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Ireland beat Pakistan to move one step closer to semi-final berth in Nations Cup

Ireland made it two wins from two in the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup when they ran out 3-1 winners against Pakistan this morning. With less than 24 hours to recover after their opening match, Mark Tumilty’s team started a little slowly in the heat in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Pakistan went in front in the first minute of the second quarter and it was the wake-up call Ireland needed as they hit back almost immediately through Conor Empey. Ireland captain Sean Murray was the catalyst for the goal; he took a quick free and found Jeremy Duncan in the circle who passed first time to Empey who had the final touch.

Both teams looked tired as the first half went on, the heat and heavy legs starting to tell with mistraps and unforced errors. Pakistan looked dangerous in attack as Ireland defended a couple of penalty corners, the first adjudged too high and the second shot wide. Ireland’s forwards were making the right runs but the final connection just wasn’t there as the half drew to a close with the scores level.

Ireland came out with renewed impetus in the second half with several chances in the first few minutes, including, arguably, the play of the game. Kyle Marshall found Murray who passed first time to Empey in the circle, who squared immediately for player of the match Benjamin Walker. The speed of the move was what unlocked the Pakistan defence and gave Ireland the lead. Pakistan continued to threaten, their one-on-one skills particularly impressive when in the final third of the pitch.

The third quarter was end to end as both teams drew saves from their opposition goalkeepers. James Milliken was between the posts for the men in green, as Tumilty opted to rotate his keepers. Ireland retained their narrow lead going into the final quarter, and they showed their experience in the final stages, winning two more penalty corners, the second of which Shane O’Donoghue converted when he flicked home past the player on the right post to give Ireland some breathing room.

Not content to play the game out, Ireland continued to push and had chances to widen the gap but were unable to find the mark. Pakistan won a corner late on and a goal could have made the finishing stages interesting by reducing their deficit, but the shot went wide and Ireland closed out the match to win comfortably by three goals to one.

Speaking after the match, head coach Mark Tumilty was happy with how the match went. “I’m pleased with the result today. It was always going to be a tough challenge coming off the back of the France game and Pakistan offered something unknown to us. I’m delighted that we executed a penalty corner late on to get us a bit more comfortable towards the end. I thought that at times we played some really good hockey, and at other times it wasn’t so good but the second goal was a fantastic team goal which was really pleasing because it’s something we have worked on this past number of months. So, more progress was made with the group and we build towards the game with South Africa on Thursday.”

Player of the match Ben Walker felt the team still has more to give. “We responded well to going one goal behind, we equalised quite quickly. But there are maybe still some things we need to work on. We obviously have a rest day and we know we probably need a result on Thursday to guarantee progression to the semi-final so we are focused on that now,” he said.

Ireland’s final group game is on Thursday at 1 PM when they face hosts South Africa. The top two teams in the group of four move on to the semi-finals on Saturday.

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Ireland deliver crucial opening win in Nations Cup

Goals from Jeremy Duncan and Shane O’Donoghue handed Mark Tumilty’s Ireland an important win in their opening match of the FIH Men’s Hockey Nations Cup against France this morning.

After a rain shower during the warm-up in Potchefstroom, France started the game more brightly and looked more likely to score as they won a couple of early penalty corners. The dangerous Victor Charlet is always a goal threat but Ireland’s corner defence and goalkeeper David Fitzgerald in particular were able to keep him quiet.

While France looked dangerous from the set piece, Ireland showed glimpses of what they could do from open play and it was a field goal that came from a turnover in the centre of the pitch in the 22nd minute that put Ireland in front. Player of the match John McKee won the ball and drifted forward, beating several opponents before sliding a perfect pass into the path of the onrushing Jeremy Duncan who dived and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Ireland didn’t retain the lead for long, though, as France piled on the pressure, launching a number of attacks before scoring from their fourth penalty corner of the match. Ireland were down to three outfield defenders as they broke the line for France’s third corner. France’s Victor Charlet made use of the extra space as he sent a flick like a tracer bullet between the right post and post player to see France’s level.

Benjamin Walker thought he had done enough to put Ireland back in front soon after when he was taken down in front of the goal and was awarded a penalty stroke, but Thieffry Arthur saved Shane O’Donoghue’s effort to keep the scores tied.

O’Donoghue made up for that miss in the third quarter. France had previously squandered another couple of corners before Ireland won a corner of their own and O’Donoghue’s powerful drag went under Arthur’s foot as the goalkeeper went from hero to villain for France.

A tense final quarter was end to end, with both sides throwing punches and France piling forward to try to retrieve a point from the game but it ended with Ireland in front on two goals to one.

Coach Tumilty was effusive in his compliments for his team. “I’m delighted with the win,” he smiled. “This group has certainly had a few tough days in the past and they’ve shown a real bit of character today to dig out that result. I’m very pleased with how they managed the game and how they executed the game plan which is a huge step forward for us.

“So now our focus turns towards the Pakistan game and seeing can we build towards achieving that semi-final berth. It won’t be an easy game but we just need to produce a performance similar to what we produced today and that’s the challenge going into tomorrow.”

Player of the match McKee knows there is still plenty to do if Ireland are to progress. “It’s a massive win, we were very happy. France are a very good team so it’s a good start for us but it’s only game one, so we’re focusing on the rest of the tournament now.”

Goal scorer Jeremy Duncan spoke after the game about how he put Ireland in front. “How did I score? I sprinted as fast as I could and tucked it away into the corner,” he laughed. “It was a nice team goal and a good quick counterattack; a nice way to start the game and start the tournament. We had to dig deep and defend the goal as best we could, we had to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and absolutely just fight for every single ball and we did that. We showed a fighting spirit.”

Shane O’Donoghue says that Pakistan are somewhat of an unknown quantity but that Ireland have done their preparation. “We last played them in 2015; they have a very different style of play which is something we’re not really used to as a team,” he said. “It’s a very young team we have away here but we have done our homework already, we’re going to debrief today’s game, take away some learnings and tweak a few things and make sure we’re ready for Pakistan,” he added.

Ireland are back in action again tomorrow at 9 am when they will face Pakistan in their second group fixture.

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Ireland blown away by World Champions Netherlands

Sean Dancer’s charges went down to a ferocious Dutch side that looked every bit of their number-one ranking spot this afternoon in Utrecht. Ireland was on the back foot immediately when player of the match, Yibbi Jansen, hit home to put her team in front in the first minute. The Dutch played at an immense pace under new coach Paul van Ass and went two goals ahead in the first quarter when Jansen was again on target – this time from a penalty corner.

Ireland recovered in the second quarter and defended well against the World Champions, but it was the Netherlands who scored after a number of missed chances, this time through JoosjeBurg. Ireland remained three goals behind going into the half-time break.

The girls in green grew into the game in the second half, entering the Dutch circle several times but without any end result. The third quarter was the best period of the match for Ireland as they held the Dutch scoreless, launching several attacks themselves. But the Netherlands came out with renewed determination in the final quarter with Jansen again on the mark from a broken-down penalty corner. Joosje Burg then put the game beyond any doubt when she scored her second of the afternoon, her team’s fifth and the final one of the match as the Dutch won by five goals to nil.

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Irish Hockey Internationals awarded Trinity Sport Scholars Awards.

Three Irish Hockey athletes among those at Trinity Sports Awards. Well done to all.

Trinity College Dublin Sport Scholars:

Katie Mullan – Hockey

Laura Noble – Hockey

Sam Hickmott – Hockey

 

Trinity Sport unveiled its sport scholars for the 2022 / 23 season on Monday, 21st November at an event for family and friends at the Dining Hall, Trinity College Dublin. This year’s awardees, comprising of 27 Trinity Sports scholars and 33 club academy scholars will represent Trinity this season in a wide variety of sports including rugby, basketball, GAA, rowing and cricket.

Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh presented the awards on the night and Trinity student-athletes Joe McCarthy (International Rugby player), Rebecca Stokell (International Cricket player) and Katie Mullan (International hockey player) took part in a ‘dual career: combining sports and studies’ panel discussion on the night.

Sadhbh Doyle, Gavin Hoey and Harry Sheridan were recognised as Trevor West Sport Scholarship athletes for their contribution to their respective sports at Trinity and outstanding performances. Giulia Anderlini and Niamh Kenny were recognised as K.O Lee Basketball sport scholarship athletes. This is award is in association with Trinity Meteors, this scholarship is in memory of K.O. Lee, Trinity alumnus and coach of the Meteors Ladies Basketball team in the 1970s.

Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin commented on the night, “I would like to congratulate all our student-athletes who are receiving scholarships. It is impressive to see how they balance their commitment to sports with their commitment to their studies. This takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The scholarships will enable our student-athletes to continue to pursue their passion for sport while also benefiting from the excellent educational opportunities at Trinity. I am delighted to celebrate the students’ achievements and award these scholarships in recognition of such exceptional sporting ability.”

Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity, Trinity College Dublin commented on the night, “We’re delighted to be celebrating the strongest calibre of student-athletes that we’ve had for many years, certainly in the history of the Trinity Sport Scholarship awards programme. It is quite outstanding the number and level of student-athletes that we have in Trinity including international, senior county and academy pathway athletes. We’re very excited about their prospects and potential over the coming months and years.”

Prof. Catherine McCabe, Dean of Students, Trinity College Dublin commented, “To our student-athletes, congratulations on receiving a place on this year’s Trinity Sports Scholarship Programme. This scholarship recognises your achievements so far, and importantly, your potential to go even further. All of you here today come from a wide range of sports, including athletics, basketball, GAA, rowing, cricket, and rugby. It is our commitment to ensure all our student-athletes get the full support and backing of the University to compete regionally, nationally and at international levels while also being able to excel in your academic course.”

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President’s Newsletter, November 2022

President’s Newsletter, November 2022

 

 

 

 

The last two months have been most enjoyable and worth recording. With the help of Nick McElwee, Interim CEO and Pamela Bastable, I arranged for the annual Honorary Life Members’ Lunch to take place on Friday 30th September in the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan. Despite the dreadful weather, many of the members travelled quite a distance to be there.

After the welcome, a minute’s silence was observed to remember members of the hockey family who had passed away in recent months. Dixon Rose sadly was one and as an Honorary Life Member, he had been at the Honorary Life Members’ lunch in September 2021.

The occasion gave everyone the opportunity to meet the Interim CEO Nick McElwee and Hockey Ireland Vice President John Dennis expressed our gratitude and thanks for the great work that he has done during his term in office. Pamela Bastable was also thanked for her help in organising the event. The photographs, taken by professional photographer Alwyn Robinson, captured the occasion.

 

On Saturday 22nd October, I represented Hockey Ireland at Banbridge Hockey Club’s 125th Anniversary Ball in the Belmont Hotel, Banbridge.  This was certainly a night to remember with 210 guests and club members sitting down to a superb meal and an after-dinner speech by the Voice of EHL Hockey Nick Ervine. Two members of the Club, Eugene Magee and Matthew Bell were presented special awards of framed Ireland hockey shirts and received standing ovations during the presentations. Family members were present to witness these memorable moments.

                                

Matthew Bell and Eugene Magee                     Matthew Bell and family                                                  Eugene Magee and family

 

 

The 40th All Ireland Schoolboys Tournament was held in Cork on 26th – 28th October. It was a very significant year for the competition as it was the 40th anniversary of the tournament, which was first played in 1982 in Bangor, with Bangor Grammar School the hosts. Newry High School were the first winners of the Tasmanian Shield and the 1921 holders were Bandon Grammar School. In 2019 Kilkenny College presented a shield in memory of the late Herbie Sharman, who was a great supporter of schools’ hockey and a past President of Hockey Ireland. The four teams that were runner up in the group stages competed in the semi-finals and then the final. The 2021 holders were Wesley College.

Organised and hosted by Ashton School 16 schools took part. Ashton School, Bandon Grammar School, Midleton College and Newtown School represented Munster, High School, The King’s Hospital School, Wesley College, St. Andrew’s College and Sutton Park School, Leinster and Bangor Grammar School, Banbridge Academy, Cookstown High School, Friends School. Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Sullivan Upper and Wallace High School, Ulster. Six venues were used over the three days with the finals played at UCC.

A tradition of this event is the dinner on the Thursday evening, when the teams are in school uniform.  Over 300 players, team officials and guests sat down to a very good meal in the Rochestown Hotel. The after-dinner speaker was John Smyth who started the tournament in 1982 and gave a very interesting talk on its history.

The semi-finals of the Tasmanian Shield were played at Ashton School and Garryduff. High School defeated Kings Hospital and Banbridge Academy defeated Wallace High School to reach the final of the Tasmanian Shied with Royal Belfast Academical Institution defeating St Andrew’s and Wesley beating Friends School to play in the finals of the Herbie Sharman Shield. Both finals were very close matches and were decided by shoot-out competitions. Congratulations to Banbridge Academy and Royal Belfast Academical Institution on their victories. This was an excellent event and I managed to watch 13 of the 16 teams playing at different stages of the tournament. I would like to thank all involved in the tournament’s organisation and especially Eddie Kirwan and his team of volunteers at Ashton School for their welcome and hospitality.

Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Banbridge Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 29th & 30th October I attended the Intervarsities Tournament at Trinity Sportsgrounds in Santry, Dublin.  It was an excellent event, organised by Marcus Blake and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.  There were great matches to watch, with some closer than others and all played in a sporting and competitive manner. Congratulations to all the teams that took part and to the winners of the Men’s Competition, UCD who defeated Dublin Technological University 4-3 and to Dublin Technological University who won the Ladies final in a close match against UCD which ended in a shoot -out competition. I would like to congratulate Marcus Blake on not only organising the event but also umpiring numerous matches and coaching the winning Ladies team.

           

                                                                      

Ireland Over 55’s

Ireland Over 65’s

 

 

Meanwhile in the sunshine of South Africa and Tokyo, the Ireland Ladies and Men’s Masters Teams were playing in their respective World Tournaments. Congratulations to the Women’s O55s on winning the bronze medal and to the Men’s O65 on their silver medal success.

 

 

 

It has been an honour to be Hockey Ireland President and as I write my last newsletter as President, I would like to congratulate John Dennis on his incoming Presidency and thank both John and Martin Canniffe, President 2018-2020, for all the help and support they have given me when I was Vice President and President. John and Ivy Dennis are the first husband and wife to be Hockey Ireland Presidents. A remarkable achievement, very well deserved; well done.

 

                                                                                   Ivy & John Dennis

Ann Rosa

November 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sports Energy Support Scheme

Last week Sport Ireland opened the application process for €35 million of funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis.

The purpose of the funding, which was secured as part of Budget 2023, is to support National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport throughout the winter period.

Depending on the level of submissions, the outcome of those deliberations will be communicated to NGBs in December. NGBs will begin the disbursement of this funding to their relevant clubs, affiliate organisations from January 2023 onwards.

Hockey Ireland is seeking applications for funding from all clubs in ROI for the ‘Sports Energy Support Scheme’. This can be done by filling in the form at the following link:

https://forms.office.com/r/1xKmxu5wNE

If you have any further queries, please contact your Regional Development Officer (https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/my-hockey/)

The closing date for applications is Thursday 24th 12:00.

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Tumilty eyes opportunity at Inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup

Ireland men’s Head coach Mark Tumilty has announced his travelling squad for the Inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup next week. Ireland will compete in Pool A of the Nations Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa from November 28th until December 4th.

Eight teams will contend for the top spot with the winning side qualifying for the next edition of the FIH Pro League. Joining Ireland in Pool A are France, South Africa and Pakistan with the top two in the group qualifying for the semi-finals while the bottom two play the corresponding teams in Pool B for rankings five to eight.

Coach Mark Tumilty sees it as a good opportunity for his charges. “I am really looking forward to the Nations Cup and the chance to qualify for the Pro League which has to be an ambition for hockey in Ireland,” he said ahead of the announcement. “It is an excellent opportunity to gain experience playing against the different playing styles of France, South Africa and Pakistan. We are focused on the first game against France as we look to produce a much better performance than we did against them in Calais during the European Qualifier,” he added.

Tumilty is pleased with how his team have prepared for the competition with a series against Spain and Great Britain. “We have had a good build-up with games against Spain and GB where we got the opportunity to embed some key areas. We will look to improve further in South Africa,” he said. “It is a really interesting tournament with all teams evenly matched, so if we can be at our best, I feel we can achieve positive results,” he finished.

FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Squad 2022

James Milliken

David Fitzgerald

Luke Madeley

Lee Cole

Shane O’Donoghue

Kyle Marshall

Tim Cross

Peter McKibben

Jonny Lynch

Nick Page

Daragh Walsh

Sean Murray

Sam Hyland

Jeremy Duncan

Johnny McKee

Kevin O’Dea

Conor Empey

Ben Walker

Travelling Reserves

Mark McNellis

Charlie Rowe

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EY Hockey League Round 8 & EY 2 Recap

Round 8 of the EY Hockey League.

Here’s everything you need to know from Round 8:

 

Results
Saturday 19th November

It was very much a case of keeping the status quo in the Men’s EY Hockey League this weekend with just Lisnagarvey dropping points in the top half of the table. Banbridge remained in the top spot with a narrow victory over Monkstown, winning by two goals to one. ‘Garvey stays in second, two points behind Banbridge, after drawing in a goalless affair at home against Annadale.

Glenanne were in the mood at home against Instonians, netting no less than nine times, Instonians scoring a solitary consolation goal. The win keeps the Dublin side in third place, while YMCA beat Pembroke six goals to two at home. It was one-all at the end of the first quarter but two second-quarter goals and a flurry of three in the final quarter with just one in reply from Pembroke put the result out of doubt.

The three points put YMCA into fourth place with 14 points, but in the fifth position with a game in hand are Three Rock Rovers who are in reach of third place if they win their refixed match with Cookstown.

MEN

Monkstown 1-2 Banbridge (Monkstown; R.Nichols ; Banbridge; J.McKee, C.Rowe)

YMCA 6-2 Pembroke (YMCA; G.Glutz x2, A.Walker, T.Kok, S.Ruttle, R.Henderson ; Pembroke; M.Treacy, A.Colton)

Cookstown v TRR (Postponed due to frozen pitch)

Glenanne 9-1 Instonians (Glenanne; S.O’Donogue x3, R.Couse, G.Shaw x2, G.Gibney, N.Byrne, J.MCormack ; Instonians; G.Leckey)

Lisnagarvey 0-0 Annadale 

Women

In the closing stages of a cagey affair in Park Avenue, Loreto’s Sarah Torrans found herself with the ball on the end of her stick in acres of space on the top of the circle in the dying moments of the third quarter. The Loreto forward made the most of the chance and smashed it into the top left corner to break the deadlock and, eventually, to give her side a valuable three points.

It was round eight in the EY Hockey League, the final round of matches before the winter break, and in a high-paced affair that was the featured game of the weekend and streamed by Hockey Ireland, there were few chances for either team. Loreto had the better chances in the first half, winning two penalty corners that they failed to convert.

Ireland captain Katie Mullan looked lively for Railway Union in just her second game for the club after making the move down south last weekend. And, indeed, it was Mullan who won Railway’s first penalty corner in the third quarter, but the home side couldn’t make their set piece count.

Just six points separated these two fierce rivals before the game with Loreto in second and Railway in seventh and after big wins in round seven for both sides, they were each looking to continue winning ways going into the winter break. Loreto’s Sarah Torrans was a threat throughout causing trouble with her pace, and Siofra O’Brien looked to be through on Railway’s goal a number of times but for last-ditch tackles from the home team. But it was a snap pass from Loreto skipper Mia Jennings that found the unmarked Torrans at the top of the Railway circle, and the forward made no mistake with the gilt-edged chance.

There was still time for Railway to get a leveller with a full quarter to play and they pulled their keeper with five minutes to go, opting for 11 outfield players, but Loreto’s defence stayed resolute throughout and the youthful team showed experience beyond their years to make sure of the result. Player of the match Caitlin Sherin was at the centre of everything good that Loreto did and made several important interventions. Christina Hamill stood out for the visitors, too, while Lily Lloyd and Mullan looked dangerous for Railway and Emma Smyth was the most effective link for the home side.

This victory puts Loreto within a point of the lead in the EY Hockey League. Catholic Institute sit just a point ahead of the Beaufort team with 19 points. The competition takes a break for December and January as the national team ramps up to the FIH Women’s Nations Cup taking place in Valencia, Spain between December 11th and 17th.

Elsewhere, Old Alex and Pembroke Wanderers drew two all. It was one goal apiece at the half-time break, but Pembroke got their nose in front through an Erika Markey corner in the third quarter. Alex came back in the dying minutes of the final quarter, though, as Deirdre Duke salvaged a point for the home team. The last-minute goal keeps Old Alex ahead of Pembroke in the table, with the former in fourth with 13 points and the latter in fifth on 11.

Monkstown had a solid home victory against Ards, three points that saw them leapfrog Railway Union into seventh place on better goal difference, both teams on nine points. Monkstown were on the mark three times, the returning Chloe Watkins opening the home team’s account before young gun Emily Kealy netted home, followed in quick succession by the final goal from Claire O’Reilly.

UCD were in rare form as they romped home nine goals to the good against bottom side Belfast Harlequins. The win saw UCD climb to 15 points at the break, just four points adrift of league leaders Catholic Institute.

Old Alex 2-2 Pembroke (Old Alex; D.Duke, L.Tice; Pembroke; L.McGuire, E.Markey)

UCD 9-0 Belfast Harlequins (UCD;

Railway 0-1 Loreto (Loreto; S.Torrans)

Monkstown 3-0 Ards (Monkstown; C.Watkins, E.Kealy, C.OReilly)

EYHL 2 

Women’s EY 2A and 2B

Avoca and Muckross drew one-all in their tie at Muckross School, meaning they sit in first and second respectively on four points in EY 2A with one round left to play before the winter break. Ulster Elks opened their account with a clinical display against University of Galway, putting five past the Galway defence while keeping a clean sheet themselves.

On the other side of the table, Corinthian are well out in front after a single goal gave them all three points against Queens University. Cork Harlequins, meanwhile, travelled to Ballymoney and won away from home by two goals to one.

University of Galway 0-5 Ulster Elks

Muckross 1-1 Avoca

Corinthian 1-0 Queens

Ballymoney 1-2 Cork Harlequins

Men’s EY 2A and 2B

Railway Union won a spirited encounter at Park Avenue with Queens University. The home team scored five to Queens’ two to make sure of top spot in EY2A. Corinthian moved up into top spot, thrashing Cork Harlequins six goals to one. Indeed, Corinthian scored all their goals in the first half, with ‘Quins shoring up their defence in the second half, and even scoring a consolation goal in the final quarter.

In EY2B, Kilkeel beat the travelling Avoca by five goals to three; that win sees them move into second place ahead of UCD who are on the same points but have an inferior goal difference but a game in hand. The students were not in action yesterday, but top-placed South Antrim were and they travelled home from Bandon, happy with a one-goal victory and top spot in the group.

Corinthian 6-1 Cork Harlequins

Railway 5-2 Queens

Kilkeel 5-3 Avoca

Bandon 0-1 South Antrim

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EY Hockey League Round 8 Preview

Round 8 of the EY Hockey League this weekend.

This weekend a Railway Union v Loreto will be live-streamed on our Youtube channel. Hockey Ireland YouTube

The Round Eight Women’s EY Hockey League featured game this week that will be streamed live on the Hockey Ireland YouTube channel is the Saturday afternoon tie between Railway Union and Loreto at 3.30 pm in Park Avenue in what is likely to be a pulsating affair.

Railway celebrated the plum signing of Ireland captain Katie Mullan last week with a 2-1 victory over Old Alex, and Mullan showed on debut just how valuable a player she is by scoring the goal that proved the difference between the teams.

Old Alex will look to get back to winning ways in their home fixture against Pembroke Wanderers at 1.30 pm. Pembroke will be hoping to back up last week’s performance after a close encounter against Monkstown saw them come away with all three points. Meanwhile, Monkstown will be eying up a third victory in the league this season when they take on Ards at home in Rathdown at 4.15 pm. Just one point separates the eighth and ninth-placed sides respectively, so this tie will have huge significance for the bottom-of-the-table positions.

Loreto gained valuable points last week, winning by the odd goal in three over UCD. Loreto went two in front before UCD got a goal back in the final quarter, but the students ran out of time as Loreto held on for the win.

UCD will look to bounce back this weekend in their tie against bottom-placed Belfast Harlequins in Belfield at 2.50 pm. The Belfast side has just one point thus far and is in desperate need of a change in fortunes before the competition takes a break until the new year.

Top-placed Catholic Institute and sixth-placed Pegasus have already played their Round 8 fixtures and so do not have a match this week.

Saturday 19th November

WOMEN
Old Alex v Pembroke in Alexandra College at 1:30 pm

UCD v Belfast Harlequins in UCD at 2:50 pm

Railway v Loreto in Railway Union at 3:30 pm

Monkstown v Ards in Rathdown at 4:15 pm

The Men’s EY Hockey League enters Round 8 this weekend with a full timetable of fixtures. Top of the table Banbridge travels to Rathdown to take on Monkstown at 2.15 pm. The Lurgan side are top of the pile ahead of Lisnagarvey courtesy of a better goal difference, both teams on 16 points and both have a game in hand on the rest of the table. Neither team will want to drop points before they face each other after their game was postponed earlier in the season due to Lisnagarvey’s involvement in Europe. Lisnagarvey have arguably the trickier fixture as they welcome Annadale to Comber Road at 3.30 pm.

Glenanne host Instonians in St Andrews College at 3 pm. The Dublin team lie in third place on 12 points with double the points tally of the Belfast side who are in eighth place with just six points out of a possible 21.

Three Rock, also on 12 points and just behind Glenanne on goal difference, make the journey to Cookstown Hockey Club for their Round Eight match at 2.30 pm. Cookstown currently lie in tenth place with just one point so far. YMCA welcomes Pembroke Wanderers to Wesley College at 2.15 pm for an all-Dublin affair. YMCA will see this as an opportunity to push up to the top of the table; they are currently in fifth place with three wins and two draws, while Pembroke are second from bottom with four points and a season of rebuilding ahead of them.

MEN
Monkstown v Banbridge in Rathdown at 2:15 pm

YMCA v Pembroke in YMCA Hockey club at 2:15 pm

Cookstown v TRR in Cookstown Hockey Club at 2:30 pm

Glenanne v Instonians in St Andrews College at 3:00 pm

Lisnagarvey v Annadale in Comber Road at 3:00 pm

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EYHL 2 Round 2 Preview

The Men’s and Women’s EY Hockey League 2 enters its second round of fixtures this weekend. On the men’s side in Group A, Corinthians play their first match as they host Cork Harlequins in St Columba’s College at 3.15 pm. The Cork side will hope they can bounce back after losing their first match against Railway Union last weekend by the odd goal in nine. The Park Avenue side host Queens at 1.30 pm in the other tie in Group A.

In Group B, Bandon plays their first game of the 2022/23 campaign against South Antrim in Bandon Grammar at 1 pm. Kilkeel welcomes Dublin side Avoca to Kilkeel High School at 2.30 pm with both teams looking to record their first points of the season, each side coming away pointless in the first round, both coming out the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline.

In the women’s competition, Group A sees Avoca travel to Muckross in an early top-of-the-table clash at 1.30 pm, while Ulster Elks get their campaign under way against a travelling University of Galway side in Dangan.

In Group B, Corinthians are at home to Queens in St Columba’s College at 1.15 pm. It is Queens’ first game in the competition this season, while Corinthians took three points after beating Cork Harlequins 4-1 in round one. The other tie in Group B sees Ballymoney welcome Cork Harlequins to the Joey Dunlop Centre at 2.30 pm. Ballymoney will hope to build on their Round 1 win, their 7-2 victory over Galway the biggest winning margin of the day.

Fixtures – Saturday 19th November

Men

Corinthian v Cork Harlequins in St Columbus College at 3:15 pm

Railway v Queens in Railway at 1:30 pm

Kilkeel v Avoca in Kilkeel High School at 2:30 pm

Bandon v South Antrim in Bandon Grammar at 1:00 pm

 

Women

University of Galway v Ulster Elks in Dangan 14:30 pm

Muckross v Avoca in Muckross at 1:30 pm

Corinthian v Queens in St Columbus College at 1:15 pm

Ballymoney v Cork Harlequins in Joey Dunlop center at 2:30 pm

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