...one of Muckamore Cricket Club's most promising young players has looked just as much at home in Takapuna , New Zealand , as if he was back in County Antrim .
Mark Gleghorne's appearances in whites these days are few and far between given his hockey commitments, but at barely 22 years old, he's right up there at the top of Irish Hockey and looks destined to remain there for a long time. This week he added another memorable milestone to his budding hockey career when he emerged top goal scorer in the World Hockey Olympic Qualifier tournament in Auckland , an event that featured world class players from Argentina and hosts New Zealand .
But it was a bitter-sweet accolade for the young Ulster player as Ireland was narrowly pipped in reaching the final by a solitary goal on goal difference, and thereby lost out on the golden opportunity of going to Beijing in August.
Son of former Muckamore batsman Andy, it was almost inevitable that the Gleghorne brothers would find success at both cricket and hockey, given their dual sporting pedigree from both mother and father, but the demands of hockey at the highest level are such these days, that Mark has had little opportunity to don the whites on a regular basis. It's something he regrets but takes in his stride; "It's just impossible to get the time these days as hockey is virtually all year round and although we now have four months off until the matches start again, our fitness routine will still be in operation, and that's a big commitment. I might get a game or two at Muckamore this summer, but it's difficult to see any more involvement than that."
Cricket's loss is hockey's gain as Mark, with 80 caps already, continues to establish himself as one of the most prolific goal scorers in Irish hockey. The former Under 17 cricketer is now well on his way to setting new records and with so many international games on the horizon, it seems that only injury can deprive him of future honours. That's great news for the Ireland men's hockey team which has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years and but for a few dubious umpiring decisions and a kinder 'rub of the green,' might have caused a minor sensation and reached the China Olympics.
No doubt here will be another opportunity in four years time, and no doubt a more experienced Mark Gleghorne will be spearheading that challenge.
But as hockey enjoys a rare dual sporting talent, a budding cricket career sits on hold at Muckamore Cricket Club.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
Auckland
11 February
