EYHL Division 1 Men (Round 3)

UCD 4 (Alan Sothern, Adam Galbriath, Mark Collins, Josh Filgas)   CORINTHIAN  3 (Davy Howard 2, Robbie Clarke)

THREE ROCK ROVERS 3 (James Walker, Jody Hosking, Ali Empey)  GLENANNE 1  (Shane O’Donoghue)

ANNADALE 2 (David Tremlett, Spencer Pinion)  LISNAGARVEY 6 (Oliver Kidd, Matthew Aughey, Ben Nelson x 2, Daniel Nelson, James Lorimer)

MONKSTOWN  1 (Mark Gibbons)  YMCA  2 (Harry McCarthy, Grant Glutz)

INSTONIANS  2 (Thomas Orr, Mark Eames)  BANBRIDGE  3 (Matthew McKee, Johnny Mc Kee, Charlie Rowe)

 

Newly promoted UCD picked up their first League points of the new season by beating fellow newly promoted side Corinthian 4-3 at the National Stadium in Belfield. The visitors started strongly and exerted pressure early on in the first quarter. The first short corner fell to the Reds but they were unable to convert it into a shot on target and the students survived. Having conceded 11 goals in their first two matches, UCD were anxious to concede as few goals as possible and certainly not any in the opening stages. As the game wore on and UCD didn’t concede they created a few opportunities to score of their own. Growing into the game, UCD took the lead through a penalty corner converted by Alan Sothern. Adam Galbraith scored the second from a field goal within two minutes and it was 2-0 UCD at the end of the first quarter.

Corinthian began the second quarter strongly and dominated possession in the early stages. It was pretty much nip and tuck for the remainder of the second quarter. It was still 2-0 at half-time. The third quarter saw Corinthian on the attack again in the early stages. UCD defended well. Corinthian got on the scoresheet through a Robbie Clarke converted penalty corner in the 41st minute to make the score 2-1 to UCD.  Corinthian were awarded a penalty stroke in the 45th minute, which was converted by Davy Howard and Corinthian equalised to leave the score 2-2. UCD were awarded a penalty corner in the 50th minute and Mark Colins put it in at the far post, after the ball rebounded off the goal post to leave UCD leading 3-2. Josh Filgas from open play increased the UCD lead in the 68th minute and UCD were leading 4-2 going into the final seconds when Corinthian were awarded a penalty corner. Davy Howard converted his second of the game. And it was the last action of the match which finished UCD 4 Corinthians 3.

UCD: GK Ross Clarke, Ben Stewart, Mark Smyth, Callum Hewitt, Kevin O’Dea [capt], Mark Collins, Josh Gill, Samuel Ryder, Ethan Flynn, Adam Galbraith, Josh Filgas  SUBS USED: Conor Walsh, Sam Walker, Alan Sothern, Harry Lynch, Andrew Fox.

CORINTHIAN:  AJ Browne (GK), Neil Pelow, Craig McKay, Robbie Clarke, Max Neill, Ross Howard, Tristan Cooke, Davy Howard (C), Peter Caruth, Daniel O’Dal, Ian Stewart.SUBS USED: Sam Maxwell, Ben Murphy, Max Wright, Josh Greaney, Callum McCourt, Josh Greaney

 

Three Rock Rovers took on Glenanne at Grange Road and ran out winners by three goals to one. James Walker gave Three Rock Rovers the lead in the 22nd minute from open play. They led 1-0 at half-time. Glenanne equalized in the 37th minute from Shane O’Donoghue’s converted penalty corner. Three Rock regained the lead on the hour mark through Jody Hosking’s converted penalty corner. The points were secured in the 69th minute when Alistair Empey scored from open play to secure a 3-1 win.

 

Lisnagarvey visited Annadale and maintained their 100% record and made it 20 goals scored in three games with a 6-2 away win. Oliver Kidd converted a penalty corner to give them a 1-0 lead on 12 minutes. Matthew Aughey increased their lead on 15 minutes from open play to put them 2-0 ahead. Ben Nelson made it 3-0 in the 20th minute and added another to make it 4-0 in the 23rd minute. Daniel Nelson made it 5-0 in the 25th minute and Annadale finally got on the scoresheet on the half hour through David Tremlett to leave them trailing 1-5 at half time. Spencer Pinion got a second goal for Annadale from a converted penalty corner in the 58th minute to make it 5-2 to Lisnagarvey but any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out completely when James Lorimer got the final goal of the game for Garvey in the 65th minute from another penalty corner to seal the 6-2 win.

The next match took place at Rathdown School where Monkstown hosted YMCA in the second part of an EHYL double header.  A tightly contested first half produced no goals and it was 0-0 at half time. Things got a bit livelier after the break. Harry McCarthy gave YMCA the lead in the 37th minute from open play and Grant Glutz made it 2-0 to the visitors from a penalty corner in the 51st minute. Mark Gibbons got a goal back for Monkstown in the 67th minute but it was too little, too late as YMCA ended up winning 2-1.

The late match took place at Lagan College where Instonians hosted Banbridge.  The first half was scoreless and then Matthew McKee put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the 40th minute. Instonians responded through Thomas Orr with a goal from open play in the 43rd minute. Bann restored their lead in the 46th minute through Johnny McKee. But Mark Eames got Instonians back level in the 51st minute, Bann finally got the winner with three minutes left through Charlie Row with another goal from open play.

 

EYHL Division 1 Women (Round 2)

LORETO 2  (Hannah McLaughlin, Rachel Kelly)  CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 0

CORINTHIAN 0 UCD 1 (Mikayla Power)

OLD ALEX 1  (Aoife Taaffe)  ULSTER ELKS 1 (Gabriella Scott)

RAILWAY UNION  6 (Ailish Long, Niamh Carey 2, Michelle Carey, Kate Dillon, Orla Fox )  PEGASUS  1 (Zara Malseed)

MONKSTOWN 1  (Jennifer Hamill )  PEMBROKE WANDERERS 3 (Milla Fulton, Sally Campbell, Orla Macken)

Loreto played Catholic Institute in Beaufort and in the first quarter there were no goals. It was identical in quarter two and it was still 0-0 at halftime. A third quarter couldn’t separate the teams but it all changed in sixty seconds in quarter four. Loreto were awarded a penalty stroke in the 57th minute which was converted by Hannah McLaughlin. Rachel Kelly added a second within a minute to seal a 2-0 victory.

In the reverse of their respective men’s team’s fixtures Corinthian hosted UCD at home in EYHL Women’s Division 1. Mikayla Power gave UCD the lead at St. Columba’s College against Corinthians scoring both her own and the team’s first of the season. The goal was enough to secure UCDs first win of the season as the gamed ended in a 1-0 win for the defending champions.

Old Alexandra collected their first League point of the season when holding Ulster Elks to a 1-1 draw at Alexandra College. Elks took the lead in the 17th minute through Gabriella Scott. The lead lasted less than a minute as Aoife Taaffe grabbed an equaliser for Alex a minute later also from open play.

Railway Union indicated that they mean business this season with an emphatic 6-1 win over Pegasus. Ailish Long gave Railers the lead in the 3rd minute. Ireland international Zara Malseed got an equalizer for Pegasus a minute later. Railway Union regained their lead in the 11th minute through Niamh Carey’s converted penalty corner. Michelle Carey made it 3-1 from a converted penalty corner in the 18th minute and they lead 3-1 at half time. Railway increased their lead early in the third quarter through a Kate Dillon goal from open play on 36 minutes. Railway were awarded a penalty stroke in 48th minute which was converted by Orla Fox to make it 5-1 and the scoring was completed when Niamh Carey got her second of the game from yet another penalty corner in the 65th minute . It finished Railway Union 6 Pegasus 1 .

Monkstown took on Pembroke Wanderers in the late game at Rathdown School. Milla Fulton gave Pembroke Wanderers the lead and further goals from Sally Campbell and Orla Macken secured victory. Monkstown responded through a consolation goal from Jennifer Hamill.

Following the announcement of its partnership extension earlier this year, Hockey Ireland and SoftCo, the global leader in Procure-to-Pay and Compliance solutions, are proud to announce a new initiative in support of Hockey goalkeeping excellence entitled ‘The Goalie Club’.

The Goalie Club will work with coaches and emerging talent throughout the country to develop key skills, and will see the development of a national team of Goalkeeper Coaches headed by David Fitzgerald, Irish Hockey International and Rio 2016 Olympian.

This 3 year initiative is fortunate to include one of the world’s leading goalkeeping coaches, Nigel Henderson, who will lead on instruction and who is responsible for the emergence of David Harte and Ayeisha McFerran, both current Ireland International goalkeepers.

The additional SoftCo funding will also support the creation of a digital content series of Nigel’s expert coaching tutorials, available to affiliated coaches throughout the country to develop the next generation of stars and includes the active involvement of the current crop of Internationals including David Harte, Jamie Carr, Ayeisha McFerran and Lizzie Murphy.

The Goalie Club reaffirms SoftCo’s longstanding commitment to growth and development of hockey in Ireland which began in 2018 when SoftCo became the lead sponsor of the Women’s Senior Team who won Silver in the 2018 FIH World Cup. The partnership was further extended when SoftCo became the lead sponsor to the Men’s Senior Team, as well as the U21/ National development squads for girls and boys in 2021.

“We’re delighted to announce this new initiative. It’s such an exciting time with the Men’s side participating in the FIH Pro League and both Senior teams competing in January’s Olympic Qualifiers. We are particularly pleased to expand our partnership with Hockey Ireland to include the support of underage coaching and online skills training to help develop the future stars of the sport,” said Jim Coffey , Co-Founder, SoftCo.

Hockey Ireland CEO, Anne McCormack added: “SoftCo continue to share our vision for the growth of our sport and the development of our hockey talent, and this new Goalie Club initiative is a great example of where the partnership can deliver real impact. More than that, it provides us a framework for further digital content and coaching excellence which will hold us in good stead as we look to an ever brightening future.”

ROUND 3 of the EY Hockey League Men’s Division 1 gets underway on Saturday September 30 when Instonians host Banbridge at Shawsbridge. Instonians who have yet to pick up a point thus far in the 2023-24 season, face a Banbridge side that had victory snatched from them last time out by a last gasp equalising goal from Glenanne. Glenanne themselves are on the road again this time for the much shorter trip to Grange Road in Rathfarnham where they take on Three Rock Rovers. Both sides have 4 points out of a possible 6 from their opening two rounds of games. UCD take on Corinthian at Belfield. Corinthian won the EYHL 2 last season and beat UCD in the final. Both sides also finished in the top three in the Leinster Division 1A last season. Corinthian have 4 points out of 6 from their opening two rounds of games. UCD have zero points so far in their opening games but also have shipped 11 goals during those two fixtures and will need to shore up their defense immediately if they are to achieve anything in the League this season. Although they scored 4 times last week against Lisnagarvey they managed to lose the game 8-4. Annadale play Lisnagarvey and the latter have scored 15 goals in their first two outings and are currently on top of the table, two points clear of all the others and the only remaining side with a 100% record. Annadale got their first points last weekend with a 4-1 win over Instonians. Monkstown take on YMCA in the late game at Rathdown School. They have a win and a loss so far this season and will be looking to add to their points tally at home to a YMCA side still in search of their first point of the campaign.

ROUND 2 of the Women’s Division 1 gets underway on Saturday also, with Corinthian hosting EYHL Division 1 champions UCD. Last season’s EYHL2 winners were beaten by the 2022 Irish Senior Cup winners Catholic Institute in their opening game while UCD were held scoreless by the EYHL winners from 2021-22 Pembroke Wanderers last time out. Loreto take on Catholic Institute at Beaufort and having gotten off to a brilliant start to the campaign have lived up to the belief of many, that they are favorites for this year’s title with 9 current senior international squad members in their line-up. Insta themselves are fresh from a home win against Corinthian. Old Alexandra take on Ulster Elks, and last season’s Ulster Premier Division Champions and EYHL 2 runners up had a good 3-1 win in their opening match. Alex have 0 points so far following an opening day defeat to Railway Union. Union themselves host Pegasus and will be looking to add to that victory last week. Pegasus were thumped 4-0 at home by Loreto last week. Monkstown host Pembroke Wanderers looking for their first League points of the campaign. Having lost to newly promoted Ulster Elks last week they will be hoping to get a positive outcome against Pembroke who drew 0-0 away to UCD last weekend.

 EYHL Division 1 Saturday 30th September

 

Men

 

TRR v Glenanne, Grange Road, 13:00

UCD v Corinthain, Belfield Water, 14:05

Annadale v Lisnagarvey, Queens University, 14:30

Monkstown v YMCA, Rathdown, 16:15

Instonains v Banbridge, Shawsbridge, 18:00

 

Women

 

Corinthian v UCD, St Columbas College, 13:15

Loreto v Catholic Institute, Loreto School, 13:15

Old Alex v Ulster Elks, Alexandra College, 13:30

Monkstown v Pembroke, Rathdown, 14:15

Railway v Pegasus, Wesley College, 15:15

 

 

 

Interpro’ s Sunday 1st  October

 

U16 Boys

 

Ulster v Leinster, Portrane Hockey Club, 12:15

 

U18 Boys

 

Ulster v Leinster, Portrane Hockey Club, 14:30

 

 

Dublin, Sept 26: Hockey Ireland is pleased to announce the initial training panels for its National Performance Pathway for the upcoming season for the following teams: U21 Men (Breakthrough), U21 Women (Breakthrough), U18 Women (Accelerate) and U16 Women (Rise). Training panels for U18 Men (Accelerate) and U16 Men (Rise) will be announced Tuesday October 3 (Evening).

The panel selections follow Hockey Ireland’s reclassifying of its pathway teams with the underlying ethos being to place players in the best environments to suit their personal development. These national panels will be supported by regional training panels and these groups will train regularly and include players both from the national panel and regionally identified players.

 

There will be three national panels:

  • U16 (Rise)
  • U18 (Accelerate)
  • U21 (Breakthrough)

 

Players in each group may be out of the age range but Hockey Ireland has identified them as having the potential to progress to the next level and feel that their development would be best suited in this panel.

There are multiple strands to selection, and these are detailed below.

  1. Pathway recommendation: Players may be selected due to their performances in the previous Hockey Ireland cycle. This means that due to prior performance with Hockey Ireland that they have been identified as having significant potential and will be kept in the pathway for continued development, without the necessity to be identified during the Interpro tournament.
  2. Interpro Performance: National staff will liaise with provincial coaches concerning the selection of a national and regional training groups. National staff will observe interprovincial matches.
  3. Observation in school and club hockey: We are establishing a network of scouts that will keep an eye on players who are demonstrating the required attributes outside of our programme. Should a player be recommended through this manner they will be observed and may be invited into a training panel.

After an initial assessment the following panels have been selected

  • U16 (Rise) Women
  • U18 (Accelerate) Women
  • U21 (Breakthrough) Women
  • U21 (Breakthrough) Men

 

U16 (Rise) Women

The following have been selected for a training camp from 29 October (evening) – 1 November. Further details of the camp will be distributed shortly.

Anna Butler Leinster
Neve Caldwell Ulster
Kate Collins Munster
Bonnie Connor Boyd Ulster
Emma Considine Connacht
Orla Costello Connacht
Daisy Costello Leinster
Caoimhe Dalton Leinster
Juliette Duffy Leinster
Holly Farrell Leinster
Roise Flynn Connacht
Lucy Fox Leinster
Leah Galbraith Ulster
Siofra Garavaglia Drion Munster
Evie Girvan Ulster
Cat Gribbin Ulster
Sally Hannon Leinster South
Ruby Johnston Ulster
Lily May Kelleher Munster
Grace Kelly Connacht
Kyah Kelly Munster
Emma McEntee Ulster
Grace McKenna Leinster
Anna McRoberts Ulster
Aisling Meehan Leinster
Laiose Nelson Overseas
Mia O’Donnell Connacht
Zoe Poole Leinster South
Hollai Quinn Leinster
Sarah Richardson Leinster South
Alyssa Somerville Ulster
Sophie Tate Ulster
Evie Thompson Ulster
Ella Tosh Leinster
Poppy Williams Leinster South
Stella Wylie Ulster

 

Additional invites to the camp may be issued after the next round of InterPro games. National and regional panels will be published after the camp along with associated training programmes.

If you have any queries on any of the above information, please contact mick.mckinnon@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

 

U18 (Accelerate) Women

The following have been selected for a training camp from 29 October (evening) – 1 November. Further details of the camp will be distributed shortly.

Emily Adamson Ulster
Isla Allen Ulster
Holly Beckinsale Ulster
Charlie Bowman Ulster
Sarah Byrne Leinster
Annie Cunningham Ulster
Eva Doyle Leinster
Matilde Errico Leinster
Isobel Field Leinster
Molly Finlay Leinster South
Dina Finn Overseas
Milla Fulton Leinster
Amy Handcock Leinster South
Roisin Heaney Connacht
Lola Henderson Ulster
Katie Herron Ulster
Millie Jerman Leinster
Aoife Kavanagh Munster
Mollie Lennon Leinster
Rebekah Lennon Ulster
Kia McCartney Ulster
Maebh McGloughlin Connacht
Lucy McGoldrick Leinster
Grainne Molloy Leinster South
Sofie Moloney Munster
Lucy Nixon Munster
Amy Noonan Munster
Darcy Shields Overseas
Emma Simmons Leinster South
Kate Stuart Trainor Connacht
Scarlett Taylor Ulster
Orla Young Hughes Leinster

 

Additional invites to the camp may be issued after the next round of InterPro games. National and regional panels will be published after the camp along with associated training programmes.

If you have any queries on any of the above information, please contact mick.mckinnon@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

U21 (Breakthrough) Women

Name Club
1.      Jenny McLoughlin UCC
2.      Julia McCarthy UCC
3.      Áine Power Cork Harlequins
4.      Ali Griffin UCD
5.      Aoibheann Collins Catholic Institute
6.      Ava Maleady Corinthians HC
7.      Georgie Fottrell Corinthians HC
8.      Lyndsey Power Old Alexandra HC
9.      Roisin Sexton Pembroke Wanderers HC
10.  Tory Byrne Catholic Institute
11.  Emma Uprichard Loughborough University
12.  Florence Maughan UCD
13.  Leah O Shea UCD
14.  Sarah Fitzgerald Catholic Institute
15.  Ella Pasley Loreto HC
16.  Alex Byrne Ulster University Elks
17.  Anna Pimm Pegasus HC
18.  Zoe Kilpatrick Queens University
19.  Lucy Mackey Nottingham University
20.  Eva Gaston Queens University
21.  Megan Cochrane Queens University
22.  Gabriella Scott Ulster University Elks
23.  Sophie Kidd UCD
24.  Sarah Kirgan University of Birmingham
25.  Ella Brown University of Birmingham
26.  Caoimhe Seymour (GK) Monkstown HC
27.  Martha Duignan (GK) Monkstown HC

 

The above players will be invited to a national training day in Abbottstown on Sunday 1st Oct.

Details will be sent to each player.

 

The following will be invited to attend U21 Regional training in their province.

 

Pippa Wilson Banbridge HC
Harriett Bradley Edinburgh University
Katie Kimber Queens Ladies HC
Amelia Bradley Queens Ladies HC
Joy Duggan Three Rock Rovers HC
Sarah Mc Farland UCD
Lauren Johnston UCD
Ruby Walsh Cork Harlequins
Rebecca Carthy Monkstown HC
Rebekah Fitzgerald Loreto HC
Lauren Cripps UCC
Holly Comer (GK) Queens ladies HC
Abbie Robinson (GK) Pegasus HC
Hanna McKenna (GK) Corinthians HC

Details of regional training will be forwarded in due course.

Still to be assessed:

Robyn Murphy UCC
Aoibheann Murdoch Monkstown HC
Kate Ryan UCD
Katie Leslie Kilkenny College
Hailey Clarke Portrane HC
Erika Gallagher (GK) UCD

 

Players will be continually assessed in their club environments through the year and may be added to the squad at any point.

 

Under 21 (Breakthrough) Men

 

After two weekends of assessment, the following players are invited to U21 (Breakthrough) training on the following dates.

 

Regional Training 8 October

 

Ulster (TBC)

 

Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin 1600-1800

 

National Training 15 October

 

Dublin (TBC)

 

National Training 22 Octobe

Dublin (TBC)

For UK based players regional sessions are not mandatory. They are required to attend National sessions when asked

 

DUBLIN Training Group Club / School
Ben Pasley Three Rock Rovers
Ben Ryder Three Rock Rovers
Ben Stewart UCD
Ben Whelan Three Rock Rovers
Bryan Smyth UCD
Cian Dorgan Cork C Of I
Conor Walsh Three Rock Rovers
Craig Mackay Corinthian HC
Gregory Williams Waterford
Henry Thompson Pembroke Wanderers
Ian Perrott YMCA HC
Jonathan Spillane Cork C Of I
Josh Gill UCD
Mark Collins UCD
Rex Dunlop Three Rock Rovers
Ryan Williams Waterford HC
Sam Chapman YMCA HC
Sam Dale Cork Harlequins
Sam Maxwell Corinthian HC
Sean Bateman Cork C Of I
Tiarnan Gaffney Cork C Of I

 

 

ULSTER Training Group Club / School
Aaron Baxter Banbridge HC
Adam McKee Banbridge HC
Allen Lyons Annadale HC
Ben Walker Banbridge HC
Charlie Rowe Banbridge HC
Christopher Curry Nottingham Trent University
Elliot Haw Banbridge HC
Harrison Dunlop Loughborough Students Men’s
Harry Archbold Lisnagarvey HC
James Clark Annadale HC / University of Nottingham
James Evans Banbridge HC
Louis Rowe Banbridge HC
Mackenzie Connor Lisnagarvey HC
Mark Cuddy Cookstown HC
Matthew Aughey Lisnagarvey HC
Matthew McKee Banbridge HC
Matthew McKibbin Lisnagarvey HC
Patrick McElhinney Team Bath Buccaneers
Robbie Davidson Nottingham Trent University
Sam Anderson Annadale HC
Tommy Dobson Banbridge HC

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 

ANNADALE 4 (Spencer Pinion 1 min, Owen McElhinney 24 min, Fergus Gibson 53 min & 67 mins)   INSTONIANS 1 (Gavin Lecky 29 mins)

CORINTHIAN  3 (Max Neill 7 mins, Ian Stewart 16 mins, Sam Maxwell 33 mins) MONKSTOWN  2 (Davy Carson 49 mins, Lee Cole PS 67 mins)

YMCA 0  THREE ROCK ROVERS 1  (Ben Johnson 18 mins)

BANBRIDGE 3 (David Finlay 10 mins, Charlie Rowe 38 mins, Louis Rowe 45 mins) GLENANNE  3 ( Shane O’Donoghue PS 15 mins, & PC 61 mins, Gavin Gibney 34 mins  )

UCD 4 (Andrew Luke Galbraith, Harry Lynch, Ben Stewart x2) LISNAGARVEY 8 ( Matthew Aughney , |Oliver Kidd, Jonny Lynch, Peter McKibbin ,  Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson , Andrew Williamson)

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 

PEGASUS 0  LORETO  4 (Rachel Kelly 4 & 10 mins, Síofra O’Brien 42 mins, Caoimhe Perdue 61 mins)

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 3 (Aoife Hickey 8 mins, Anna Horan 52& 53 mins)   CORINTHIAN  1 (Jessica Mc Grane 67 mins)

OLD ALEXANDRA 0 RAILWAY UNION 2 (Leah Warren 55 mins, Ailish Long 57 mins)

UCD  0  PEMBROKE WANDERERS  0 

ULSTER ELKS  3  (Serena Campuzano 20 mins, Bethany Harper 35 mins, Jessica McMaster 58 mins)  MONKSTOWN   1  (Chloe Watkins PS 8 mins)

 

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND UP

The action began at Queen’s University Sportsgrounds where Annadale took on Instonians in a Belfast derby and took the lead in the first minute through Spencer Pinion, who converted a penalty corner in the first minute. They went 2-0 up through a penalty corner from Owen McElhinney on 24 minutes. Instonians got one back before half time through a goal from Gavin Lecky from open play.

Annadale restored their two goal lead with a goal from open play converted by Fergus Gibson.

Fergus Gibson made the points safe for Dale in the 67th minute with his second of the match from a penalty corner to seal a 4-1 win. Annadale get their first points of the new season while Instonians remain pointless from their two outings so far.

Corinthians took on Monkstown at St. Columba’s College and Max Neill gave the hosts a lead in the 7th minute. Ian Stewart increased their lead on 16 minutes. Sam Maxwell’s goal on 33 minutes left Corinthians 3-0 at half time. Monkstown got back on the scoresheet through Davy Carson in the 49th minute and then were awarded a penalty stroke which Lee Cole  duly converted leaving Corinthians leading 3-2 with three minutes to go and that’s how it finished.

YMCA began their home campaign at Wesley College with a visit from Three Rock Rovers

It was the visitors who took the lead through Ben Johnson, converting a penalty corner in the 18th minute which proved to be the only goal of the game. Despite the home side being reduced to 10 players in the 9th minute when Aaron Bailey was green carded, and on 36 minutes when Harry Mc Carthy was green carded and finally in the 41st minute when Scott Ruttle was green carded, the goal game at a time when both teams were at full strength.

Banbridge had their second consecutive home game against Glenanne at Havelock Park.

David Finlay gave Bann a 1-0  lead on 10 minutes.  Glenanne were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted by Shane O’Donoghue in the 15th minute to leave it 1-1.  Glenanne then took the lead through a Gavin Gibney field goal on 34 minutes to make the score Banbridge 1 Glenanne 2 at half-time  Then began the comeback Charlie Rowe equalised in the 38th minute and his brother Louis Rowe scored in the 45th minute to leave Bann leading 3-2 at the end of quarter three. But Glenanne weren’t finished and they snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat when Shane O’Donoghue grabbed an equaliser, converting a penalty corner in the 61st minute and it finished Banbridge 3 Glenanne 3

The Battle of the Blues took place in UCD where the newly promoted students took on last season’s runners-up Lisnagarvey fresh from a six goal margin of victory in their season opener.

UCD’s men suffered a similar defeat at home to Garvey who racked up eight goals this week having gotten seven the previous week. Garvey scored in the first quarter. Both sides swapped 2 goals a piece in the second quarter to leave the half time score UCD 2 Garvey 3. Garvey got 3 goals in quarter three to leave them 6-2 ahead. They increased their lead to 8-2 in quarter four before UCD got 2 late goals to leave the final score UCD 4 LISNAGARVEY 8

Goalscorers for UCD: Adam Luke Galbraith, Harry Lynch Benjamin Stewart x2 Goalscorere for Lisnagarvey: Matthew Aughney, Oliver Kidd, Jonny Lynch, Peter Mc Kibbin, Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Andrew Williamson

 

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND UP

The EYHL Women’s Division 1 First round of season 2023-24 fixtures got underway at Queen’s University where Pegasus hosted Loreto. It was the visitors that struck first, Rachel Kelly scoring from open play in only the fourth minute. She grabbed her second of the game in the 10th minute. It was 2-0 at the end of the first quarter and remained 2-0 at the half -time break.

Síofra O’Brien added a third for Loreto in the 42nd minute. Caoimhe Perdue made it 4-0 to Loreto with a 61st minute goal from a penalty corner.

Catholic Institute hosted promoted side Corinthians at Rosbrien. The hosts took an early lead through Aoife Hickey and led 1-0 at half-time. Anna Horan made it 2-0 in the third quarter and got her second of the game to leave Insta leading 3-0. Jessica McGrane got a consolation goal for the visitors three minutes from time. It finished Catholic Institute 3 Corinthians 1

Dublin derby at Alexandra College saw Old Alexandra host Railway Union. After a very tight first quarter and an equally tight second it was 0-0 at half time. Railway Union took the lead in the 53rd minute when Leah Warren converted a penalty corner to put them 1-0 ahead. In the 55th minute Railway Union increased their lead through an Ailish Long goal from open play and it finished Old Alexandra 0 Railway Union 2

Defending champions UCD took on Pembroke Wanderers in a derby at Belfield.

It was a bit of a reunion as the Pembroke Wanderers squad had six former UCD players in their ranks most of whom had played at some point under current UCD coach Miles Warren. Both sides have been continuous members of the EYHL since it became a season long League format in 2015-16 season. Also given the familiarity of both sides with each other it’s probably not a big surprise that the game ended  in  stalemate. And given the high quality of defenders in action in this game, in both camps, probably even less of a surprise that it was scoreless.  UCD 0 Pembroke Wanderers 0

Ulster Elks took on Monkstown at the University Sportsgrounds in Jordanstown.  And got off to a successful opening day in the end but it wasn’t the start they would have wished for.

Monkstown were bolstered by the return to the ranks of experienced players Laura Pinder and Sarah Greene and indeed took the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty stroke which Chloe Watkins converted the 8th minute. Elks responded in the 20th minute when Serena Campuzano converted a penalty corner. Bethany Harper gave Elks the lead when she scored from open play in the 35th minute and Jessica McMaster sealed the 3-1 win for Elks scoring from open play in the 58th minute. Final score Ulster Elks 3 Monkstown 1

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 R1 PREVIEW:

The 2023-24 EY Hockey League Women’s Division 1 begins this weekend and the first round of fixtures have turned up some interesting ties. Catholic Institute will host newly promoted Corinthians. Pegasus will take on last season’s EY Champions Trophy winners Loreto. Old Alexandra have Dublin Derby against Railway Union. Defending League Champions UCD take on 2021-22 Champions Pembroke Wanderers at Belfield and newly promoted Ulster Elks will host Monkstown.

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 R2 PREVIEW:

Round 2 of the EY Hockey League Men’s Division 1 gets underway on Friday night with a derby in Belfast where Annadale take on Instonians at Lagan College. The action continues on Saturday afternoon with Corinthians who were visitors to Grange Road in week 1, securing their first League point, hosting a Monkstown side who beat UCD in their first fixture by 3-0. YMCA who were beaten 5-1 by Banbridge on the opening day of the season in Havelock Park will host Three Rock Rovers who were held at home in their first game. Banbridge, fresh from their 5-1 win over YMCA, host Glenanne this weekend while UCD take on 2022-23 EYHL Men’s Division runners-up Lisnagarvey at Belfield.

EYHL Division 1 Friday 22nd September  

Men

Annadale v Instonians, Queens University, 19:30

 EYHL Division 1 Saturday 23rd September

Men

UCD v Lisnagarvey, Belfield Water, 15:45

Corinthian v Monkstown, St Columbas College, 13:15

Banbridge v Glenanne, Havelock Park, 14:45

YMCA v Three Rock Rovers, YMCA, 14:00

Women

 UCD v Pembroke Wanderers, Belfield Water, 14:05

Catholic Institute v Corinthian, Rosbrien, 13:00

Ulster Elks v Monkstown, UUJ, 14:30

Pegasus v Loreto, Queens, 12:45

Old Alex v Railway Union, Alexandra College, 13:30

Interprovincial Sunday 17th September

U16 Girls

Connacht v Leinster, Athlone, 11:00

Ulster v Munster, Trinty College, 12:30

U18 Girls

Connacht v Leinster, Athlone, 13:00

Ulster v Munster, Trinty College, 14:30

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

LAST SEASON: 4th

Catholic Institute ended 2023-24 in 4th place in the League and qualified for the Champions Trophy. Not as memorable as the previous campaign where they finished 2nd in the title race and had won the Cup. They at least made their defense of that title go all the way to the final step before surrendering the Irish Senior Cup.  They also experienced European Hockey for the first time in their history. Lessons learned in the latter campaign by the coaching staff and playing squad alike may see them finish in the top three again this season.

Emilie Ryan Doyle’s arrival from Old Alex, which coincides with her studying at UL should strengthen the depth of their defensive core and she should be on Shannonside for the length of her studies into the bargain. They begin their campaign with a home game against newly promoted Corinthian.

 

CORINTHIAN 

LAST SEASON: WON EYHL 2 (1ST IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1) 

Corinthian gained promotion from Leinster Division 1 and EYHL 2 last season, making it a promotion double alongside their senior men’s team who did likewise. They begin their campaign with a trip to Rosbrien, the only sand-based surface in the Division which opponents Catholic Institute have turned into something of a fortress in recent seasons. Corinthian will be keen to get off to a good start and avoid being in the battle against the drop too early in the campaign. Ultimately, Corinthian will be looking to establish a foothold in EYHL Division 1 this season and kick on from there in subsequent seasons. Their pitch at Whitechurch, which is probably the highest from an altitude standpoint in the city of Dublin, hosted the EYHL 2 playoff weekend last season. They were dominant in the Leinster Division 1 last season and will find the step up a challenge they need to rise to early on.

 

LORETO 

LAST SEASON: 2nd 

Despite the disappointment of losing the title on the final day of last season, they can have few complaints given the haul of silverware currently residing in the Beaufort Trophy cabinet. EY Champions Trophy and Jacqui Potter Cup winners in 2022-23 have been strengthened by the arrival of internationals Hannah McLaughlin and Caoimhe Perdue from UCD and UCC respectively. They have also only lost one player from last season’s squad. Therefore, they are in poll position to challenge for the EYHL title again this season and perhaps go one better. A tricky opening day fixture away to Pegasus at Queen’s University in Belfast though will need to be negotiated adeptly to get that campaign off to a successful start.

 

MONKSTOWN 

LAST SEASON: 8th  

Monkstown came 8th in last season’s League campaign but winning the Irish Senior Cup made it a better debut season following their promotion at the end of the 2021-22 season that may have been anticipated. The loss of many experienced players who had helped them secure that promotion and their replacement by in house youth, made the achievement of staying up and adding a trophy even more remarkable. The younger players are a year older and wiser will be led on the field by veteran international player Chloe Watkins who returned to the national panel a few weeks ago. They begin their season with a battle against recently promoted Ulster Elks in Jordanstown who have added some experienced performers to the squad which secured promotion last season. It will be a tough test for the Irish Senior Cup holders.

 

OLD ALEXANDRA

LAST SEASON: 3rd

Despite having what looked like the strongest squad this time last year on paper, they were unable to sustain their title challenge beyond the end of March. They did reach the Champions Trophy play offs ultimately coming up short and not making the final. There have been some significant changes to the squad during the close season with two retirements and a transfer to Catholic Institute being the headline ones.

 

PEGASUS 

LAST SEASON: 6th

Pegasus had a core group of experienced players last season, guiding a larger group of younger players. With a similar dynamic in their squad this season, their younger players will be one year older wiser and most likely better. At least three of the five teams that finished above Pegasus last season could be described as in transition. And if that proves to be the case on the field then perhaps a top five finish for Pegasus may well be a realistic target.

 

PEMBROKE WANDERERS

LAST SEASON: 5th

League winners in 2021-22, they had a relatively disappointing season in 2022-23 even though they had a crucial role in deciding who would win their title by beating Loreto on the final day of the campaign. They had a strong squad and while they lost some experienced individuals in the 2022 close season, in Gillian Pinder and Aisling Naughton to name but two, they probably would feel that 5th place was not a fair reflection of the talent at their disposal. This season veteran defender Leah Maguire has moved back to the North, from where she came and will be an Ulster Elk in 2023-24.  A serial winner whose experience will be missed it remains to be seen whether this will be a season of transition for Pembroke or whether they will return to being contenders like they had been not so long ago. A trip to defending champions UCD should prove a trickier opener than this time last year when they beat Belfast Harlequins 6-1.

 

RAILWAY UNION 

LAST SEASON: 7th 

The arrival of Michelle and Niamh Carey back from UCD should provide extra goal scoring power to a Railway Union side which disappointingly missed out on a Champions Trophy playoff spot last season by a very narrow margin. They hook up with other former students in Kate Lloyd, Katie Mullen, Orla and Sarah Patton and going even further back Holly Jenkinson. There should be a great blend of youth and experience at Park Avenue in 2023-24 and realistically Railers ought to be a top 6 side this season at the very least.

 

ULSTER ELKS

LAST SEASON:  EYHL 2 RUNNER-UP (ULSTER PREMIER DIVISION WINNERS)  

Ulster Elks won their Ulster Premier Division title last season with a 100% record and only lost two competitive matches an Irish Senior Cup tie and the EYHL 2 final. The addition of Leah Maguire the former UCD and Pembroke Wanderer defender will make them even more difficult to score against and that should provide them with the platform necessary to secure their place in the EYHL Division 1 again next season.

 

UCD

LAST SEASON: EYHL DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS  

The students won their first EYHL Women’s Division 1 title in 5 years last season by securing the title on the final day of the season after Loreto lost away to Pembroke Wanderers. But there have been a few changes as some of the players that secured that title have graduated and moved back to their original clubs. The loss of Ireland internationals Michelle and Niamh Carey (both to Railway Union) and Hannah McLoughlin (to Loreto) will be keenly felt even though, the UCD scholarship programme has been very successful at attracting some of the best young talent back into the club to replace their experience, it may take some time for the newbies to settle in so retention of their title might be a big ask. The three departees were three of the top four goalscorers in the club last season.  A good Senior Cup run and a tilt at the Champions Trophy might be more realistic targets for 2023-24. Mikalyla Power, newly arrived from Old Alexandra, will be hoping to score some of the goals lost by the departure of the big three mentioned earlier.

BANBRIDGE  5 (Jake Rowe, Louis Rowe, Josh Moffatt, Matthew McKee, Owen Magee) YMCA 1 (Fionn Marriott)

The first part of the Ulster double is the proof of the old adage you should not poke a bear. YMCA did not bear this in mind on their visit to EYHL, Irish Senior Cup and Champions Trophy holders Banbridge as they took an early lead through Fionn Marriott.  They managed to hold on to this lead until five minutes into quarter three when they conceded a penalty stroke. This was converted by Jake Rowe to put Banbridge level. Louis Rowe gave Banbridge the lead shortly after this and Bann led 2-1 at the end of quarter three.  Things remained tight until six minutes from the end when Josh Moffatt made it 3-1 to Banbridge. In an effort to get back on terms YM withdrew their goalkeeper in favour of another attacker and found themselves further behind when Matthew McKee scored a fourth. Owen Magee made the final score 5-1 just on the hooter.

 

MONKSTOWN 3 (Daniel O’Donovan, Lee Cole, David Vincent )  UCD 0

UCD were taught very early on in this game what it was like to be back in the EYHL Men’s Division 1. Daniel O’Donovan opened the scoring from a field goal in the 5th minute. Monkstown were awarded a penalty stroke in the 9th minute which Lee Cole converted. They led 2-0 at the end of the first quarter. David Vincent converted another open play goal for Monkstown in the 34th minute to leave Monkstown leading 3-0 at half -time. UCD were better in the second half being tighter in defence and carving out some opportunities during both quarters, but they singularly failed to convert any of these chances. They felt they should have been awarded a penalty stroke during quarter four, but the incident wasn’t even awarded a penalty corner. Frustration led to Alan Sothern being green carded 54th minute and Josh Filgas being yellow carded in the 57th minute. Both decisions were protested from the sideline to no avail.  A clean sheet for Monkstown and three points in the bag from their first outing. The students have Lisnagarvey as visitors next weekend. It doesn’t get any easier in this division.

 

THREE ROCK ROVERS 1 (James Walker) CORINTHIAN 1 (Peter Caruth)

Three Rock Rovers and newly promoted Corinthian shared the spoils in a feisty Marlay derby at Grange Road to start the new Men’s EY Hockey League season. In rain-soaked conditions, the reds started well, winning the first corner and drawing a strong stop from Ben Whelan before the hosts came into the contest. Mark Samuel used his pace to draw a brilliant first save of the day from new Corinthian arrival Duncan Fischer who had an excellent debut between the posts, closing out the first quarter 0-0. Rovers got into foul trouble in Q2, suffering three sin-binnings in quick succession to go down to eight players for a short spell and – when back to nine – Corinthian took the lead. It came from a corner which was switched left to Peter Caruth whose attempted power-slap snuck in through a couple of sticks. Back to 11, the hosts stepped up and were level from a corner, James Walker cleaning up after Ben Johnson’s initial shot was blocked – 1-1 on the half-time hooter. And they carried that momentum into the second half but could not make use of six corners in quick succession with Robbie Clarke’s excellent charging down the barrel a feature. Fischer also kept out a series of Rovers’ overload attacks as they clung on to parity. In the endgame, with a number of cards, the reds almost nicked it with Max Neill’s backhand shot fizzing centimetres wide. There were debuts for Three Rock teenagers Oscar Pasley and Sam Rothwell; Isaac Johnson also played his first game for the club following switch from Pembroke. Alex Flynn returned to Rovers from UCD. Missing for Three Rock were Jody Hosking ( through a suspension carried over from last season), Ali Haughton, James Kyriakides, Ryan Spencer, Ross Canning. 13 youth players in Three Rock’s  match day squad of 16. Corinthians gave debuts to Duncan Fischer and Daniel O’Daly. Joshua Greaney back at the club following studies in Loughborough University in England.

 

GLENANNE 3 (Jake Pillow, Gary Shaw, Richard Couse) ANNADALE 1 (David Lawless)

Jake Pillow, making his EYHL debut for Glenanne gave the Greens an early lead at St. Andrew’s and they also led 1-0 at the break. The game remained tight until the end of the third quarter and it was still 1-0 as the fourth quarter began. Gary Shaw increased Glenanne’s lead to make it 2-0. Annadale, in trying to get a goal on the scoreboard withdrew their keeper in favour of another attacker. They won a penalty corner which was converted by David Lawless to make it 2-1. Richard Couse popped up with a final goal for Glenanne to leave the final score 3-1.

 

LISNAGARVEY  7  ( Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, James Lorimar, James Corry, Andy Williamson, Oliver Kidd x 2) INSTONIANS (Tommy Orr)

And if you hadn’t learned already from previous information, not to poke the bear, here’s more proof of the pudding. In the Ulster derby at Comber Road, visitors Instonians had the temerity to take the lead against Lisnagarvey through Tommy Orr. Lisnagarvey through Daniel Nelson and Andy Williamson managed to regain control of the game and led 2-1 at half-time. Further goals after the break from Ben Nelson, James Lorimar, James Corry and a brace from Oliver Kidd were enough to secure all three points for Garvey and top spot in the table on goal difference by virtue of their 7-1 win over Instonians.

 

All results from today’s fixture on the Hockey Ireland website, here: https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/results/

 

The EY Hockey League Men’s Division 1 commences for 2023-24 this coming Saturday Sept 16 with a full program of 5 matches.

10 teams will play each other home and away over 18 rounds to decide the League title. In addition, the top 6 will contest the end of season EY Champions Trophy, which will also decide which Club represents Ireland at European Club level hockey.

Banbridge had a clean sweep last season, winning both the League title and Champions Trophy as well as adding the Irish Senior Cup title to their extraordinary treble. Lisnagarvey came 2nd in the League and also were the beaten finalists in the Irish Senior Cup. YMCA secured 3rd place on goal difference from Three Rock Rovers in 4th. Glenanne, having begun the season strongly, ended up 5th. Monkstown and Annadale filled 6th and 7th place respectively.  Instonians were in the bottom three most of the season but survived by finishing seven points clear of the bottom two in 8th place.

The two new clubs in this season’s EYHL Men’s Division 1, UCD and Corinthians were newly promoted at the end of last season replacing Cookstown and Pembroke Wanderers who by finishing in the bottom two places last season suffered automatic relegation to the Ulster Premier Division and Leinster Division 1A respectively.

 

Fixtures: Saturday 16th September:

  • Monkstown v UCD, Rathdown, 13:00
  • Three Rock Rovers v Corinthian, Grange Road, 13:00
  • Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 14:45
  • Lisnagarvey v Instonians, Comber Road, 15:00
  • Glenanne v Annadale, St. Andrew’s, 15:00

 

EYHL 2023-24 Club Overviews:

THREE ROCK ROVERS

LAST SEASON: 4TH

Three Rock Rovers begin the new season with a young squad who will be hoping to improve on last season’s fourth place finish in the EY Hockey League. New coach Ashlin Freddy, replaces his fellow countryman South African Elun Hack, after a spell working with his homeland at the Tokyo Olympics and the winning FIH Nations Cup side last December. Irish Under 21 International Evan Jennings returns after a year away on an Erasmus, former Wales International James Kyriakides returns after a season with Waterford, and younger players Oscare Pasley, goalkeeper James Coffey, Zach Silverman and Sam Rothwell step up from the Underage section. They will hook up with veteran Ali Haughton and recently capped senior Internationals Ben Johnson who was joined in the Irish shirt by clubmates Mark Samuel and Ali Empey both of whom made their senior debuts this summer. Three Rock will be hoping to finish higher than fourth this season but secure a Champions Trophy berth nevertheless.

 

CORINTHIANS

LAST SEASON: WON EYHL 2 (1ST IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1A)

Corinthians, gained promotion from Leinster Division 1 and EYHL 2 last season, making it a promotion double alongside their senior women’s team who did likewise, after winning both divisions whilst being unbeaten. They have gained a few new players, be it in the form of returnees from studies/work, players who are moving to Dublin as well as some Leinster movement. The squad has great continuity as well as a nice age balance with youth players making the step up, a core group between ages 23-28, with some older heads adding the experience and know how. The aim is to maintain top flight status but also continue to build on the massive strides made as a group over the last few years. Goalscoring has been a strength in the past and they will continue to look to create chances with their speed and linkups, but will also need to focus on being more defensively tight than their previous EY1 campaign in order to stay up and progress.

MONKSTOWN

LAST SEASON: 6TH

Monkstown came a disappointing 6th in last season’s League campaign and a glut of injuries midway through the campaign came back to haunt them at the end of the season. The number of defeats in the run up to Christmas as a result of missing those players is something that hampered them last season. This year they will be looking to improve on 6th place and be challenging for honours. Irish internationals Lee Cole and Jeremy Duncan are among the key performers for the Rathdown based side this season.  They begin their season with a battle against fellow Sky Blues UCD at Rathdown School and there has been a number of performers over the years who have played for both clubs and this season will be no different in that regard.

 

UCD

LAST SEASON: EYHL 2 RUNNERS-UP (3RD IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1A)

The students returned to the topflight despite a disappointing first half of the season, back on the same level as their Women’s team in the topflight of the EYHL. Unbeaten in the Leinster Division 1A after Christmas they carried this form into their EYHL 2 campaign and reached the final thus securing their place in the topflight for the current season. Defeat to Corinthians in that decider meant it was runners up medals for the squad who will be competing in the top Division for the first time since 2021-22 after only one season in Leinster Division 1A.  All promoted sides need to pick up their first win early into the campaign to avoid being basement battlers all season long. This time around the target, for UCD,  will be to retain their position in the topflight this season and build on the track record they had under a former coach Michael Styles when they were last in the EYHL Division reaching their first Senior Cup Final in 2020. Key players include Irish international Kevin O’Dea .

 

BANBRIDGE

LAST SEASON: 1ST IN EYHL, EY CHAMPIONS TROPHY and IRISH SENIOR CUP WINNERS

Banbridge had a season of the ages last year winning the EYHL title and adding the Irish Senior Cup to make a double. They also added the Champions Trophy ensuring EHL qualification as well. Eugene Magee, former international retired at the end of last season at the ripe old age of 37 and he will be a big loss. However, Banbridge have a knack of developing talent and have a production line coming from Banbridge Academy and their own structures churning out fine young players on a consistent basis and it won’t be much of a surprise to see them having yet another successful campaign. Experienced midfielder Philip Brown who missed the latter half of 2022-23 through injury should be available to begin the campaign which may well be his final one as a player.

 

YMCA

LAST SEASON: 3RD

YMCA had an outstanding season finishing in 3rd place last season.  They pipped Three Rock Rovers to that position on goal difference beating Instonians 7-2 on the final day of the season to secure it on goal difference.  They did finish 6 points behind second placed Lisnagarvey and 10 points behind League Champions Banbridge and they will be looking to narrow that gap if not close it altogether and try to bring a League title back to Wesley College at season’s end. Former coach Jason Klinkradt has moved on so a change in direction at this stage, under the new coach, could go one of two ways.

 

LISNAGARVEY

LAST SEASON: 2ND

Lisnagarvey were second in the League last season having led it for several weeks. They lost to Banbridge during the Champions Trophy campaign so they must be eager to get back to winning ways this season having dominated the League in previous seasons. Garvey should be among the favourites to potentially steal Banbridge’s crown, but it should be a very competitive Division this year all round. Like Bann, Garvey only lost 1 League game last season, but 6 draws in an 18-game program is what did the damage to the Comber Road outfit’s championship aspirations. Turning those draws into wins this time around could be the key to winning the title.

 

INSTONIANS

LAST SEASON: 8TH

Instonians escaped the drop last season and will be looking to consolidate a bit further up the table during 2023-24 season. They begin their campaign with a very difficult away trip to Comber Road to take on a Lisnagarvey side who were runners-up in both League and Cup to double winning, near neighbours, Banbridge. Although Instonians finished 7 points clear of relegation in the end, it was touch and go for several weeks for the club. Their target must be to avoid the bottom 3 to 4 spaces in the table this season. They will need to improve defensively as they conceded 66 goals last season, almost twice as many as 7th placed Annadale.

 

GLENANNE

LAST SEASON: 5TH

Glenanne had been in contention for the title most of the season but ended their league campaign 12 points behind eventual winners Banbridge in 5th place. This would have been seen as a disappointing end to the season. Goals scored won’t be a problem for them this season as Glenanne were the second highest scorers in the Division last season, but they  conceded over two per game and will need to be a bit tighter at the back to be real title contenders in 2023-2024.

 

ANNADALE

LAST SEASON: 7TH

Annadale had a very mixed season. At one point they seemed to be knocking on the door for a top 5 finish but fell away. This year they will be looking to improve on a 7th place finish which saw them finish 13 points clear of Instonians but only one league position above them. With Irish international Tim Cross hopefully returned to fitness, after an injury that kept him out of the international squad during the summer, they should do better this season.

 

 

Other Hockey fixtures this weekend:

 

Inter Provincial Series, Sunday 17th September

 

  • U16 Boys

Munster v Leinster, UCC, 12:00

 

  • U18 Boys

Munster v Leinster, UCC, 14:00

The EYHL sees ten men’s and ten women’s teams from around the island of Ireland come together to compete. Matches are scheduled to take to the pitch for the first round of the Men’s EYHL this weekend on Saturday 16th September, with the first round of the Women’s EYHL the following weekend on Saturday 23rd September. EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2) returns to action in January 20th, 2024.

Covering all four provinces, the all-island EYHL will see twenty of Ireland’s top male and female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 20 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey. The top six in each competition advance to the EY Champions Trophy at the end of 18 rounds, with the ultimate champion for the season being determined at an end of season festival, showcasing the men’s and women’s grand finals on an equal basis.
EY Ireland will continue as official sponsor of the Irish Hockey League, Ireland’s highest performing hockey competition on the island of Ireland having extended their title partnership for a further three years in September 2022.

The 2023-24 season launch also sees the introduction of a new league logo. The new logo design supports the updated league visual identity introduced earlier in 2023, and is designed to capture the contemporary and dynamic characteristics of the league as well as support an increase in the distribution of online content. The new logo foreshadows an ambitious programme of development planned for the league by Hockey Ireland and its title partner, EY.

EY Ireland has been the primary sponsor of the Irish Hockey League since 2016 with the formation of the EY Hockey League and its subsequent expansion to feature a second tier in 2019. The competition has since become universally known as the EYHL, a measure of the intrinsic link between sponsor and competition and provides an elite hockey competition on an equal basis to male and female players.

Frank O’Keefe, EY Ireland Managing Partner:

“We are very excited for the 2023/2024 season of the EY Hockey League. Our ongoing partnership with Hockey Ireland is a source of great pride for us all at EY. Hockey exemplifies strong team building and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality – values that are central to everything we do at EY. We look forward to seeing these fantastic athletes in action over the course of the season. On behalf of EY Ireland I would like to wish all the participating teams the very best of luck.”

Anne McCormack, CEO of Hockey Ireland:

“Our ambition for the development and ongoing improvement of our top domestic Hockey league continues as we kick off the new 2023-24 EYHL season. The introduction of a new logo is just one example of how we constantly look to strengthen the league both on and off the pitch. Our partnership with EY Ireland is invaluable to raising the game, 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. We are really looking forward to some top-class matches taking place over the coming season as we embark upon what promises to be a highly competitive season.”

 

Links to all EYHL 2023-24 season fixtures here: https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/eyhl-2/upcomingfixtures