European Comp: Three Rock Rovers retain European Trophy Status
February 23, 2026
Three Rock Rovers travelled to Vienna from 13–15 February to compete in the Euro Hockey Club Trophy following their victory in the Irish National Championships. Drawn in a challenging pool with Portugal’s AD Lousada, hosts POST SV, and Türkiye’s Gaziantep Polisgücü SK, Rovers were focused on retaining Ireland’s Trophy status, having already secured qualification for the 2027 Euro Championships.
The squad, captained by James Walker, featured six Irish indoor internationals. Stephen O’Keeffe (Irish Captain) joined Rovers this season in goal, strengthening a defence led by Harry MacMahon, Jody Hosking, Luke Madeley, and Ali Haughton. Midfield duties were anchored by Ross Canning and James Kyrkiades, with Walker, Ryan Williams, and Mark Collins leading the attack.
Game 1 – vs AD Lousada (Portugal) Draw
Rovers started slowly, trailing 4–0 at halftime and 5–1 entering the final minutes. A late surge, including two short-corner goals from Canning and switching to six outfield players, produced two more strikes in the closing moments, earning a dramatic draw against the opponents who had denied Rovers a semifinal place two years prior.
Game 2 – vs POST SV (Austria): 4–3 Loss
Facing Austrian champions POST SV, Rovers started strongly, scoring in the opening minute and later taking a 3–2 lead with just 75 seconds remaining through goals from Canning, Madeley, and Walker. However, POST SV switched to six outfield players and scored twice late on to snatch a 4–3 win. Fine margins proved decisive: Rovers missed a penalty stroke while POST SV converted theirs, and despite dominating the final quarter and winning the short corner count 7–6, the late Austrian pressure was too much.
Game 3 – vs Gaziantep Polisgücü SK (Türkiye): 6–2 Loss
Both teams needed a victory to reach the promotion pool. Gaziantep, previously beaten by POST SV, brought pace and unpredictability, and Rovers struggled to contain their tempo, ultimately falling 6–2 and entering the relegation section.
Game 4 – vs LKS Gasawa (Poland): 3–3 Draw
Rovers led 2–0 before Gasawa fought back to take a 3–2 lead in the final minutes. Switching to six outfield players, Rovers produced a final-clutch moment with Ryan Williams finishing a flowing move to secure a vital draw — the eighth of the tournament’s thirteen matches.
Game 5 – vs Slagelse HC (Denmark): 5–4 Win
Needing a win to retain Trophy status for 2027, Rovers faced the unbeaten Danish side, the tournament’s top scorers. Walker scored a superb hat-trick in the 1st, 15th, and 26th minutes, with Madeley converting a penalty stroke for 4–2. Denmark attacked with six outfield players, but Williams added a crucial fifth goal. A Danish yellow card in the final minutes helped Rovers hold on for a 5–4 victory, securing sixth place overall and retaining Ireland’s Trophy status.
POST SV of Austria won the tournament, defeating France’s Lamberta 5–3. Rovers can feel proud of their performances, especially against the eventual champions, where fine margins defined the outcomes.
The tournament highlighted the rising standard of Irish indoor hockey, with five Rovers players representing Ireland at the European A Championships — a remarkable achievement for a self-funded programme. Continued support is vital for Ireland to remain competitive internationally.
Three Rock Rovers would like to send its thanks to EuroHockey, hosts POST SV, Hockey Ireland, their supporters, and especially Leinster Hockey, whose strong domestic league underpins the team’s progress. The squad looks forward to returning to the Trophy competition in 2027.
A massive well done to Three Rock Rovers on a fantastic tournament!
