"We meet again, at the turn of the tide. A great storm is coming, but the tide has turned."
As one year ends and another begins, so does the Irish Hobbit League season. 2021-22 goes down as the largest season so far in the league with 68 participants battling it out at 18 different tournaments. But eventually there was a winner. Taking it right down to the wire and winning he League by the finest of margins was Ivan Sheehan, who won the League Finale to pip Micheal Bradford into 2nd place, with David Coleman securing the final podium place in 3rd. Here's just a few words from the Champion himself:
Congratulations on winning your 2nd IHL title. How does it feel to be champion for a 2nd time?
[Ivan] It feels good to be honest. To know that all the practice paid off and that the plan of sticking to one army over a season really seems to be the path to success. For me at least. And to win the league versus such excellent and admirable hobbits makes it so much better.
Were there any particular standout moments or games from this league campaign?
Oh now. To pick just one is very tough. Especially in the odd double season the IHL had for itself. The league final will always stand out though. Knowing i had to win the event to win the league meant i put much more thought into my moves and games. So it will always be etched in there. A really good event.
That and dragging Ugluk to victory time and again. Sometimes while crawling him along the ground. I really have fallen in love with his Legion. Even if i still hold him in very low regard.
This is the 3rd time in a row that the title is heading south to Cork. Do you think the Corkonian dominance will continue or could we see the crown heading elsewhere in 2023?
I would really want it to come home again hah! Myself and David Coleman have the very good fortune of playing each other regularly and as they say Iron sharpens Iron. As the last 3 seasons of The IHL amply prove.
There are some promising recruits coming up in the Dublin and NI regions though. And maybe the Old Guard will be roused from their slumber and come claim what was once theirs!
What would you say to anyone thinking about getting involved in the League?
Just jump in. We do try to be as welcoming as possible. We're lovely lads and ladettes really. Even if it's just getting more active on the IHL facebook page and posting pictures of toys or your love of the lore building up to maybe going to an event once you feel more comfortable. There are more and more new people joining which each season it seems. So no better time to jump in before the rough edges get filed off all the new bloods hah!.
Thus, as at the turning of the tide, when one season finishes, another begins, and the 2023 IHL season all kicks off next week with the Battles on the Coast, an 800 point event at Exploding Dice Games in Bangor, closely followed by the Tallaght Skirmish, a 500 point one dayer at Underworld Gaming, the following week. Both these events are currently sold out, but don't worry, there's plenty of events on the way throughout the year. To give a brief rundown of the currently confirmed tournaments so far there's:
18th-19th February - Desolation of Dublin - Underworld Gaming, Dublin - Ivan Sheehan - 850 points Good vs Evil
6th-7th May - Exploding Dice Games, Bangor - Paddy McCormick - 600 points - GBHL 90 points
3rd-4th June - Conquest of Hibernia - Underworld Gaming, Dublin - Dave Murphy - 777 points - GBHL 100 points and Ardacon Masters Qualifier
15th-16th July - Nirneath Arnoediad - Belfast Harlequins Hockey Club, Belfast - 800 points - GBHL 100 points and Ardacon Masters Qualifier
As well as a host of other events that will be confirmed over the coming weeks and months. Be sure to keep an eye on the IHL Facebook page to ensure you're kept up to date.
And with that I bid you all a very fond farewell and happy hobbying.
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