Get your bags packed, Loreto are going to Europe!!

I am absolutely delighted to confirm that Loreto first squad will be participating in the European Hockey Championships this coming June. Loughborough University in Leicester has been confirmed as the venue. What a fantastic opportunity for all our Club members, families and associates to take this opportunity to support and enjoy some fantastic hockey as well as join in in all the fun and craic that is guaranteed when Loreto Hockey Club go on tour!!

It is no doubt a massive achievement that the Loreto 1st Squad are representing us in Europe yet again. Accordingly, I would encourage you all to come and support our very own superstars!!

The dates for the tournament are as follows: Friday the 6th June – Monday the 9th June inclusive.

The match times are as follows:

Friday 6th: 12 noon

Saturday 7th: 1pm

Sunday 8th: 1pm

Monday 9th: TBC – Depends on the results from the first three matches!

As with previous European trips we hope that a large number of supporters will travel to support the team. Already over 30 of our club members have booked flights and accommodation.  The following, to name a few, have booked; myself! Bronnie, Gemma, Wendy, The Smith Family, Paula Cunniffe, Steph Doran, Adriana Luizzi, Laura P, Sarah Maher,Grainne Cregan, Carol and Susan Fanagan, Susan Connolly and many more…

I have set out below some Flight and Hotel Options:

Option 1: Fly Ryanair Dublin to East Midlands Airport return currently approx €50 -€60 (hand luggage) Two flights a day.

Take a bus from East Midlands Airport to Derby Train Station to Leicester Train Station. Duration  is 21 minutes and trains depart every 30 minutes. Off peak return train ticket costs £22.50 (off peak after 9am each weekday)

Alternatively if three of four people get together could take a taxi at approx £25.00

Option 2: Fly Ryanair or Aer Lingus return to Dublin to Birmingham International Airport. Cost currently €60-€80 (Hand luggage)

Take 10 minute Bus Journey from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham New Street Train Station. Take train to Leicester Train Station. Journey time 62 minutes and departs every 30 minutes.

Off peak return train tickets are currently costing £17.50 (Off peak after 9amweekdays)

Hotel: while people may perfer to stay in a hotel of their choice, you may be interested to know that a large number of people have already booked into the IBIS Leicester, St Georges Way, Constitution Hill, Leicester. Phone no: 00441162487200. You can either book directly with the hotel or through booking.com where they have special deals. The hotel is a five minute walk from Leicester Train Station and is located very centrally to the main restaurants pubs and clubs and local transport.

The Tourament will be hosted in Loughborough University.

All games will take place there.

Two options to get to Loughborough University ie pitch grounds are as follows;

Option 1 – Taxi from  Ibis Hotel to Pitches  (approx 20 miles away)

4 & 6 seater Taxis from Swift Fox Cabs in Leicester Tel;0044 116 2628222

(cost £21 & £30 approx per Cab company today)

Option 2 – Train and Bus from Leicester Train Station (5 mins from Hotel) to pitches

Take train from Leicester Train Station to Loughborough Train Station.

These depart every 30 mins – Duration is 11 minutes and the cost after 9am is £5.50 return ticket.

At Loughborough Station take the bus H729 to Loughborough University. Cost is £2,60 for  a return ticket after 9am – Duration 15 minutes

So come on girls and boys get booking soon as you do not want to miss out on the Loreto Hockey Clubs family trip!! It promises to be great fun which the opportunity to watch some super hockey and be of support to our super first squad and management team.

Looking forward to seeing you all there