EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND 9 MIDWEEK RESULTS

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION ROUND 9
BANBRIDGE  5 (Matthew McKee  5 MINS,  Josh Moffett 19 MINS, Louis Rowe 34  MINS, Philip Brown 43  MINS, Sam Farson 52 mins)
INSTONIANS 1 (David Arneill 60 MINS)
Top of the table Banbridge took on bottom of the table Instonians in this Ulster derby on Tuesday night at Havelock  Park . Matthew McKee opened the scoring in the fifth minute from open play. Josh Moffett  added  a second from open play in the nineteenth minute.  A Louis Rowe goal from open play  in the thirty-fourth minute left Banbridge 3-0  ahead at half-time.  Philip Brown converted a penalty corner in the forty-third minute to increase Banbridge’s lead even further. Sam Farson completed the scoring for the hosts in the fifty-second minute from open play. A consolation goal from Instonians was registered on the hour mark through David Arneill it finished Banbridge 5 Instonians 1
CORINTHIAN 1  (Ian Stewart 69 MINS)    UCD   0
Eighth placed Corinthians hosted ninth placed  UCD in this South Dublin derby at St. Columba’s College. Both teams who won promotion from EYHL 2 last season have found adjusting to the higher echelon a bit of a struggle this term and occupied two of the bottom three spots in the table going into this match.
After a scoreless first half and a further scoreless third quarter it had appeared that both sides may have settled for a 0-0 draw that is until the final minute when Ian Stewart scored for Corinthians from open play to gain all three points for the hosts. It finished Corinthians 1 UCD 0
LISNAGARVEY  3  (  Daniel Nelson  26 MINS, Andrew Edgar  31 MINS, Matthew Nelson 39  MINS) ANNADALE   0  
Second placed  Lisnagarvey took on seventh placed Annadale in this Ulster derby on Tuesday night at Comber Road.
Daniel Nelson gave Garvey the lead in the twenty-sixth minute of the match with a goal from open play. Five minues later Lisnagarvey were awarded a penalty stroke which Andrew Edgar put away with aplomb. Matthew Nelson’s thirty-ninth minute goal from open play secured a 3-0 win for Lisnagarvey.
YMCA   3 (Scott Ruttle 3 MINS,  Ben O’Grady 32 MINS,  Sam Hyland MINS)
MONKSTOWN  1  (Mark Gibbons  67 MINS)
Fifth placed YMCA took on sixth placed Monkstown in a mid-table clash at Wesley College on Tuesday night.
Scott Ruttle opened the scoring for YMCA in the third minute. Ben O’Grady added another goal from open play in the thirty second minute to leave the score 2-0. Sam Hyland converted a penalty stroke in the 57th minute to leave YMCA leading 3-0. Mark Gibbons got a consolation goal for Monkstown in the sixty seventh minute from open play to leave the final score 3-1 top YMCA
GLENNANE 4 (Shane O’Donoghue  14 MINS, Jake Pillow  43 MINS,  Brad Venter  49  MINS, Lukas Odendaal 69 MINS )
THREE ROCK ROVERS  4   (Ryan Spencer 9 MINS and 35  MINS,  Alistair Empey  60 MINS and  69 MINS )
Fourth placed Glenanne took on third placed Three Rock Rovers at St. Andrew’s College on Tuesday night .
The visitors took the lead through Ryan Spencer who had just come on to the field on rotation, in the ninth minute.  Glenanne grew into the game and five minutes later forced three penalty corners in succession the last of which was converted by Shane O’Donoghue to level the scores at 1-1. Ryan  Spencer grabbed his second of the game to put Three Rock back in front in the thirty-fifth minute to leave them 2-1 ahead at half-time.  Jake Pillow equalised for Glenanne in the forty-third minute and captain Brad Venter put the hosts in front for the first time in the game in the forty-ninth minute from open play to leave Glenanne 3-2 up.  Alistair Empey grabbed an equaliser on the hour mark and then put Three Rock Rovers back in front with two minutes left in the game.  Three Rock were reduced to nine players owing to a succession of cards and In the  sixty-ninth minute Glenanne withdrew goalkeeper David Lawless in favour of another outfield player Lukas Odendaal and they enjoyed instantaneous success from the move as one of his first actions was to score their fourth goal to clinch a draw from the jaws of defeat.
GLENANNE: David Lawless; William Rutley, Neil Byrne, Richard Couse, Josh Rogers, Brad Venter (C), Luke Jackson , Shane O’Donoghoe, Theo Roittel, Gary Shaw, Sam O’Connor;
SUBS USED: Jake Pillow (5 mins), Fergal Keaveney (14 mins), Lukas Odendaal (69 mins)
THREE ROCK ROVERS:  Ben Whelan; Ben Pasley, Matteo Romoli, Ben Johnson , Evan Jennings, Alistair Empey, James Walker, Mark Samuel, Rex Dunlop, Jody Hoskings, Harry Mc Mahon (C). SUBS USED: McAlistair Haughton (6 mins) , Peter Lynch (6 mins) , Ryan Spencer (9 mins),  Zach Silverman  (9 mins), Oscar Pasley (29 mins)
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Dr William McCandless Appointed as Banbridge Hockey Club President

Banbridge Hockey Club, a prominent sporting institution in Northern Ireland, recently announced the appointment of Dr William McCandless as its new President. Dr McCandless, known affectionately as “Doc” in the community, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sport.

Originally from Dromore, Dr McCandless attended Methodist College in Belfast, where he excelled in rugby. However, it was his three sons who introduced him to the world of hockey when they came home from Banbridge Academy with hockey sticks in hand. This marked the beginning of Dr McCandless’s longstanding connection with the sport and the club.

Dr McCandless served as a family GP in Banbridge for an impressive 44 years before retiring in 2021. Throughout his career, he seamlessly merged his professional skills with his passion for hockey. As the club doctor, he was a familiar sight on the sidelines, often seen stitching up players, including members of the opposing team when necessary.

His commitment to hockey extended beyond the local club level. During his son Bruce’s tenure as an international hockey player for Ireland, Dr McCandless served as the team doctor for the national side on a voluntary basis. This allowed him to travel the world with the squad, further enhancing his reputation for dedication to the positive development and progression of hockey in Ireland.

In recognition of his unwavering dedication, Dr McCandless was awarded honorary life membership of Banbridge Hockey Club in 2005. This prestigious title highlights his significant contributions to the club’s growth and success over the past three decades.

The sense of family at Banbridge Hockey Club is an important aspect of its identity, with Dr McCandless’s own family deeply immersed in it. He fondly recalls the challenges of Sunday lunches when his three sons, Scott, Ross, and Bruce, were regular first-team players. Despite the occasional tensions caused by losses, it was clear that their shared love for the sport and the club always prevailed.

This deep connection to the club continues to inspire Dr McCandless. Recently, he spent a Thursday evening watching his granddaughter take part in primary matches at Havelock Park, symbolising the intergenerational bond that makes Banbridge Hockey Club truly special.

On his appointment, Club Chairperson, Sheree Totton had this to say, “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Doc. His longstanding commitment to our club is truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be happier that he has been awarded the position of President. With his ability and passion, I am confident that together we will accomplish great things for our beloved club. Let’s embark on this exciting journey and make this upcoming year one to remember!”

Expressing his gratitude for his new role, Dr McCandless remarked, “I’m honoured to have been asked to fill the role of President of such a prestigious club. I hope to be able to encourage further progress in areas such as fundraising and the social aspect of the club. My aim is to provide new opportunities for young players coming up through the ranks.”

With the appointment of Dr William McCandless as President, Banbridge Hockey Club can look forward to a new era of growth, development, and inclusivity. Dr McCandless’s experience, dedication, and passion for the sport will undoubtedly inspire the club’s members and ensure its continued success for years to come.

Hockey Ireland would like to wish Doc all the best in his new role.

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Women U16 and U18 Champions Crowned

Under 16 Women

LEINSTER 1 ULSTER 5

Ulster took the lead in this game with a goal from open play scored by Alyssa Somerville in the 21st minute. They increased their lead in the 32nd minute when Evie Girvan converted a penalty corner. Alyssa Somerville got her second goal of the game from open play in the 45th minute to make the score Leinster 0 Ulster 3.
Leinster responded through Isabella Willis from open play in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1. That two goal margin only lasted two minutes as Ulster restored their three goal margin when Lara Wilson scored from open play in the 56th minute. Ruby Johnson converted a penalty corner in the 66th minute to seal a 5-1 win for Ulster and the 2023-24 Under 16 Interprovincial title for the Ulsterwomen.

Under 18 women

LEINSTER 2 ULSTER 2 ( LEINSTER WIN 3-1 IN A SHOOT -OUT)

If Ulster’s win in the Under 16 age bracket was something of a procession, the same cannot be said for Leinster’s victory in the Under 18 age bracket.
The game went back and forth and ended in a score draw and it took a succession of penalties to secure victory at the end of the tournament.
Leinster captain Millie Jerman led by example by converting her penalty corner in the 10th minute to give Leinster a 1-0 lead.
Erin Pim responded with a goal from open play for Ulster in the 28th minute to leave the scores level at 1-1 at half time.
Isobel field responded from open play to restore Leinster’s lead in the 38th minute and made the score 2-1.
Holly Beckinsale grabbed an equaliser with another open play goal for Ulster in the 53rd minute to bring it back to 2-2.
There was no further scoring so the game and the tournament was going to be decided by a shoot out.
Ulster won the toss and Rebekah Lennon converted her first effort 1-0 to the Ulsterwomen.
Sarah Byrne took Leinster’s first penalty of the shoot out and scored to make it 1-1.
Erin Pim took Ulster’s second penalty and was unable to score so it remained 1-1.
Milla Fulton converted Leinster’s second effort from the shoot out to make it 2-1.
Katie Herron of Ulster and Leinster’s Millie Jerman both missed the third efforts for their provinces
Isla Allen also missed Ulster’s fourth penalty to leave the score still at 2-1.
Mollie Lennon made no mistake from Leinster’s fourth effort to make the score 3-1.
Annie Cunningham missed for Ulster which meant Leinster won the title 3-1 via a shoot out following the 2-2 draw at the end of normal time.

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EYHL Men’s Round 8 and Womens Round 7 Recap

Hockey Ireland Results Round-Up – Saturday Nov 11

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1

LORETO 4 PEMBROKE WANDERERS 0
Things began to unravel for the visitors as early as the seventh minute when Loreto were awarded a penalty stroke. Hannah McLoughlin converted the stroke to give Loreto a 1-0 lead. This was a lead they maintained until half-time. They increased their lead before half time through a Síofra O’Brien goal from open play to lead 2-0 in the forty seventh minute.
Aisling Murray’s converted penalty corner increased their lead in the fifty-fifth minute to leave the score 3-0 at that stage. Síofra O’Brien secured the victory with her second goal of the game again from open play in the fifty-eighth minute to leave the final score Loreto 4 Pembroke Wanderers 0.

OLD ALEXANDRA 1 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 3
The visitors took the lead through Sarah Fitzgerald who converted a penalty corner in the thirteenth minute and led 1-0 at half-time.
Old Alexandra responded just after half time when Abby Russell converted a penalty corner in the thirty seventh minute to grab an equaliser 1-1.
Naomi Carroll restored the visitors lead in the forty-seventh minute from a converted penalty corner to make it 2-1 and Ciara Moloney with another converted penalty corner in the sixty-fourth minute secured the points for the visitors on a 3-1 scoreline.

RAILWAY UNION 4 ULSTER ELKS 1
Railers took the lead though a goal from Aebhfinn Burke . 1-0 after only three minutes from open play.
They increased their lead through a converted penalty corner from Lisa McCarthy in the twenty first minute to make it 2-0.
A Niamh Carey converted penalty corner in the twenty fifth minute put Railway Union 3-0 ahead at the break.
Niamh Carey got her second of the game from open play in the third quarter to make the score 4-0 to Railway Union.
Ulster Elks did manage a response when Jessica McMaster scored from open play in the fiftieth minute to make the final score Railway Union 4 Ulster Elks 1

UCD 2 PEGASUS 2
Ninth placed Pegasus were the visitors to Belfield for this EYHL Women’s Division 1 clash at the National Stadium.
Despite the presence of talented forwards such as Zoe Malseed and Alex Speers for the visitors and Katharine Egan for the hosts it was scoreless in the first half.
There was many examples of both sides creating potential scoring opportunities in the opening quarters but none of them were converted.
Sophie McDowell gave the visitors the lead with a goal from open play in the fifty first minute. Pegasus increased their lead when Zara Malseed grabbed their second goal of the game from open play four minutes later. UCD showed a resilience that had been missing in their previous encounter and fought their way back into this match. Captain Emma Paul led by example and scored from open play in the sixty second minute. And a draw was secured from the jaws of possible defeat by Mikayla Power’s open play goal with only two minutes remaining. It finished UCD 2 Pegasus 2

UCD: Erika Gallagher, Katie Jane Marshall, Emma Paul, Lucy Crowe, Sarah McAuley, Katharine Egan, Leah O’Shea, Mikayla Power, Anna McCarthy, Sophie Kidd, Florence Maughan. SUBS: Lauren Moore (7 mins), Emma Montgomery ( 9 mins), Aine Naughton ( 9 mins), Sydney Weir McErlean (9 mins), Kate Ryan (18 mins),
PEGASUS: Megan Todd, Emma Quinn,Taite Doherty, Madison Bowyer, Sophie McDowell, Gemma Hassan, Sarah Johnston, Shirley McCay [capt.], Erin Anderson, Alex Speers, Zara Malseed SUBS K McDonald (6 mins) , Emma Gregson ( 10 mins), Eva Wainwright (11 mins), Molly Dougan (18 mins), Erin Pim (20 mins)

MONKSTOWN 1 CORINTHIANS 0
A closely fought encounter between the EYHL 2 champions of 2022 Monkstown and the EYHL 2 Champions of 2023 Corinthians at Rathdown produced the slenderest margin of all when Monkstown squeezed by the visitors by a goal to nil. When Charlotte O’Neill converted a penalty corner in the forty sixth minute it proved to be the only goal of the game and a very important three points for a Monkstown side trying to claw their way up the table.

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1

ANNADALE 2 CORINTHIANS 1
Annadale made it two wins on the spin following this victory over Corinthians at Lagan College to put daylight between themselves and the students of UCD who are in ninth place in the table. Adam McAllister opened the scoring from open play in the eighteenth minute and Dale were leading 1-0 at the break.
Corinthians grew into the game and it was no surprise when they equalised through a Max Neill field goal on the hour mark. However the 1-1 score line didn’t last very long.
Spencer Pinion restored Annadale’s lead in the sixty-third minute from open play and they never relinquished it , holding on for the victory. It finished Annadale 2 Corinthians 1.

GLENANNE 0 LISNAGARVEY 3
Lisanagarvey came out of the blocks early in this game and took the lead in the sixth minute through a Matthew Nelson goal from open play to make it 1-0 to Garvey.
Ben Nelson opened his account only seven minutes later when his goal from open play made the score 2-0. He completed the scoring in the first half by gaining his second goal from open play in the thirty third minute to leave the visitors 3-0 ahead at the half time break .
Quarters three and four did not prove fruitful for either side but more especially Glenanne who drew a blank and the final score was Glenanne 0 Lisnagarvey 3

INSTONIANS 1 YMCA 2
Visitors YMCA took the lead from a converted penalty corner by Tevin Kok in the tenth minute. Ross Henderson increased their lead with a goal from open play int he twenty ninth minute to leave YMCA 2-0 ahead. On the stroke of half time Stephen Kelso converted a penalty corner for Instonians to leave the half -time score Instonians 1 YMCA 2.
Defences dominated the remainder of the proceedings and there was no further scoring. An important three points for YMCA and Instonians remain in tenth place in the table .

MONKSTOWN 2 THREE ROCK ROVERS 2
After a scoreless first quarter, the visitors took the lead in the thirtieth minute through a field goal from James Walker and led 1-0 at the half time break.
Alistair Empey increased the visitors lead in the fifty-fourth minute when his field goal gave them a 2-0 lead. Monkstown though are a tough nut to crack and have a resilience this season that makes them difficult to keep down. They struck twice late on to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat. Mark Gibbons converted penalty corner in the sixty-eighth minute got them on the scoresheet but they were still trailing 1-2 into the final minute. Theodore Kohlmann came to the rescue with a goal from open play to steal a point.

UCD 0 BANBRIDGE 4
Banbridge went into this game minus a few injured players including Peter Brown who sustained a bruised foot in the 3-3 draw with Monkstown last weekend.
UCD started this game in a much better manner than they had done their last outing away to Annadale. They defended well, looked well organised and created the occasional goal attempt when on the counter attack. So the first quarter was scoreless. But Banbridge aren’t in possession of all three trophies at National level without a good reason and that became clear as the game wore on. Philip Brown converted a penalty corner in the twenty-sixth minute to open the scoring, but it remained 0-1 to Banbridge until half time. UCD’s shots on goal were confined to efforts from the edge of the semi-circle which whizzed across the face of the goal and they forced a handful of short corners but nothing to trouble Luke Roleston in the Banbridge goal too much. Banbridge increased their lead when Jake Rowe converted another penalty corner in the forty ninth minute to leave the visitors 2-0 at the end of the third quarter. UCD’s best shot on target came from outside the D in the fourth quarter and Roleston was able to kick the ball clear before a UCD forward could get a stick on it. Louis Rowe converted another penalty corner for the visitors in the fifty seventh minute to make the points safe. UCD cleared a shot off the line late on and the ball fell to Louis Rowe outside the D and he cut inside to score from open play in the sixty third minute to seal a 4-0 victory. Banbridge continue their unbeaten run at the top of the table and this result leaves UCD stuck in the bottom two for now.

UCD: Ross Clarke, Samuel Ryder, Kevin O’Dea [capt.], Josh Filgas, Adam Luke Galbraith, Josh Gill, Callum Hewat, Conor Walsh, Benjamin Stewart, Andrew Fox, Mark Collins. SUBS Alan Sothern (6 mins), Samuel Walker (6 mins), Harry Lynch (10 mins), Alex Lynch (12 mins), Gavin Gleeson (26 mins) ;

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston, Luke Witherow, Alexander Tinney [capt.], Joshua Moffett, Charlie Rowe, Philip Brown, Thomas Dobson, Mark Cowan, Matthew McKee,Louis Rowe, Sam Farson. SUBS: Mark Barlow (3 mins), Thomas Orr (6 mins), Jake Rowe (7 mins), Hugh McShane (8mins), Aidan McKee (8 mins)
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EYHL MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 PREVIEWS – NOVEMBER 11TH

EYHL MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 PREVIEWS – NOVEMBER 11TH

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1:

 

Kicking off the day at Rathdown is an exciting clash between Monkstown, currently holding the fifth spot, and the formidable Three Rock Rovers, who stand at third place. The action begins at 14:20.

Over at Shawsbridge, Instonians in the tenth position, go head-to-head against YMCA, occupying the seventh spot. This encounter starts ten minutes later.

The next match unfolds at St. Andrew’s College, featuring fourth-placed Glenanne taking on the second-placed Lisnagarvey at 15:00.

At Lagan College, an hour later, Annadale positioned in eighth place, hosts the dynamic Corinthians, currently in sixth place.

The late game of the day takes place at the National Stadium in Belfield, where ninth-placed UCD faces off against the table-topping Banbridge at 16:10.

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1:

 

In what is arguably the tie of the round, league leaders Loreto play host to third-placed Pembroke Wanderers at Beaufort, commencing at 13:15.

Fifteen minutes later at Alexandra College, fourth-placed Old Alexandra takes on the seventh-placed Catholic Institute.

Second-placed Railway Union welcomes fifth-placed Ulster Elks at Park Avenue, starting at 13:30.

Thirty-five minutes later, at the National Stadium in Belfield, defending champions UCD, currently in sixth place, square off against ninth-placed Pegasus.

Wrapping up the day’s action at Rathdown School, eighth-placed Monkstown meets the challenge of the tenth-placed Corinthians at 16:15.

 

EYHL:

Saturday 11th November

 

Men

Monkstown v TRR, Rathdown, 14:20

Instonians v YMCA, Shawbridge, 14:30

Glennane v Lisnagarvey, St Andrews College, 15:00

Annadale v Corinthian, Lagan College, 16:00

UCD v Banbridge, Belfield Water, 16:10

 

Women

Monkstown v Corinthian, Rathdown, 16:15

Loreto v Pembroke Wanderers, 13:15, Loreto Beaufort School

Old Alex v Catholic Institute, Alexandra College, 13:30

Railway Union v Ulster Elks, Park Avenue, 13:30

UCD v Pegasus, Belfield Water, 14:05

 

Sunday 12th November

Interpro Finals Girls

 

Girls U16

Ulster v Leinster, UCD, 13:30

Girls U18

Ulster v Leinster, UCD, 15:45

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EuroHockey Championships 2023: Ireland vs Spain

FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024: Pools Revealed

Both Ireland Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Hockey teams to compete in Spain in January’s Olympic Qualifiers.

Following the conclusion of Hockey at the Pan American Games and the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024, 5 men’s and women’s teams have now gained direct qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 as Continental Champions, in addition to the hosts France.

A further 16 men’s and women’s teams have simultaneously secured their place at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, so the pools for these qualification tournaments have just this morning been revealed.

The 16 teams per gender have been divided into two groups, with 8 teams traveling to each location: Muscat, Oman and Valencia, Spain for the men, and Ranchi, India, and Valencia, Spain for the women.

 

Senior Men

The 8 men’s teams that will compete in Muscat, Oman are: Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Canada, Chile and China

The 8 men’s teams that will compete in Valencia, Spain are: Belgium, Spain, Korea, Ireland, Japan, Austria, Egypt and Ukraine

Ireland are ranked 13th in the current FIH Men’s World Rankings .To give an idea of the size of the task ahead of the Ireland Men’s squad here are the rankings of the other teams in our group.

Belgium are ranked 2nd , Spain are ranked 8th, Korea are ranked 10th, Japan are ranked 15th , Austria are ranked 19th , Egypt are ranked 20th , Ukraine are ranked 29th. On the basis of current rankings Ireland would be the fourth seeds in their Olympic qualification group. And only the top three in this Olympic Qualification Group in Valencia will go to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Speaking after the qualification pools were revealed , Ireland Men’s National Team Head Coach Mark Tumilty said:

“The eight teams in Valencia and Muscat are further sub-divided into two pools of four. In order to qualify for the Olympics you have to finish top two in your group and then either make the final or win the third place match as only three teams make the games.”

“In Valencia, we have been drawn in a pool with Japan, Belgium and Ukraine. Belgium are the top seeds and are likely to win the group. The game against them is something of a free shot. If we get a positive result there that’s a bonus.”

“The games against Japan and Ukraine are must win games to reach the semi-final. If you win the semi you are automatically in Paris in the summer. But if you lose your semi-final you can still reach the Olympics by winning the 3rd place play off.”

“We need to be realistic looking overall Belgium and Spain are head and shoulders above the rest of the teams playing in Valencia. But any of the rest of the teams would fancy their chances of getting the third spot.”

“It’s important to get off to a good start. And if we can get a semi-final berth we can give ourselves a realistic opportunity of reaching the Olympics.”

Senior Women:

The 8 women’s teams that will compete in Ranchi, India are: Germany, India, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, United States, Italy and Czech Republic

The 8 women’s teams that will compete Valencia, Spain are: Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, Korea, Ireland, Canada, Malaysia and Ukraine.

Ireland are ranked 13th in the current FIH Women’s World Rankings . To give an idea of the size of the task ahead of the Ireland Women’s squad here are the rankings of the other teams in our group.

Belgium are ranked 4th , Great Britain (because of England’s ranking) are ranked 7th, Spain are ranked 8th, Korea are ranked 12th, Canada are ranked 16th, Malaysia are ranked18th and Ukraine are ranked 28th. Ireland would be fifth seeds in their Olympic qualification group. And only the top three in this Olympic Qualification Group in Valencia will go to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Speaking after the qualification pools were revealed , Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach Sean Dancer said:

“We know after the release this morning that we are heading to Spain. We have been there over the years for warm weather training so are very familiar with the venue. Going to India would have been a bit more of a journey into the unknown so at least we have the familiarity of the venue.”

“I am really pleased with where the program is in the last few months, in terms of facilities, staff and the players being available to train full time three days a week. 2024 could be a really big year for us. With Olympic Qualification, followed up with a Nations Cup tournament in June, the winners of which would qualify for the FIH Pro League. We certainly have ambitions of getting higher than 13th in the World Rankings and Olympic Qualification would help achieve that “.

Ireland International Elena Neill said:

“We’re very familiar with Valencia, having been there many times before for warm weather training. A lot of blood, sweat and tears have been spilt on that pitch. Just to be heading somewhere we already know is cool.”

“To be honest when you try to qualify for the Olympics you are always up against it. We know the teams we will be facing, their quality and that it will be difficult. Being semi-professional and being able to training at the Sport Ireland Campus Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday means we have everything we need to succeed.”

“We have done it before and having experienced that level of pressure previously helps. You are in a very privileged position to be trying to qualify for an Olympic Games representing your country.”

The men’s and women’s teams have been divided into the two groups on the basis of their world ranking at midnight on 5 November 2023, once all Continental Championships were completed (based on the predetermined rules mentioned in the FIH Qualification System for the Paris Olympics, which can be accessed here.)

* Further breakdown of the pools at each tournament.

The teams that finish in the top-3 of each of the four FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 tournaments will seal their qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 will be played between 13-21 January 2024. Please visit Olympics.Hockey for more details about the qualifiers, as well as hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

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Podcast: Hockey Mondays Ep. 7 With Declan Hughes.

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Hockey Ireland Results Round-Up – Saturday Nov 4

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 (Round 7)

There was a full program of matches in the EYHL Men’s Division after the mid-term break on Saturday and here are the details of those five games.

LISANAGARVEY 6 (Daniel Nelson x 3; Ben Nelson x2; James Lorimar ) THREE ROCK ROVERS 2 (James Walker x 2)

Third placed Lisnagarvey overcame second placed Three Rock Rovers in the tie of the round at Comber Road. Lisanagarvey opened the scoring with a Daniel Nelson field goal. James Lorimar put the hosts 2-0 ahead in the first quarter before Three Rock Rovers mounted a mini comeback through two goals from James Walker to leave the score 2-2. Daniel Nelson got his second of the game, this time from open play to restore Garvey’s lead. Ben Nelson added a brace of goals from open play to increase their lead to 5-2 and the victory was completed by Daniel Nelson completing his hat-trick with a goal from open play to leave the final score Lisnagarvey 6 Three Rock Rovers 2.

CORINTHIANS 7 (Tristan Cooke FG 1 min, FG 53 mins; Dmitri Kools PC 7 mins, PC 45 mins; Davy Howard PS 38 mins; David O’Daly PC 50 mins; Craig Mackey FG 56 mins)
INSTONIANS 2 (David Arneill FG 46 mins ; Matthew McAreavey FG 67 mins )
There were nine goals on offer at St. Columba’s College but it was anything but a close game. Corinthians took the lead through Tristan Cooke in the first minute from open play Dmitri Kools made it 2-0 from open play with his first of the game in the seventh minute. There was no further scoring in the first half and the Reds led 2-0 at the break. Corinthians won a penalty stroke and Davy Howard converted it on thirty-eight minutes to leave Corinthians 3-0 up. Dmitri Kools second goal of the game left them 4-0 ahead on forty-five minutes. Instonians responded a minute later through a David Arneill goal from open play.
David O’Daly restored the four-goal margin by grabbing the fifth goal for Corinthians in the fiftieth minute. Tristan Cooke added his second of the match in the fifty-third minute to leave Corinthians 6-1 ahead. Craig Mackey made the score 7-1 three minutes later. Instonians got a very late consolation second goal from Matthew McAreavey on sixty-seven minutes to leave the final score Corinthians 7 Instonians 2.

YMCA 3 (Edward Collins FG 32 mins; Adam Walker PC 43 mins; Grant Glutz PS 68 mins)
GLENANNE 3 ( Brad Venter PC 14 mins, FG 59 mins; Shane O’Donoghue FG 68 mins)
Glenanne took the lead in this game at Wesley College through a penalty corner converted by Brad Venter in the fourteenth minute. YMCA equalised in the thirty-second minute through an Edward Collins goal from open play. It was 1-1 at half time. Adam Walker put YMCA 2-1 ahead with a converted penalty corner in the forty-third minute. Brad Venter got his second of the game for the visitors with a goal from open play in the fifty-ninth minute to leave the scores level at 2-2. And that was how it remained until two minutes from time when YMCA scored a penalty stroke by Grant Glutz and Shane O’Donoghue scored for Glenanne from open play, both goals happening in the sixty-eighth minute to leave the final score 3-3.

ANNADALE 3 (Michael Girvin FG 24 mins; Neal Glassey FG 61 mins; Owen McElhinney PC 70 mins)
UCD 1 (Alan Sothern PC 66mins)
Annadale leapfrogged UCD into eighth place in the table following this 3-1 win over the students at Lagan College. Michael Girvin’s twenty-fourth minute goal from open played but the hosts 1-0 up and it remained a one goal margin for Dale right up to the half time whistle. Early in the fourth quarter Neal Glassey’s field goal increased Dale’s lead to 2-0 but UCD responded through a converted penalty corner in the sixty-sixth minute. Any hopes of a student comeback got dashed by a final minute Owen McElhinney converted a penalty corner for Annadale to seal victory by three goals to one.

BANBRIDGE 3 (Philip Brown PC 9 mins, Johnny McKee FG 23 mins, Thomas Orr PC 58 mins)
MONKSTOWN 3 (Andrew O’Brien-Honohan FG 11 mins, David Vincent PC 42 Stephen Cole PC 64 mins )
League leaders Banbridge took on mid table Monkstown at Havelock Park and shared the spoils in a high scoring draw. Philip Brown converted a penalty corner nine minutes in to give Bann the lead. Monkstown equalised through Andrew O’Brien-Honohan’s eleventh minute field goal. Johnny McKee’s field goal in the twenty-third minute left Bann ahead 2-1 at half-time. A David Vincent converted penalty corner for Monkstown restored parity in the forty-second minute. Banbridge restored their lead with a converted penalty corner by Thomas Orr in the fifty-eighth minute. But Monkstown secured their first draw of the season with a converted penalty corner by Stephen Cole in the closing minutes of the match to leave the final score Banbridge 3 Monkstown 3.

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 (Round 6)

There was also a full program of matches in the EYHL Women’s Division on Saturday and here are the details of those games:

PEGASUS 2 (Shirley McCay PC 15 mins; Zara Malseed PC 53 mins)
OLD ALEXANDRA 3 (Aoife Taaffe FG 18 mins; Elena Neill PC 49 mins; PC 56 mins)
Ninth placed Pegasus struggles continued when they were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller at Queen’s University. Shirley McCay’s converted penalty corner gave the hosts the lead in the fifteenth minute. Aoife Taaffe equalised for Old Alexandra with a goal from open play three minutes later. It was 1-1 at half time. Two penalty corners, in the forty-ninth and fifty-sixth minutes respectively by Elena Neill bookended an equalising penalty corner for Pegasus for Zara Malseed in the fifty-third minute, to leave the final score Pegasus 2 Old Alexandra 3. Old Alexandra securing only their second win of the season in their seventh of the campaign. They still have only been beaten once this season.

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 1 (Anna Horan PC 70 mins)
MONKSTOWN 2 (Emily Kealy FG 36 mins; Sophie Moore PC 56 mins)
Catholic Institute lost to Monkstown in a close game at Rosbrien. The first half produced lots of effort, but no goals and it was still scoreless at the break. The visitors took the lead with an Emily Kealy goal from open play , in the thirty-sxith minute and Sophie Moore scored a penalty corner twenty minutes later to leave Monkstown 2-0 ahead and looking good for victory. Catholic Institute replied in the final minute through an Anna Horan converted penalty corner to leave the final score Catholic Institute 1 Monkstown 2 .

ULSTER ELKS 0
LORETO 2 (Síofra O’Brien PC 44 mins; Sarah Torrans FG 54 mins)
Ulster Elks unbeaten run came to a grinding halt at Jordanstown when visitors Loreto came, saw and conquered returning home to Dublin with a full set of League points. A close first half produced no goals. And near the end of quarter three Síofra O’Brien scored from open play to leave Loreto leading 1-0 at the end of the third quarter. Sarah Torrans made the points safe for the visitors with her goal from open play in the fifty-fourth minute and it proved to be the final goal of the game. Loreto continue their reign as League leaders after this 2-0 win over Ulster Elks in Jordanstown.

PEMBROKE WANDERERS 2 (Aisling Naughton FG 17 mins; FG 37 mins)
CORINTHIANS 1 (Jessica Mc Grane PC 69 mins)
Pembroke Wanderers opened a gap between themselves and Ulster Elks following this narrow win over Corinthians. The bottom side who have yet to pick up their first League point of the season made Wanderers fight all the way to secure this win. Despite trailing by two goals for most of the match a late consolation goal almost inspired them to a share of the spoils but it wasn’t to be. Wanderers opened the scoring through an Aisling Naughton goal from open play in the seventeenth minute and they held on to this lead right up to half-time. In the thirty seventh minute Aisling Naughton again scored from open play to increase their lead on thirty-seventh minute. Corinthians kept trying to get back into the game and were rewarded when Jessica McGrane converted a penalty corner in the sixty-ninth minute. But there was to be no final comeback for the Reds who left Serpentine Avenue still searching for that first League point of the campaign.

RAILWAY UNION 4 (Niamh Carey FG 10 mins, FG 16 mins; Niamh Shaw PC 31 mins; Ailish Long FG 41 mins)
UCD 1 (Sophie Kidd FG 55 mins)
UCD began brightly and forced a couple of early penalty corners which they did not convert. Railway Union scored from open play in the tenth and sixteenth minutes through goals from Niamh Carey and led 2-0. A converted penalty corner by Niamh Shaw left Railway Union 3-0 at half-time. UCD conceded a fourth goal in the forty-first minute converted by Ailish Long from open play, but nonetheless made a fight of the match in the remaining minutes of quarter three and in quarter four. Sophie Kidd got what proved to be a consolation goal from open play for UCD in the fifty-fifth minute. It finished Railway Union 4 UCD 1. Railway continue in second place to exert pressure on the leaders Loreto who have yet to drop a point and have beaten allcomers so far this season.

RAILWAY UNION: Emma Buckley, Orla Patton, Sarah Patton, Niamh Carey, Katie Fearon, Holly Jenkinson, Lisa McCarthy, Emma Smyth [captain], Orla Fox, Niamh Shaw, Kate Dillon SUBS USED: Michelle Carey ( 6 mins), Ailish Long (6 mins), Aebhfinn Burke (9 mins), Saoirse Griffin (9 mins), Clodagh Ferry (9 mins)
UCD: Erika Gallagher, Sarah McAuley, Emma Paul [captain], Leah O’Shea, Lucy Crowe, Katharine Egan, Florence Maughan, Sophie Kidd, Katie-Jane Marshall, Anna McCarthy, Mikayla Power _SUBS USED:_ Lauren Moore (6 mins), Aine Naughton (7 mins), Emma Montgomery (8 mins), Lauren Johnston (10 mins), Sydney Wear McErlean (25 mins).

 

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EYHL MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 PREVIEWS – November 4th

The EYHL Men’s and Women’s Divisions resume this weekend following their mid term break with a full round of fixtures in both Divisions.

In the Men’s Division on Saturday tie of the round is at Comber Road where third placed Lisnagarvey begin the day’s proceedings in the early game of the day at home to second placed Three Rock Rovers.

At 2 o’clock in Wesley College sixth placed YMCA host fourth placed Glenanne. At 2:30 in Lagan College Annadale in ninth place host eighth placed UCD. League leaders Banbridge are next up at 2:45 in Havelock Park when they host fifth placed Monkstown. The late game in this Division begins at 3:15 p.m. in St. Columba’s College where seventh placed Corinthians host bottom of the table Instonians.

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 

SATURDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2023

LISANAGARVEY (3)  V THREE ROCK ROVERS  (2)    13:30  COMBER ROAD

YMCA (6) V GLENANNE (4)                                               14:00  WESLEY COLLEGE

ANNADALE (9) V  UCD  (8)                                                14:30   LAGAN COLLEGE

BANBRIDGE (1) V MONKSTOWN  (5)                             14:45   HAVELOCK PARK

CORINTHIANS (7)  V  INSTONIANS  (10)                      15:15  ST COLUMBA’S COLLEGE

 

In the Women’s Division on Saturday, action gets underway at 12:45 in the Queen’s University Sportsgrounds in Belfast where ninth placed Pegasus host seventh placed Old Alexandra with both sides desperate for another win. The next game gets underway fifteen minutes later in Limerick where sixth placed Catholic Institute host eighth placed Monkstown at Rosbrien.

One of the most interesting ties is the local derby at Park Avenue which gets underway at 1:30 p.m. as second placed Railway Union, who have been fast out of the blocks this season, take on defending champions UCD who currently are in fifth place. An hour later at Serpentine Avenue fourth placed Pembroke Wanderers take on bottom of the table Corinthians. And 160 kilometres up the road in Jordanstown at the same time third placed Ulster Elks host table toppers Loreto in the  stand out tie of the round.

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 

PEGASUS (9)  V  OLD ALEXANDRA (7)                              12:45 QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY  SPORTSGROUNDS

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE (6) V  MONKSTOWN  (8)           13:00 ROSBRIEN

RAILWAY UNION (2) V UCD     (5)                                      13:30  PARK AVENUE

PEMBROKE WANDERERS (4) V CORINTHIANS (10)   14:30  SERPENTINE AVENUE

ULSTER ELKS (3)V  LORETO  (1)                                         14:30  UU SPORTSGROUND  JORDANSTOWN

InterPro’s

Sunday 5th Nov sees Leinster and Munster U16 and U18 Men compete at the Sports Ireland Campus

U16 Men
Leinster v Munster, Sports Ireland Campus,13:30

U18 Men
Leinster v Munster, Sports Ireland Campus,15:30

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