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Loreto move to the top with a 7-1 win

LORETO 7-1 ARDS

On a perfect day for hockey in Rathfarnham, what a performance by Loreto as they brushed aside the Northern challenge from Ards and produced their biggest win of the season so far.

Following the draw between UCD and Catholic Institute earlier in the day, Loreto knew that a win and 3 goals scored would be enough to put them top of the table for the first time this season. They went four goals better than that in a champagne display of attacking hockey.

It started so brightly with a lead goal in the opening minute. Yasmin Pratt’s solo run and shot giving her team the perfect start as she easily beat Naomi McKnight in the Ards goal.

After that it was a very close match for most of the first half. Ards are best on the break and used that tactic well. Their equalizer was deserved and a fine goal it was. Amy Benson’s dangerous cross from the right too hot for Lorna Bateman in the Loreto goal. Sophie Kidd’s clever touch setting up the always dangerous Zara Malseed for her 9th goal of the campaign.

Just before the half-time break, Christina Hamill showed her International quality as she won the ball, squeezed past two defenders and slotted home to give Loreto a narrow lead – and from there to the end of the match the result was never in doubt.

Five wonderful second half goals gave Loreto their biggest win of the season: from a penalty corner, Sarah Torrans scored from a narrow angle to make it 3-1; Aoife Taaffe got number four after Rachel Kelly went close; it was 4-1 at ¾ time.

The final quarter only got better for the Rathfarnham team as Ards were stretched to breaking point. Three magnificent goals from open play showed the gulf in class between the top and bottom of the EYHL.
Christina Hamill set up Sarah Torrans for number 5; Jasmin Pratt’s delightful pass put Síofra O’Brien clean through for number 6; and Rachel Kelly rounded off this magnificent display with a very well taken goal.

Six different scorers for Loreto bodes well for their confidence as they start their second half of the campaign at Monkstown next week. For relegation-threatened Ards it could be a real battle to avoid the drop – but they have some fine attacking players in Amy Benson, Sophie Kidd and Zara Malseed – they just need to concentrate on their next match against Belfast Harlequins.

EYHL Women’s 1st Division

UCD 1-1 Catholic Inst
Loreto 7-1 Ards
Old Alex 2-1 Monkstown
Railway 2-3 Pegasus
Belfast H 0-2 Pembroke Wdrs

In the other games in EYHL Women’s 1st Division, the league leaders were held by the Students in Belfield so Loreto’s big win pushes them top of the table on goals scored with just two points separating the top three.
Railway Union and Pegasus played out a five-goal thriller in Park Avenue: Lily and Kate Lloyd getting the goals for Railway. But Katie McKee, Sophie McDowell and a Pamela Glass winner enough to take all 3 points north.
Old Alex had a narrow win over Monkstown and that keeps them very much in the title race, just five points back but with a game in hand.

EYHL Men’s 1st Division

Pembroke Wdrs 1-6 Monkstown
Banbridge 2-1 YMCA
Instonians 1-1 Three Rock Rvs
Lisnagarvey 7-3 Cookstown
Glenanne 4-3 Annadale

EYHL 2 – Round 5

Men (Pool A)
Cork Church of Ireland 5-2 Cork Harlequins
Railway Union 2-6 Corinthian

Men (Pool B)
Kilkeel 2-5 Bandon
UCD 6-2 South Antrim

Women (Pool A)
Muckross 0-2 UCC, Muckross
Ulster Elks 2-3 Avoca, UUJ

Women (Pool B)
Cork Harlequins 2-3 Queens
Corinthian 2-0 Galway

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Park Developments extend Hockey Ireland agreement as Ireland Senior Women’s squad prepares to travel to South America

DUBLIN 30 Jan 2023: Hockey Ireland is delighted to announce a four-year extension to its current agreement with Park Developments, one of Ireland’s leading Property Development Groups, for continued investment in Irish Women’s Hockey.

It comes as the Ireland Senior Women’s squad prepares to travel to South America for a series of games against Argentina and Chile.

Park Developments’ initial agreement was signed in 2019 for four years and this continued investment in the success and development of the women’s squad comes as they begin the road to the Paris Olympics.

The financial investment will also be used to fund the Hockey Ireland Hockey4All inclusion programme and the Hockey4All National Representative Team.

The programme aims to offer young people with disabilities an opportunity to become part of the local hockey community, to keep healthy (socially, mentally and physically) and have fun in a team sport.

Commenting on the agreement Park Developments Director Jilly Cotter said,

“We are delighted to renew our support for the Irish Women’s Hockey team and to reinforce our commitment to this incredible group of Hockey players until 2027. Our investment is focused on direct athlete support by way of bursaries to assist them in their daily lives and to support them to perform at the highest level on the global stage. We are also delighted to expand our support to include the “Hockey4All” Program as a key area for development within the Hockey family, by supporting young people with disabilities and giving them an opportunity to play and enjoy the game.”

Ireland Women’s Head Coach Sean Dancer has included uncapped Loreto defender Caitlin Sherin in a squad of nineteen to travel to Argentina and Chile.

Katie McKee from Pegasus returns to the panel after missing out on the Nations Cup in Valencia before Christmas.

Tokyo Olympians Ayeisha McFerran, Deirdre Duke and Sarah Torrans are unavailable.

“This extension underlines the very supportive and engaged partnership we have shared with Park Developments since 2019 and it complements the unprecedented successes of our Senior Women’s International Team, with their first ever Olympic qualification in 2020 and history making World Cup silver medal in 2018” said Hockey Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy.

“The addition of support for our Hockey4All programme comes at an important time also, as we look to expand our inclusion initiative by moving into more Clubs and forming more teams. We very much look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Park Developments as new and exciting times for Hockey Ireland lie ahead.”

Squad List:
1 Elizabeth MURPHY
2 Holly MICKLEM
3 Róisín UPTON (VC)
4 Elena TICE
5 Caitlin SHERIN
6 Sarah McAULEY
7 Ellen CURRAN
8 Hannah McLOUGHLIN
9 Caoimhe PERDUE
10 Kathryn MULLAN (C)
11 Sarah HAWKSHAW
12 Michelle CAREY
13 Charlotte BEGGS
14 Christina HAMILL
15 Katie McKEE
16 Niamh CAREY
17 Naomi CARROLL
18 Zara MALSEED
19 Siofra O’BRIEN

Glencairn Gate, Leopardstown, Co Dublin 30/1/2023
Park Developments announces a four-year extension to its current agreement with Hockey Ireland until 2027, a significant boost to the continued investment in Irish Women’s Hockey since 2018 and in the buildup to Paris 2024 and beyond
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

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What to look out for this Week – Preview 2

Loreto v Ards will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s YouTube page here.

EYHL 1 – Round 10 – Fixtures
Saturday 28th January

MEN

Pembroke v Monkstown, Serpentine Avenue,14:30
Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 14:45
Lisnagarvey v Cookstown, Comber Road, 15:00
Instonians v TRR, Shawsbridge, 15:00
Glenanne v Annadale, St Andrew’s College, 15:15

WOMEN

Loreto v Ards, Loreto, 14:45
UCD v Catholic Institue, Belfield, 13:00
Old Alex v Monkstown, Alexandra College, 13:30
Belfast Harlequins v Pembroke, Deramore Park, 14:30
Railway Union v Pegasus, Park Avenue, 15:30

EYHL 2

**EYHL 2 – Round 5**
Men (Pool B)
Kilkeel v Bandon, Kilkeel High School, 14:30
UCD v South Antrim, Belfield, 14:30

Men (Pool A)
Cork Church of Ireland v Cork Harlequins, Garryduff,13:30
Railway Union v Corinthian, Park Avenue, 13:30

Women (Pool A)
Muckross v UCC, Muckross, 13:30
Ulster Elks v Avoca, UUJ, 14

Women (Pool B)
Cork Harlequins v Queens, Harlequins Park, 12:45
Corinthian v Galway, St Columbas Collage, 13:15

Interprovincial  – Fixtures
Sunday 29th January

U16 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 11:30

U18 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 13:45

U21 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 16:00

 

Irish Hockey Challenge – Fixtures
Wednesday 28th January

Men
Mullingar v Limerick, Mullingar, 13:00

 

Irish Junior Cup – Fixtures
Saturday 28th January

Men
Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 13:00

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Catholic Institute fightback to deny gutsy Monkstown – EY Hockey League

Catholic Institute 2-2 Monkstown

League leaders Catholic institute had to perform a second half comeback, against an impressive Monkstown in Limerick. Goals from Sophie Moore and Rebecca Carthy looked to be enough for a fourth Monkstown win of the season, but quick-fire goals from Leah Clery and Ciara Moloney pushed Institute onto 20-points after nine rounds of action.

The Dublin side led early in the second half and looked certain to inflict just a second defeat of the season on their hosts. Their display was built on a strong work ethic and an organised defensive structure, key to that was the outstanding Orla Young-Hughes.

But, when the need was greatest, Institute found near their best, in a largely sub-par display. They were led by Naomi Carroll, who was influential, though Roisin Upton’s absence was perhaps most notable.

After a scrappy opening 10 minutes or so, Monkstown opened the scoring. Chloe Watkins, who was Player of the Match, dribbled hard at the home defence and her cross was flicked to the net by the diving Sophie Moore.

At the other end, young goalkeeper Martha Duignan was comfortable when stopping a brace of efforts from Naomi Carroll. Her first was a cross that could have been diverted, the second, was an under-strength attempt from the first penalty corner of the contest. Monkstown, who’d the second poorest defence in the opening eight games of the season, was comfortable keeping the Limerick side at bay in the first half.

They quickly set about doubling their lead. As with so much of their good attacking play on the day, it was 200-cap midfielder Watkins who was at the heart of it. Natasha Toomey was set clear by Watkins, her early shot looked by certain to cross the line but Carthy made sure by tapping home from two-yards out.

The reply didn’t come until Watkins received a green card. Institute took this advantage through Clery, almost immediately. Captain Eimear Ryan delivered from just outside the circle, and with the aid of a couple of deflections, the ball found Clery who scrambled beyond Duignan. Suddenly, extending their unbeaten run to eight games, appeared possible again.

An equaliser came and it was from a penalty corner, with the telling touch coming – three goals in one quarter and the game level, it was now all to play for in the final period.

This game came to a frantic conclusion with Roisin Begley and Watkins having a chance at either end, with both just inches away from connecting with a pass and finding what would have been the match-winner. Neither side could find the winner and had to settle for draw.

In the end, there was some frustration for Catholic Institute at two points dropped, knowing that Loreto and UCD will be looking to overhaul them at the top of the league in the second half of the season.

While Simon Lowry’s youthful side will be disappointed to led a two-goal lead slip, they were delighted to take a point away to league leaders, who’ve conceded just nine times in as many outings

Elsewhere in the EYHL Womens’ Division One, UCD were able to get closer to the summit, winning 2-1 at home to Peagusus in Belfield. A goal in either half, from Michelle Carey and Leah O’Shea helped them move to within two points of Catholic Institute – a side who they’ll host later in the season.

Ards against Old Alex and Railway Union’s clash with Belfast Harlequins were postponed due to frozen pitches.

EHYL Men

Monkstown 5-0 Cookstown
Midtable Monkstown sealed their second victory of the season, when thrashing winless Cookstown. They led 2-0 at half-time, thanks to efforts from Rory Nichols and Geoff Cole. The same two were on target in a dominant second half, while Jeremy Duncan also put his name on the scoresheet in Rathdown.

League leaders Banbridge’s clash with third-placed Glenanne was postponed.

YMCA 4-0 Instonians
YMCA put four past Instonians in their first game of 2023. Goals from Ed Collins, Ross Henderson, Grant Glutz and Tom Power.

Pembroke Wanderers 1 – 4 Annadale
Goals from S Pinion, M Robson, D Tremlet and W Aston for Annadale to take the win over Pembroke.

Lisnagravey travelled to Dublin to win a close fight against Three Rock Rovers.
TRR 2 (James Walker, Ali Empey) Lisnagarvey 3 (Andrew Williamson 2, Andy Edgar)

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Sustainability in Sport

Sport and Sustainability

We know the positive role sport plays in promoting healthy lifestyles and building communities. Grassroots clubs the length and breadth of Ireland are testament to sport’s inherent attraction and power.

The range of social, environmental, and economic issues which affect us globally, are also causing significant challenges for the sports community. Both in terms of day-to-day operations and duties to our young people and future generations.

But with this, there’s growing recognition also around how the power of sport can be used to help inspire participants and followers towards building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. That means for clubs themselves, their communities and for the environment.

 

Meath LSP’s groundbreaking initiative

It’s against this background that Meath LSP is leading an exciting new initiative promoting social and environmental sustainability in sport.

Through committing to pursue sustainability, a club can inspire its members and the local community to become more conscious of their own individual actions.

Whether aimed at maximising the social or community benefits of their club, or acting responsibly around their club’s environment and surroundings, there’s opportunity to work together for positive change.

 

Project Long Game – Saturday 28 January

The “Project Long Game” information event (9.30am-1pm, Saturday 28th January, Solstice Centre, Navan) will show local club leaders, decision makers and volunteers etc how they can make their club more socially and environmentally sustainable.

A host of local and expert international speakers will share insights around best practice, the benefits and crucially, advise how clubs can make a start on sustainability. (And in doing so, how they can meet objectives of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).)

With a line up including leaders of progressive grassroots GAA, football and rugby clubs, attendees will learn of the many opportunities to be gained through making this commitment.

The benefits driven for their players, supporters and communities – be it attracting new members, reduced costs, better sponsorships, meaningful environmental action etc. – are increasingly apparent and compelling.

 

Learnings from further afield

In addition to hearing about learnings and case studies from the GAA’s key ‘‘Healthy Clubs’ and ‘Green Clubs’ programmes, world sport and sustainability expert Russell Seymour will share his perspective on the significance of Meath’s ‘Project Long Game’.

Lastly, with the international conversation now including the likes of Meathman Sean McCabe (Climate Justice Manager, Bohemian FC) and triple Irish Olympic athlete, Natalya Coyle, the audience will hear how the county can play a leading and impactful role for the years to come.

As they say in sport, “It’s all to play for.”

Register now to attend this free event at www.projectlonggame.ie

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Player of the Match – Chloe Watkins – Catholic Institute v Monkstown – EY Hockey League

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What to look out for this Week – Preview 1

Round 9 of the EY Hockey League kicks off this weekend. All fixtures can be seen below.

Catholic Institute v Monkstown will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s YouTube page here.

EYHL 1 – Round 9 – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Banbridge v Glenanne – 14:45 – Havelock Park
– TRR v Lisnagarvey – 15:00 – Grange Road
– Monkstown v Cookstown – 16:00 – Rathdown
– Instonians v YMCA – 16:00 – Shawsbridge
– Pembroke Wanderers v Annadale – 16:00 – Serpentine Avenue

WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v Railway –12:45- Deramore Park
– Catholic Institute v Monkstown- 14:30- Rosbrien
– Ards v Old Alex – 14:30 – Londonderry Park
– UCD v Peagsus – 14:50 – Belfield

 

Irish Senior Cup – Fixtures
Thursday 19th January

MEN
– Glenanne v Lisnagarvey – 20:20 – Loreto (Refix)

 

Irish Hockey Challenge – Fixtures
Wednesday 18th January

MEN
– Saintfield v Portrush – 20:00 – Saintfield (Refix)

Saturday 21st January
WOMEN
– Kilkeel v University of Galway – 15:00 – Kilkeel
– Cork Wanderers v Skerries – 16:00 – Ursuline School

 

Irish Hockey Trophy – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Rathgar v Kilkenny – 12:45 – Rathgar

 

Irish Junior Cup – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Mossley v Cookstown – 12:45 – Mossley
– Lisnagarvey v Glenanne – 15:00 – Comber Road

Instonians v Clontarf – 17:30 – Shawbridge

WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v UCD – 14:30 – Deramore Park

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Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Final

 

Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Final

Munster 1-1 Ulster (Munster win shootout 3-2)

Munster took the Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial title coming from behind to equalise with the final play of the game and then beat Ulster in a shootout.

The northern province looked to have done enough when Sophie Kidd gave them the lead with only eight minutes remaining but with time expired Sarah Fitzgerald’s effort from a penalty corner found the back of the Ulster net.
Ruby Walsh and Anna Campbell scored for Munster in the shootout with Kidd and Eva Gaston replying for Ulster but the outstanding Beth Anne O’Farrell converted the final penalty shuttle with Ellie Edwards the unfortunate player to miss giving Munster the win.

“To be honest we were very happy and positive with the way we were playing and we had a number of corners we didn’t convert so to put the last one away, I think we felt we deserved at least one,” said Munster coach Yvonne O’Bryne afterwards.

The former Irish international knows a thing or two about winning and losing shootouts. She was a member of the 2018 World Cup squad who reached the final after beating India and Spain on the way after penalty shuttles and she had a special mention for match winner O’Farrell.

“She actually missed one in midweek in the Schools Cup and St Angela’s went out so she had a point to prove to herself and everyone else and I’d always put my house on her to score.”

When the two sides met in November, Ulster had won 3-2 so the final was expected to be tight but the direct style of play from both teams led to an entertaining opening to the game.

The strong running of O’Farrell and Fitzgerald was causing Ulster’s defence problems while Eva Gaston, a product of Dalriada, the same school as Ireland senior captain Katie Mullan, was controlling midfield and linking well for Ulster with forwards Kidd and Gabriella Scott.

Attacking endeavour, however, was countered by robust defending from both sides.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to Ulster. After winning the ball in midfield, Gaston’s pass found Kidd and the Ards forward stepped into a reverse stick shot that caused Faye Luby to make a great save. From the resulting penalty corner the Catholic Institute goalkeeper stuck out a right boot to deny Alex Byrne’s goal bound effort.

With the last play of the half, O’Farrell forced another penalty corner for Munster but Fitzgerald’s reverse stick shot was wide of the mark.
Munster began to seize control of the game in the third quarter finding joy down both flanks but Ulster’s defence was resilient.

Aine Power was becoming more of a factor with her stick handling ability cutting in from the right wing and she set Cork Harlequins team mate O’Farrell up for a shooting chance that went wide.

Ulster began the final quarter strongly and turned their pressure into the opening goal with eight minutes left in the game.

Gaston found Scott and after her powerful run into the circle, she picked out Kidd and her effort looped up and over the sprawling Lucy Nixon, now in goal for Munster.

Nixon then stopped Kidd doubling Ulster’s advantage from a penalty corner and it proved crucial.

As time expired Munster won a penalty corner and with the final play of the game, they slipped the ball to Fitzgerald and her shot took a couple of deflections but found it’s way into the goal to equalise.

It was on to a shootout and two saves from Aoife Doyle and conversions for Gaston and Kidd had Ulster ahead 2-1 after three shuttles but Campbell scored for Munster and Nixon produced a vital stop setting the stage for O’Farrell to score. When Edwards missed it was Munster who celebrated a victory at the end of an entertaining game.

O’Byrne added, “I think it’s fairly exciting for Irish hockey. The level of skill and technical ability at under-18 level is so much higher than when I was coming through. The game is getting faster and being played at a higher level which is great to see.”

Her opposite number, Ulster’s Suzanne Evans agreed, “It was a great game of hockey and we are disappointed but I hope there will be some big opportunities moving forward for these girls. This is an important age group with decisions being made about their futures but I hope they keep hockey as a priority and that their game progresses at club and maybe international level as well.”
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Four Ireland umpires selected onto the European Umpire Development Programmes

Congratulations to Christine Coulter Reilly, Gary O’Connor, Sarah Craig and Oli Brown who have all been accepted onto the European Umpire Development Programmes.

Christine and Gary will join the EuroHockey Umpires for Europe (U4E) programme. This focuses on improving the performance of umpires who are at an advanced stage of development and have shown the potential to become international umpires. Meanwhile, Sarah and Oli will have the opportunity to learn skills to progress in their national leagues via the EuroHockey Umpires for Nations (U4N) programme.

Many thanks to Sport Ireland’s support of our Umpire Academy, via the Women in Sport Programme, where Sarah and Christine started out on their national and international pathway.

https://eurohockey.org/2023/01/11/eurohockey-umpires-for-europe-u4e-and-eurohockey-umpires-for-nations-u4n-2023-announced/

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