Friday, January 16, 2026

The amazing story of how an Irish priest became the ‘father of Japan hockey’

When Ireland women take to the pitch at Oi Hockey Stadium for their opening match of the Tokyo Olympics against South Africa on Saturday, they may not know it but the Green Army will be willed on by a strong, if silent, ‘home’ support.

Irish fans may not be present but the spirit of Rev Cannon William Grey still lives on in Tokyo, the rector who has the distinction of introducing hockey into Japan, creating a buzz at Keio University and where Japanese tourists still visit his grave in Dublin to this day.

Continue reading...

Unlock ALL our premium content for 3 months for only £1...and get use of our subscriber-only app for a better reading experience.

Simply select Monthly or Yearly subscription and use coupon 3FOR1 when prompted.

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Hockey Factory Shop

spot_img

More from Author

Amateur Welsh hockey player who suffered brain injury sparks safety concerns

A former senior teacher is calling for greater transparency around sports...

Teacher left with brain injury after hockey match denied compensation

‘No one should be left to fight this alone’ is the...

How to be a top Hockey India League franchise? Hyderabad Toofans on auction near mishaps, science and finance

Siddarth Pandey, the commentator turned Hyderabad Toofans team director, is reliving...

England Hockey top flight teams set for congested season run-in

England Hockey says it will make “strong representation” to the FIH...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img