh Moffett is the first to leave the squad on his way to university. There are also likely to be some more departures after this weekend’s European tournament.