Hockey Ireland were saddened to hear today of the death earlier this week of former Irish international hockey player Richard Mellon. Richard was capped 29 times for Ireland between 1968 and 1975. During his playing career he also played for Dublin University and Three Rock Rovers. He will be long remembered in Grange Road. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Hockey Ireland and Queen B Athletics are delighted to announce after an extremely successful first year as partners, that they are extending their current partnership with the Irish Women’s Hockey Team for another four years. The renewed sponsorship includes “Green Army” limited edition Queen B “Daisy” leggings for the current squad, along with the now iconic Official “Green Army” Sports Bra.
The initial partnership was struck up at a 20×20 event, when a conversation between the two parties lead to the simple but powerful question being asked, “Why doesn’t an Official Sports Bra Sponsor exist?”
Hockey Ireland and Queen B made waves last year when they announced their partnership a few weeks ahead of the Irish Women’s Olympic Qualifier success in Donnybrook last year. The team went on to make history becoming the first Irish Women’s Hockey team to qualify for an Olympic Games. However, they had also made history a few weeks beforehand, becoming the first national team to have an Official Sports Bra Supplier; an official supplier for what is considered an essential piece of kit to all active females, whether it is at elite international level or someone taking their first steps on a Couch to 5k programme.
“Sports bras are not underwear, they are kit. I think this partnership is part of a bigger picture. It’s part of a movement that recognises the importance of truly functional kit for women. Women deserve all of their kit to be considered essential. Hockey Ireland share this belief and together we can use our platforms to promote the Green Army, women in sport, an increase in participation and spectatorship.” said co-founder Brid Ryan.
With this in mind, we’ve created the first of its kind, a Supporters Sports Bra. Similar to the squad’s official sports bra, we’ve created a Supporters Sports Bra and will be making it available for fans to purchase on Wednesday September 30th from www.queenbathletics.com. While the squads Sports Bras are plain navy with little green accents, Ireland is stitched on the front, with the Hockey Ireland and Queen B logos on each side, and “Green Army” is present on the back, the Supporters Sports Bra has emerald green straps and features the Hockey Ireland logo on the front. The all-important “Green Army” is stitched into the back to seal the deal on the first ever OFFICIAL Supporters Sports Bra.
“Since we announced the partnership last year, we’ve definitely seen an increased interest in teams approaching us for customised sports bras. It’s such an important aspect of your kit and we make sure it’s designed and fitted perfectly for your team,” continued Brid.
The announcement ties in well with the current chapter of the 20×20 campaign, #ThinkItAskIt. “Why doesn’t an Official Sports Bra Sponsor exist?” Now there it does. What next? The Supporters Sports Bra. The Green Army is recruiting. And We Want YOU! #NoPlaceForAPrincess
Lisnagarvey, YMCA and Monkstown all got off to winning starts in the men’s EY Hockey League while UCD and Glenanne shared the spoils as the elite competition returned to action with a bang.
Garvey looked in great shape to win the title last season before lockdown scuppered their chances but they made an impressive start when striking late to defeat reigning EY Champions Trophy holders Three Rock Rovers 4-2 at Comber Road.
The Ulster side led twice via goals from Ben Nelson – making it five goals in three games in September – but Ben Johnson and Peter Blakeney fought back both times for 2-2 going into the final quarter. James Lorimer, however, struck two corners for the victory.
Monkstown put on a great show both on the pitch and online as they live-streamed their 6-0 win over Corinthian with a four-camera and commentator set-up at the Merrion Fleet Arena.
It took just four minutes for Jeremy Duncan to open his account for the club from a penalty corner rebound while two Lee Cole drag-flicks and a Ryan Spencer strike put them 4-0 up at half-time. Further goals from Max Guilfoyle and Stephen Cole completed their victory.
Grant Glutz overcame an early penalty stroke miss to bag a hat trick for YMCA as they beat Annadale 3-0 at Wesley. The powerful striker applied a spin-flick to break the deadlock in the first half before killing off the game with a pair of rockets in the final quarter.
UCD, meanwhile, snatched a point late on against Glenanne with Guy Sarratt coming up trumps. He exchanged goals with Shannon Boucher to make it 1-1 at half-time before player-coach Shane O’Donoghue edged the Glens in front in the second half. Sarratt, though, created and scored the vital corner for a 2-2 result.
Banbridge against Pembroke was called off on Saturday morning due to a positive Covid-19 case in the Pembroke camp. Following the advice of the HSE, the club were advised not to travel.
Men’s EY Hockey League – week one results: Lisnagarvey 4 (B Nelson 2, J Lorimer 2) Three Rock Rovers 2 (B Johnson, P Blakeney); Monkstown 6 (L Cole 2, J Duncan, R Spencer, M Guilfoyle, S Cole) Corinthian 0; UCD 2 (G Sarratt 2) Glenanne 2 (S Boucher, S O’Donoghue); YMCA 3 (G Glutz 3) Annadale 0; Banbridge v Pembroke – off
October 3rd fixtures: Annadale v Monkstown, Strathearn, time TBC; UCD v YMCA, Belfield, 1pm; Glenanne v Banbridge, St Andrew’s, 1.30pm; Pembroke v Lisnagarvey, Serpentine Avenue, 2pm; Corinthian v Three Rock Rovers, Whitechurch Park, 5pm
Men’s EY Hockey League – day one extended reports
Lisnagarvey 4 (B Nelson 2, J Lorimer 2) Three Rock Rovers 2 (B Johnson, P Blakeney)
Two late James Lorimer penalty corners earned Lisnagarvey a big home win over Three Rock Rovers at Comber Road as their unbeaten run on the national stage was put under huge pressure. Ben Nelson twice gave them a lead before Ben Johnson and Peter Blakeney got it level going into the final stages but Garvey took their chances to start off the campaign with three points.
Nelson continued his goal-a-game September when he finished off from a baseline pull-back after a swift move down the right channel. Johnson equalised with a penalty corner drag-flick but Nelson restored the lead in the third quarter when he took a free in the 23m zone himself and broke through a couple of tackles before sliding in a shot on his reverse.
Ben Walker’s incisive run created the equaliser when he slipped the ball left to Peter Blakeney who swept first-time from the left of the circle to wrong-foot James Milliken. Rovers then had a couple of huge chances to go in front but Milliken denied Ross Canning brilliantly while a corner switch was also repelled.
Garvey held their nerve to provide a double-strike late in the game for a second successive week, backing up last weekend’s Irish Senior Cup success.
YMCA 3 (G Glutz 3) Annadale 0
Grant Glutz scored an opening day hat trick as YMCA recorded a big win over Annadale in a tussle between the sides that finished ninth and tenth last season. He had the chance to open the scoring just a couple of minutes when his drag-flick hit a body on the line; his stroke effort, however, was nonchalent in the extreme and the goalkeeper got down to save with his stick.
Dale had a couple of corners come to nought with Adam McAllister looking dangerous and Jakim Bernsden alert to a bouncing shot. Glutz broke the deadlock before the end of the first quarter from a corner second phase, a spin-flick after Ben Campbell’s initial shot bounced away.
Another Campbell ricocheted off the bar in the second quarter to leave the game at the minimum and it stayed that way through the third quarter despite a quarter of YM corners.
Ben O’Grady had to back-pedal to save a looper off the goal line before Andrew Meates contrived to put a huge chance wide after a smart move.
But the game was settled with the second in the final quarter when Glutz latched onto a loose ball 30 metres out. He had plenty to do still but weaved in between four defenders and struck open an openhand shot from the top D for 2-0. And the third arrived soon after when Dale got in a muddle in their own circle and the ball bounced to Glutz to hit in first time.
Monkstown 6 (L Cole 2, J Duncan, R Spencer, M Guilfoyle, S Cole) Corinthian 0
Monkstown eased to a comfortable victory over Corinthian, scarcely looking back from the moment Jeremy Duncan broke the deadlock in the fourth minute from a penalty corner. It was the perfect start to life in sky-blue for the Irish international in his first match back in Ireland for three years.
David Cole’s raking passes from centre-back through the middle were wreaking havoc and twice Town found themselves close to picking off the reds from such moves. The second came from an intercept which ended up with Duncan winning a corner that Lee Cole – another Irish star back from Belgium – whipped home.
Lee Cole’s brilliant first time pass from the right sideline at halfway created the third, Ryan Spencer again in behind the defence where he had time to slap past Charlie Henderson. Cole went high with his next corner shot for a 4-0 lead at half-time.
The reds came more into the tie in the second half but – after Duncan had one disallowed – they dropped further behind when another long ball was first timed by Nick Dee into the circle. Max Guilfoyle chipped the ball out of traffic and then fired home on his backhand. Stephen Cole completed the scoring eight minutes from the end via a stroke.
UCD 2 (G Sarratt 2) Glenanne 2 (S Boucher, S O’Donoghue)
Honours even from a scrappy battle at Belfield with UCD and Glenanne sharing four goals. The returning Stephen Dawson made two excellent saves early on to keep out Shane O’Donoghue from open play and then to deny Richard Couse.
Shannon Boucher did put the Glens in front when he wrong-footed the goalkeeper to score form a corner in the second quarter but that was countered by Guy Sarratt firing past Iain Walker right on the half-time whistle.
Player-coach O’Donoghue did get his goal with a gliding run through the defence and then a flick which went high into the net. But the defining moment came four minutes from the end when a Glens’ free deep in UCD territory was overturned for dissent.
Sarratt went on a mazy run which ended in a corner which the captain buried into the same spot as his first strike to make it 2-2.
Catholic Institute and Railway Union produced a couple of sensational performances to land wins over sides who were in the top four of the women’s EY Hockey League before it succumbed to lockdown last term.
For Insta, their 2-0 success at Rosbrien was a first against UCD in a very long time as they scored two well-worked goals in the last 12 minutes. Aoife Hickey got the first following Ciara Moloney’s excellent break from left back opened the door for a nice spin and shot; Laura Foley then closed out the win after a smart give-and-go move down the right channel.
Railway were in the relegation playoff place before last season was halted with Loreto top of the table but that counted for little when the Sandymount side won 2-1 at Beaufort with Kate Lloyd getting both her side’s goals.
Sarah Hawkshaw was the creator both times, the first from a driving run through the middle, teeing up Lloyd to take it on her preferred backhand side. The other was a great pick-up on the baseline, giving Lloyd the chance to slap in first time. Hannah Matthews got a late one back from a penalty corner.
Old Alex got an almighty scare at Belfast Harlequins but ultimately held on for a 3-2 win at Deramore Park. Aine Connery and Sarah Robinson made it 2-0 at half-time before Nikki Evans stretched the lead to three. Natalie Barr and Julie Allison, however, set nerves jangling with a couple of goals to cut the gap significantly.
Pegasus bounced back from their Irish Senior Cup final loss last weekend with a stylish 2-0 win over Pembroke. Youngsters Niamh McIvor and Olivia Berry put them two to the good by half-time and that is how it stayed.
Women’s EYHL Division 1 – day one results: Belfast Harlequins 2 (N Barr, J Allison) Old Alexandra 3 (A Connery, S Robinson, N Evans); Catholic Institute 2 (A Hickey, L Foley) UCD 0; Loreto 1 (H Matthews) Railway Union 2 (K Lloyd 2); Pegasus 2 (N McIvor, O Berry) Pembroke 0; Muckross v Cork Harlequins – off
EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Ards 3 (Z Malseed, K McKenna, A Benson) Corinthian 0; Trinity v UCC – off
Pool B: Queen’s 3 (J McMaster, R Quinn, A Jebb) NUIG 1 (M Corcoran); Monkstown v Cork C of I – off
October 3 fixtures: Cork Harlequins v Catholic Institute, Farmers’ Cross, 1pm; Muckross v Railway Union, Grange Road, 1pm; Loreto v Pegasus, Beaufort, 2.45pm; UCD v Belfast Harlequins, Belfield, 2.50pm; Pembroke v Old Alex, Serpentine Avenue, 4pm
Women’s EYHL Division One – day one reports
Loreto 1 (H Matthews) Railway Union 2 (K Lloyd 2)
Kate Lloyd’s double saw Railway Union stun Loreto as they raided Beaufort to win 2-1. Before lockdown, Railway sat in the relegation playoff place while Loreto were on top of the table but the Sandymount side appear refreshed with a new coach and some new players helping them get off to a flying start.
Railway started with intent, winning a corner and then seeing a Sarah Hawkshaw skip across goal just beyond Kate McKenna; Hawkshaw was also set through after a Loreto corner mishap but struck wide.
Loreto had two big chances, too, but they fell behind when Hawkshaw burst forward from midfield and delivered the ball to Lloyd in the circle. She switched to her preferred backhand side and rocketed in the first goal.
Ali Meeke’s sharp volley from a Siofra O’Brien snap-shot looped just over, keeping it at 1-0 at the break. Railway moved further in front in the third quarter with Hawkshaw again the instigator with a great pick-up to a bouncing ball on the baseline and she fed Lloyd to slap in at the near post.
Railway’s defence was solid and unyielding for much of the second half but Loreto did make for a spicy finish when a corner switch fell to Hannah Matthews who swept in from the left-top of the D. They tried the same corner again in the last three minutes but it only found a foot this time and the follow-up corner was crowded out and cleared.
Belfast Harlequins 2 (N Barr, J Dennison) Old Alexandra 3 (A Connery, S Robinson, N Evans)
Old Alex were given a huge scare by Belfast Harlequins but ultimately got all three points from their trip to Deramore Park, winning 3-2. It was the Dubliners’ more clinical touch in front of goal that proved decisive as it was their hosts who had the bulk of the chances in an entertaining contest.
The Belfast side had four decent opportunities to score through Jenna Watt (twice) Emma Uprichard and Julie Dennison in the opening 10 minutes.
But Alex punished their wastefulness six minutes into the second quarter when Aine Connery met a right wing cross and her first time shot trickled over the line after striking both posts.
The Leinster side doubled their lead from the penalty spot through Sarah Robinson on the stroke of half-time. And it was three in the second half when Nikki Evans finished off an incisive counter-attack in which fellow international Deirdre Duke had been instrumental.
Natalie Barr pulled one back from a narrow angle in the 47th minute and 10 minutes later Dennison reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a carbon copy.
Quins pummelled the Alex circle in the dying minutes but were unable to find the equaliser their spirited display perhaps merited.
Quins coach Phil Mills said: “I thought we played very well against an Alex side that will do well this season in my view but, unfortunately, we just couldn’t make the most of our chances.”
“But we will take a lot of positives out of the game and look forward to playing UCD in Dublin on Saturday.”
Catholic Institute 2 (A Hickey, L Foley) UCD 0
Aoife Hickey and Laura Foley netted a goal each in the closing 12 minutes to earn Catholic Institute a huge win over UCD to start their season in cracking fashion against the recently crowned Irish Senior Cup winners.
“Really pleased to get three points against a fit talented young team,” said coach Dave Passmore. “While UCD created more of the chances in the third period, our increased depth and improved fitness stood to us and we managed the game well in the closing phases which was something we struggled with in the early stages last season.”
Passmore was able to hand club debuts to ex-international goalkeeper Pam Smithwick and American duo Allison Smith and Kelsey Farkas and they had the edge in the early stages before UCD came into a bit more. They handed debuts to Eva Lavelle, Sophia Cole and Rachel Kelly and they began to get a greater hold on the tie with Michelle Carey and Hannah McLoughlin winning corners but to no avail.
The breakthrough came when Ciara Moloney surged forward from left back and fed into the centre of the D; Aoife Hickey’s clever run and first touch took her into space on the right and she struck with her second touch for 1-0.
And, in the final minutes, they clinched the game following some excellent approach work with Laura Foley’s give and go offering her the chance to slot home.
Pegasus 2 (N McIvor, O Berry) Pembroke 0
Youngsters Niamh McIvor and Olivia Berry struck the Pegasus goals as they put last week’s Irish Senior Cup final defeat behind them to start the EY Hockey League campaign on a winning note.
They controlled the pace of the game and, from their first short corner, converted a Shirley McCay strike with a deflection from Niamh McIvor, 1-0 after five minutes. Berry got the second in the second quarter following another sweet move in which Lucy McKee passed to McIvor down the right side and she crossed immediately for Berry to score on the volley.
The second half saw plenty of circle entries and a number of short corners but without conversion. Pembroke chased the game and worked hard until the end but it was Pegasus who secured the three points.
EYHL Division 2 round-up
Ards made a big statement on the opening day of EYHL Division 2 when they got the better of Corinthian 3-0. The reds had won all seven of their games before last season was called to a halt but they have started this season on the back foot.
Zara Malseed gave the Ulster side the lead in the eighth minute and they held that through to half-time with Naomi McKnight making some key saves. Katie McKenna’s goal five minutes into the second half was a key one and Ards were out of sight when Amy Benson scored from a penalty corner soon after.
In Pool B, Queen’s left it late before accounting for NUIG 3-1. Maebh Corcoran had the Galway side 1-0 up at half-time and it was all to play for at the three-quarter time break after Jessica McMaster levelled things up. Rebecca Quinn and Alyssa Jebb completed the comeback in the closing minutes.
Lisnagarvey 0, Corinthians 1 (C Adair).
Corinthian’s Max Neil provided the first bit of excitement with a shot on the hosts’ James Ritchie, as the Irish Junior Cup got underway in Lisnagarvey this afternoon. Ritchie saved well to keep prevent the visitors taking an early lead, with penalty corners for both sides in the opening quarter also failing to convert to progress on the scoreboard.
Ryan Getty rounded the Corinthians defence nicely to shoot across the goal in search of a blue jersey who might complete the task, however the ball rolled just out of reach and Corinthians succeeded in defending the goal but give away a penalty corner in the process. Irwin’s flick finds George Dagg’s instead of the goal, and the subsequent rebound leads to another penalty corner for the hosts. The following attempt is also defended and Corinthians push the threat back out of danger for a brief period.
Harry Scott and Oliver Patterson had a series of lovely passes midfield to bring them back into the Corinthians circle, resulting in another penalty corner for the hosts. Blennerhassett and MacWilliam defend well to keep Lisnagarvey from taking a lead, with the quarter ending shortly after with the sides level 0 – 0.
Mark Raphael hit the ball wide for Lisnagarvey in the second quarter, while Harry Scott also managed to penetrate the Corinthians’ circle and shoot across it but there’s no one available in blue to receive it. The opening goal came from Corinthian’s Callum Adair, a pass across the Lisnagarvey goal provided him the perfect opportunity to slip the ball in behind the keeper to give Corinthian’s the lead.
A skilful run by MacKay saw Corinthians challenge again shortly afterwards, resulting a penalty corner. Glenn Holmes flicked towards goal, but found Ritchie’s pad, with the rebound being pushed out of play. Lisnagarvey were quick to attack after this, with Jacob Hermon’s shot finding Lewis’s pad and Corinthian’s resuming possession. The umpires whistle narrowly prevented Max Wright from extending Corinthian’s lead. Lisnagarvey began applying pressure with the clock counting down to half time, with Matthew Campton creating a chance to shoot in the final second of the game, however the half-time score remained Lisnagarvey 0 – 1 Corinthians.
Lisnagarvey continued to push for an equaliser in the second half. Aughney’s shot across the Corinthian goal resulted in a penalty corner for the hosts, however Getty’s insertion provided the perfect opportunity for Corinthians to play the ball back up the pitch quickly. Aughney was back in the Corinthian’s circle again shortly afterwards, however this time his attempts are forced out by the defence. Glenn Holmes had a forceful shot defended at the opposite end of the pitch, but the score remained the same, with Lisnagarvey’s defence proving strong.
Lisnagarvey brought a frantic energy to the final quarter, however Howard and MacKay made nuisances of themselves for the attacking hosts, preventing a number of attempts into the Corinthians circle from becoming real opportunities. Both Scott and Aughney found themselves in a position to possibly create an opportunity for their team, however Scott’s pass across the circle failed to find a receiving player, while Aughney’s skill in the Corinthians circle couldn’t convert to putting Lisnagarvey on the scoreboard.
A penalty corner for Lisnagarvey saw McQueen’s shot helped wide by the Corinthian defence. The final three minutes saw Lisnagarvey take their keeper off to increase their outfield numbers. Despite securing another penalty corner in the closing minutes, it wasn’t enough to secure a goal with Corinthians taking home the Irish Junior Cup for the 2019/20 season.
Lisnagarvey: R Boreland, H Morris, M Campton, M Morris, R Getty, C Irwin, M Connor, J Hermon, S McCabe, M Aughney, P Watson, H Scott, O Patterson, M Raphael, S McQueen, P Hunter, S Chisholm, J Ritchie.
Corinthians: J Lewis, A Blennerhassett, C Adair, G Dagg, R Howard, C Mackay, G Holmes, M Neil, M Wright, A Browne, M McCabe, H Ellis, G Davis, R MacWilliam, E Mackay, D Winm, A Missen, N Young.
Lisnagarvey 3 (M Quinn, Z Lowry, B Ravey) North Kildare 1 (L Small)
Lisnagarvey got the match underway with a penalty corner in the opening two minutes of the Irish Trophy Final today in their home ground at Comber Road. However, their first attempt was unsuccessful against North Kildare’s defence. North Kildare’s Michelle Taylor was on form from the start with a number of great saves throughout the match, first from Lisnagarvey’s Megan Quinn followed soon after by Beth Ravey, with the rebound well defended by Kildare in the second instance.
Isabel Angel had Kildare’s first real chance of the match, however her shot in to the Lisnagarvey circle failed to find her teammates. Ravey was quick to seize another opportunity to shoot on the Kildare goal but sent it wide of the target. Megan Quinn was on hand moments later to put the opening goal on the scoreboard and give the hosts a 1 – 0 lead.
A penalty corner shortly after for Lisnagarvey failed to extend their lead with Taylor and the Kildare defenders protecting the goal well. A perfect cross into Lowry in the circle let her touch the ball in for Lisnagarvey to extend their lead to 2 – 0 in the opening quarter of the game.
Lisnagarvey had several chances to extend their lead in the second quarter with a handful of penalty corners awarded in their favour. Each one was kept out by Taylor and the Kildare defence. Kildare fought for a number of challenges throughout the quarter, but no real opportunities were created. The third quarter saw a flurry of penalty corners awarded to Lisnagarvey in quick succession. While Lisnagarvey seemed to dominate possession, Kildare defended well to ensure their lead was not extended any further.
Ravey’s shot on the Kildare goal in the final quarter was well saved by Taylor, however the rebound saw Taylor on the ground while the goal was being defended. A perfect pass across the Kildare defence let Ravey slot Lisnagarvey’s final goal into the goal. A penalty corner to North Kildare with four minutes on the clock saw Liz Hassett insert and Lucy Small drive the ball into the goal to put Kildare in the scoreboard at last. The goal saw Kildare come to life again and fight to the end, putting on pressure on Lisnagarvey until the final whistle, however this renewed energy arrived to late and the hosts kept their two goal lead for a final score of Lisnagarvey 3 – 1 Kildare.
Lisnagarvey: L Crooks, R Chambers, L Patterson, C McCluskey, D McGall, P Brown, L Murray, L Hughes, Z Lowry, E Brown, K Morris, B Ravey, M Quinn, A Christie, T McIlwaine.
Kildare: M Taylor, E Neary, G Adams, N O’Malley, R Neary, E Teevan, A O’Leary, H Adams, S Baker, J Staunton, K Edghill, S Monaghan, C O’Regan, L Hassett, L Small, I Angel, A Quinn, S Simao.
The first round of the EY Hockey League (EYHL) gets underway this weekend on the 26th of September. After a sudden end to last year’s league due to COVID-19 causing the 2019/20 season to be declared null and void, the all-island EYHL will see Ireland’s top ten male and top ten female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 18 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey.
The Women’s EYHL2 will also commence this weekend, with the Men’s EYHL2 preparing to take to the pitch on the 10th of October, with each of the EYHL2 teams vying for promotion to the EYHL for the following season. The 2020/21 season will see an additional three teams added to the Men’s EYHL2 for this season only; one team from each of the three Provincial Branches that compete in the Men’s EYHL2: Munster, Leinster, and Ulster.
The EYHL and EYHL2 showcase some of Ireland’s top players and is seen as an integral part of Hockey Ireland’s athlete development, the EYHL provides an opportunity to further develop high performance players for the challenge of international hockey. The winners of both the Men’s and Women’s EYHL will earn themselves a spot in the Euro Hockey Club Trophy. The top four teams in the EYHL will battle it out to win the EY Champions Trophy over an exciting weekend to close off the league season. The winners of the EY Champions Trophy will claim the much coveted prize of a place in the Euro Hockey League for the following season.
Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner for EY Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our support all of the amazing men and women in this incredible sport, and we look forward to celebrating their continued success this year in both the EYHL and EYHL2. The great contribution that hockey makes to our lives became even more apparent this year. We all felt the acute loss of our favourite sport at the height of the pandemic, but it is fantastic to see that spirits remain high as we embark on a new season and we are all very excited at what this year’s league will bring.”
Graham Reid, Partner, Head of Markets, EY Ireland, commented: “The all-island sport provides men and women the opportunity to build high performance teams, and develop and enhance their skills, as they compete at such a high level throughout the year. When it comes to leadership, dedication and developing winning strategies, there is a great deal to learn from such high calibre athletes.”
Jerome Pels, CEO of Hockey Ireland, said “It is fantastic to see the return of the EYHL and EYHL2 after the unfortunate sudden end to last season. Hockey Ireland is really looking forward to some top-class matches taking place again weekly all around the island. The EYHL and EYHL2 are the pinnacle of the domestic hockey scene here in Ireland and we’re very grateful to have the continued support of EY throughout the season.
EY’s support is invaluable to us in assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels.”
This Sunday will see Lisnagarvey Hockey Club host two more Hockey Ireland Cup Competition Finals in a double header format with Lisnagarvey teams facing North Kildare and Corinthian Hockey Clubs.
1.30pm will be push back time for the Irish Hockey Trophy final between Lisnagarvey and North Kildare. North Kildare are coming into the match fresh from their semi final last weekend where they beat Portadown 2-1 while Lisnagarvey saw off opponents Armagh 5-0 in a very strong performance at the beginning of the month.
4.00pm will see action between Lisnagarvey 2 XI and Corinthian 2 XI in the Irish Junior Cup Final. With the semi finals taking place back in February this will be a strongly contended match between the two teams. Corinthian Hockey Club won their place in the final after a tight shootout against Three Rock Rovers where they took the match 4-3 but Lisnagarvey saw off their Semi final opponents Clontarf with a strong 6-2 win.
Both matches are sure to be tightly contended and a show of excellent hockey.
Tickets are available for the matches on the Lisnagarvey Website https://lisnagarveyhockey.com/hi-finals-2019-20/
Due to Covid19 Restrictions we are unable to provide Hard Copy Programmes for our Cup Competition Finals this year. Instead we have an online PDF programme below will can be downloaded or viewed by phone/tablet or printed at home.
Hockey Ireland Cup Competition Finals 27 September 2020 Programme.pdf
Good luck to all the teams competing this Sunday at the Hockey Ireland Cup Competition Finals and thank you to Lisnagarvey for the hard work and immense effort they have put in to making these finals a safe place to watch and play hockey.
Martin Canniffe – Final Presidents Message
My term as President of Hockey Ireland should have finished on May 16th last when our AGM was due to be held but because of Covid-19 restrictions this has not taken place and as per the constitution I am officially unable to hand over the Presidency to incoming President Ann Rosa until this meeting takes place.
However, I wish to say what an honour and privilege it has been for me for the past number of years, representing Hockey Ireland at Tournaments and Congresses both within the country and abroad.
I wish to thank the Branches and Clubs for all their support to during my term. It was indeed a great pleasure to meet so many people from all around the country. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic all hockey activities ceased earlier on in the year which put a stop to my travelling and this is to be regretted.
There were many highlights throughout my term, but the highlight has to be the Silver Medal won by the Women’s team at the World Cup held in London in 2018 and this was followed closely by their qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, which then had to be postponed due to the Covid19 Pandemic.
Hopefully, these Games will go ahead in 2021. Unfortunately, on the Men’s side, it was disappointing to lose our “A Division” status at the Europeans but hopefully we will be back where we belong at the top division in a few years.
I would like to thank the Chief Executive and the staff of Hockey Ireland for all their help and assistance. I also wish to thank the Chairman and the Board of Directors for their support and I wish them well in future years.
Finally, to your new President, Ann Rosa, every success in her term of office and I must thank her for her support over the last two years, particularly during my enforced absence for a short period of time.
Best wishes,
Martin Canniffe
Old Alex 0, Pembroke Wanderers 3 (T Wensley, R Scott, A De Joung).
“It means so much to us,” said Pembroke Wanderers Co-Captain Anouk De Joung as the team took home the Women’s Irish Junior Cup for the 2019/20 season today in Belfield. “We’ve been working super hard and it just feels amazing to finally win it. The team has done everything we could, we’ve been training so hard after the long break, they’re so fit, so eager, so disciplined. I think we deserve it.”
Old Alex played well throughout, not making it easy for the Pembroke side to take home the Cup. The first chance of the game came from Old Alex, narrowly avoiding getting themselves on the scoreboard as the ball hit the cross bar. Pembroke weren’t long creating an opportunity for themselves, with a penalty corner awarded in their favour moments later. However, Nugent saved well for Old Alex, and the rebound was pushed out with Old Alex immediately launching a challenge on Pembroke’s Pert at the opposite end of the pitch, who kept her cool to kick the ball out of danger.
The first goal of the game came when Rachael Scott fired a shot into the Old Alex circle to eventually find Tori Wensley who slipped it past Nugent who had already dived to defend the goal. Old Alex pressed hard for the remainder of the quarter, with Joyce Leyden shooting the ball into Pembroke’s circle in the final 30seconds of the quarter. Unfortunately, the Alex player’s closest were too far out to make more of this opportunity and the ball rolled wide of the goal.
Some lovely interceptions from Robyn Heatherington and Elaine Thompson saw possession continue to switch back and forward in the opening minutes of the second quarter. A penalty corner for Old Alex was thwarted as the Pembroke defence prevented Ellen Hood from finding an Old Alex player with a clearer shot on the goal. Pembroke’s Fiona O’Donovan was immediately on the attack after this, getting right up to the Old Alex circle before Fiona Walshe managed to keep her out. Katie O’Byrne and Rachael O’Brien worked well together to challenge Old Alex again before being intercepted by Rachel Hinkson. Although it wasn’t long before Pembroke were in possession again, with Alex Purcell breaking into the Old Alex circle forcing them to defend.
A shot from Elaine Thompson later in the quarter looked promising for Pembroke however, went just wide of the goal keeping the score Old Alex 0 – 1 Pembroke Wanderers. Rachael Scott was on hand soon afterwards intercepting the ball from Old Alex, passing off to Emma Keilthy to enter the Old Alex circle. Keilthy skillfully moved around Ella Healy and pass back to Scott who managed to get the ball past Old Alex’s Nugent who had moved out of the goal to defend against Keilthy’s threat, increasing Pembroke’s lead. A penalty corner to Pembroke was the final play of the first half, with De Joung securing another goal to make it Old Alex 0 – 3 Pembroke Wanderers.
The second half was marked by a number of chances for Old Alex in particular with several penalty corners awarded in their favour. However, each time Louise Pert and the Pembroke defence forced them away from the goal. Old Alex continued to press throughout the second half, fighting the whole way to the end to get on the score board. A Green Card for Tori Wensley in the final quarter provided some hope, but ultimately Old Alex failed to capitalise on the opportunity of having an extra player on the pitch for the two minute period. Despite their efforts and the strong energy the brought to the match throughout, the final score remained Old Alex 0 – 3 Pembroke Wanderers.
“We were sharp we were on the ball and we got the job done,” said Co-Captain Fiona O’Donovan, “it’s a credit to Simon Kristian and the girls. We were ready for it and we are ready for the start of the season. It was great to do it under the unusual circumstances.”
Old Alex: C Nugent, L Noble, E Hood, A Maher, J Leyden, L Power, F Walshe, N Dockery, R Heatherington, A Heatherington, Y Rogers, M Power, G Dunlop, R Hinkson, S O’Mahony Gilsenan, E Healy, A Sadlier, C Crampton.
Pembroke Wanderers: L Pert, C Devane, C Byrne, A Purcell, L Johnson, F O’Donovan, S Daly, K McErlean, E Thompson, C Hill, N Douglas, E Keilthy, R O’Brien, T Wensley, A De Jong, R Scott, K O’Byrne, J Beatty, E Pasley, A Lynch.
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