History of Hockey in Kilkenny

Kilkenny may not be the home of hockey but it has found a home here. The local paper, the Kilkenny People, carried reports in the early 20th century of matches being played in the city. However the game was not structured and it wasn't until later in the century that Castlecomer in North Kilkenny became home to a successful side in the 1930's and '40s. Over time the game died away.

In 1973, it resurrected itself again and Kilkenny Mens Hockey Club was formed by a group of men in Kilkenny Tennis Club. Early matches were challenges against teams in the South East and eventually,the club felt confident enough to enter a side in the South east league against teams from Carlow, Bagenalstown, North Kildare, Wexford and Waterford.

While most of the other teams struggled, Kilkenny grew. in part, this was due to the presence in the city of Kilkenny College, a stronghold of hockey in Leinster. In the early years, the club 's only involvement with the school was through some of the teachers becoming members. In time, some students began to join and a fruitful relationship has built up through the years.

By the 1980's, the club spread its wings. The South East league shrank as some of the other clubs failed to attract new members and in 1987, the league folded and two clubs; Carlow and Kilkenny, joined the Leinster league. Before long, Kilkenny added a second team and within five years had three teams in the league, four in cup competitions and its first team was playing Senior 1 hockey.

Since then the club has experienced most of its success in the Leinster Minor Cup having won it three times in the last 10 years. the first team gained promotion to Division 1 in the 1990's but have since played in a more comfortable Division 3.