History

Annadale Hockey Club is based in Holywood and East Belfast.

The Club was formed in 1968 by past pupils of Annadale Grammar School. Initially the membership was limited to former pupils of the school but Annadale became an open club in 1975 and since then has welcomed players of all abilities to its ranks.

The Club commenced with two teams and the first XI gained promotion and Cup victories every year until 1974. In 1976 advancement to Senior League 1 was achieved.  Major Club honours since then have included:

•  Premier League 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 (5 in a row!)
•  Kirk Cup 2000-01, 2003-04, 2007-08
•  Anderson Cup 1976-77, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2006-07
•  Irish Junior Cup 1999-00, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2005-06

Fundamental to this achievement has been a commitment to young players. In 1983 Annadale was the first Club in Ulster to introduce a structured youth development programme, initiated by Ronnie Smyth. A number of players, products of this youth policy, have gained Inter-provincial and International selection at Under 16, 18 and 21 levels. Some of these young players have subsequently progressed to the senior international squad. David Smyth, Chris Jackson and Iain Lewers all achieved over 60 full Irish caps before their retirement from the Irish squad. Annadale players continue to feature regularly in Ulster and Ireland squads each season.

Club members have rightly gained recognition for their contribution to the development of hockey as administrators, umpires and coaches. Ronnie McNamee, Michael Graham and Michael Jackson have served as Ulster Branch Presidents. Alan Moore, Billy Stewart and Michael Jackson have umpired at international level. Ronnie Smyth, Andy Smyth, Ronnie Dowdall and Graeme Francey have coached at Ulster and Ireland level.

The Club’s has used different home venues. Initially at Annadale Grammar School pitches, then Upper Braniel, Olympia Leisure Centre and now Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Carryduff. The development of a strategic partnership with Castlereagh Borough Council led to the laying of a synthetic pitch in 1995. A new surface replaced the original in late 2009 providing an excellent venue to support the Club’s development in the coming years.