
Reading Hockey Club is delighted to announce the signing of Irish international Paddy McElhinney, who joins the Men's 1st XI for the 2026/27 season.
Paddy arrives at Sonning Lane from Team Bath Buccaneers, where he has been a key figure in the Men's 1st XI competing in Division 1 South of the England Hockey League. An Ireland U21 international and part of Hockey Ireland's National Performance Pathway, he combined his club hockey in Bath with his studies at the University of Bath, where he was recognised with a sporting scholarship in acknowledgement of his performances at an elite level.
The club's Chairman, Tim Hunt, welcomed the signing: "Paddy is exactly the calibre of player we want to be attracting to Reading. He's a Performance Pathway athlete with international experience, and he arrives with real ambition to push on with his career. We're delighted he's chosen to join the Reading Hockey Club family."
Todd Williams, Head of Men's Performance, added: "Paddy has developed impressively through the Irish pathway and in a competitive Buccaneers side, and he brings quality, energy and a great attitude. Adding him to the group is a really exciting step for the Men's 1st XI ahead of 2026/27."
Paddy will link up with his new teammates ahead of pre-season training this summer. The whole club looks forward to welcoming him to Sonning Lane.