| Ulster Hockey Union | |
| Formation: | 1896 |
| Headquarters: | Stirling House 478 Castlereagh Road Belfast BT5 6BQ [1] |
| Leader Title: | Secretary - Nicki Bayes |
| Leader Title2: | Chair - George Wilson |
| Leader Title3: | President - Margaret McCormack |
| Key People: | Marc Scott - Chief Executive |
| Parent Organization: | Hockey Ireland |
| Website: | https://ulsterhockey.com/ |
| Former Name: | Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association Ulster Women's Hockey Union |
The Ulster Hockey Union is the governing body for field hockey in Ulster. It is affiliated to Hockey Ireland. It organises a number of leagues and cup competitions for clubs and schools in the province. These include the Ulster Senior League, the Kirk Cup and the Ulster Shield. Over 70 clubs are affiliated to the union.
The modern Ulster Hockey Union was founded in May 2009 following the merger of the Ulster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association and the Ulster Women's Hockey Union. The UBIHA was originally formed in December 1896.[2] Founding members of the original association included the North Down, Cliftonville and Antrim hockey clubs.[3] [4] [5] At a special general meeting on 15 October 1897 at the Royal Avenue Hotel, Belfast, members of the association agreed to form the Ulster Senior League.[6] The 1897–98 season also the introduction of the association's senior men's cup competition, the Kirk Cup.[7]
The Ulster Hockey Union also organises representative teams. They mainly play against teams representing the other provinces of Ireland. A number of Ireland, England and Great Britain internationals have also played for Ulster at interprovincial level.