Ireland Women Soccer players attend game 2 to lend their support ahead of World Cup

 

GAME 2 

IRELAND – 2  USA  – 1

 

On the final day of the Ireland- USA series, USA began quickly and forced the pace early on, but Ireland took the lead soon after that through Katie Mullan. Ireland had a penalty corner that didn’t produce a goal but the rest of the first quarter was fairly even with Ireland leading 1-0 at the break.

The second quarter saw the USA come into the game a bit more so it was no surprise when they equalised in the 26th minute the effort gave Liz Murphy no chance.

Kate Mullan fired over the bar two minutes later and it was1-1 at half time.

In the third quarter Ireland Captain Katie Mullan cut into the Circle from the inside left channel and her shot was wide of the far post. USA exerted some pressure but the defence marshalled by Tice stood firm. USA intercepted a sideline hit and Roisín Upton intervened to prevent a shot on goal, but there was no further goals in that quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter Deirdre Duke’s shot was well saved by the USA goalkeeper. At the other end Ireland goalkeeper Holly Micklem’s kick save prevented another effort from the USA from adding to the scoresheet.

A penalty corner for Ireland in the 54th minute was rifled to the backboard by Roisín Upton to give Ireland a 2-1 lead. Ireland continued to attack in pursuit of another goal with the Americans always dangerous on the counter attack. Ireland had a number of circle entries late on in the quarter but were unable to convert these half chances into goals. Ireland then had to withstand some USA pressure but held out for a 2-1 win.

So the two match series finished honours even with the USA getting the bragging rights in the games against our Development squad on Saturday. Both coaches should be pleased with the workouts each received from their opposition in preparation for their respective challenges this summer.

For Ireland there are the European Championships in Moenchengladbach, Germany this August. Next week USA are in FIH Pro League action in London against Great Britain and the Dutch respectively.

 

IRELAND WOMEN’S NATIONALTEAM:

Goalkeepers: Elizabeth Murphy (1st half), Holly Micklem (2nd Half)

Defenders: Ellen Curran, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughlin, Caitlin Sherin, Lisa McCarthy, Caoimhe Purdue,  Elena Tice, Roisin Upton(VC)  ;

Midfielders: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie McKee, Sarah Torrans

Forwards: Niamh Carey, Naomi Carroll, Deirdre Duke, Katie Mullan (C), Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD:

GK : Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth,  Elizabeth Yeager,

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega, Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, ,Abigail Tamer

GAME 1 

IRELAND  – 2     USA  – 3

In the first senior game of the series with the United States, the Ireland senior team, who are preparing for their European Championship finals later this summer in Germany took on the United States. The United States themselves are preparing for the FIH Pro League season which will be commencing shortly and they face a round robin series of games in London shortly with Great Britain and the Netherlands among their opponents.

The USA and Ireland exchanged scores in the first half. Katie Mullan got Ireland on the scoresheet  to give Ireland a 1-0 lead.  As the visitors were not wearing numbers, or names  on their shirts it was impossible to identify the scorer, but  left the score 1-1 at the end of the first quarter.

The USA got two further goals either side of half-time scoring three times in all, to go 3-1 ahead. Ireland got another goal through Síofra O’Brien but ended up on the wrong end of 2-3 scoreline. Overall the US were more clinical in terms of capitalising on their chances which ultimately led them to victory.

 

IRELAND WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM:

Goalkeepers: Holly Micklem, Elizabeth Murphy

Defenders: Ellen Curran, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLoughli, Caitlin Sherin, Lisa McCarthy, Caoimhe Purdue, Elena Tice, Roisin Upton(VC)

Midfielders: Charlotte Beggs, Michelle Carey, Christina Hamill, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie McKee, Sarah Torrans

Forwards: Niamh Carey, Naomi Carroll, Deirdre Duke, Katie Mullan (C), Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth,  Elizabeth Yeager

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega, Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, Abigail Tamer

USA women’s national team took on an Irish Under 21 development squad in a six game 10 minutes per match mini series of matches on Saturday at the National Stadium in Belfield.

The first game was a tightly fought 0-0 draw. The second was a similarly close affair which also ended scoreless.

Ireland had been awarded two penalty corners in the first few games, neither of which they converted.

In Game 3 the USA took an early lead following a penalty corner. And this game ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors.

With a few changes in personnel from the first few matches younger more inexperienced players were given a chance to perform. The USA clicked into over drive in the remaining games of the day.

Game 4 was also won by the visitors with a goal from open play. Another 1-0 victory which meant the USA were 2-0 ahead in the series going into the final two games.

In Game 5, two goals from open play were enough to secure a series win for the Americans. The game finished 2-0 and meant with three wins the US could not be caught,

And in game 6, the final game, saw Ireland create their best goal chance from open play early which unfortunately did not go in. Ireland managed to force a penalty corner near the end of game 6.  The goalkeeper saved the penalty corner and the umpire awarded a free hit to the USA.

 

IRELAND UNDER 21  DEVELOPMENT WNT: Goalkeepers:Aoife Glennon, Holly Micklem

Defenders: Lucy Craig, Lucy Crowe, Ellen Curran (c) Erin Getty, Lucy Mackay, Katie-Jane Marshall, Emma Paul, Ellen Reid

Midfielders: Christina Hamill, Emily Kealy, Sarah Kirgin, Caoimhe Perdue, Lisa McCarthy, Lisa Mulcahy

Forwards: Rachel Kelly, Lily Lloyd, Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt, Sarah Torrans

 

USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD : Goalkeepers: Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo

Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth, Elizabeth Yeager

Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer

Forwards: Danielle Grega,  Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, Abigail Tamer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Irish Senior Women take on the USA Senior Women on Monday at 17.30 and Tuesday at 14.30. Don’t forget to get your tickets.

BUY TICKETS NOW

 

 

 

 

EY Ireland and Hockey Ireland Announce Three Year Sponsorship of National Hockey Teams at Underage and Senior Levels

Three year partnership builds on existing sponsorship of EY Hockey League

 

Dublin, 7 June 2023: EY Ireland and Hockey Ireland announce today that they have agreed a new three-year partnership that will see EY Ireland become an official sponsor of the Hockey Ireland male and female National Teams at underage level, including U16s, U18s and U21s, and Senior level for the next three years.

This agreement builds on the existing strong partnership between EY and Hockey Ireland, which sees EY Ireland currently sponsor the male and female Division 1 and Division 2 Irish Hockey Leagues. This new deal will make EY the only consolidated sponsor across underage categories and senior teams in the international hockey squads.

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland commented: “The EY Hockey League continues to be a source of great pride for all of us at EY Ireland and today we are strengthening our partnership with Hockey Ireland as we support the game from grassroots through to international level. In EY we are delighted to have this fantastic opportunity to continue to support the many incredibly talented players and coaches as well as the ever-growing number of wonderful hockey fans throughout this island. Here in EY Ireland, we are also very committed to supporting these elite athletes to reach their full potential on and off the hockey field. EY Ireland is committed to helping to support and enable hockey players to thrive during and after their careers and intends to work closely with Hockey Ireland on identifying the best ways to support these elite athletes. Given our reputation in EY for high-performing teams we think this new sponsorship with Hockey Ireland is a perfect fit.”

Graham Reid, Partner and Head of Markets, EY Ireland commented: “EY Ireland takes great pride in our sponsorship of the EY Hockey League and we are really excited that our partnership will expand in the coming years. By investing in grassroots and national teams, we aim to empower talented players on and off the field, supporting a thriving hockey community across the island, and fostering a sense of pride among our employees.”

Lisa Jacob, High Performance Director, Hockey Ireland commented: “Hockey Ireland has seen the benefit of our strong partnership with EY for a number of years across our All-Ireland domestic league, not least for the 2022/23 season, with new initiatives introduced and competitive levels within the EY Hockey League higher than ever. The extension of the partnership to now include all eight of our international squads, including our Senior Women’s and Senior Men’s teams as they look to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024, will bring significant impact. Having one sponsor that goes right through the system adds huge value, allowing us to have an impact over a number of years in a strategic but also a very tangible way. This commitment gives us capacity we haven’t had before, and brings EY with us on the journey to Paris and beyond.”

EuroHockey Womens Indoor Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus

February 9th-11th 2024

 

EuroHockey have confirmed the European Womens Indoor Hockey Championship II will take place at University of Galway campus from February 9th-11th 2024. Along with hosts Ireland, the other nations that will compete in the tournament are Italy, Slovakia, Portugal, Lithuania and Croatia. Two promotion spots are available in the 6-team tournament to the top tier Championship. Ireland have competed once in Championship II before finishing in 6th place at Ourense, Spain in 2022.  This tournament will give a massive boost to Connacht Hockey as they look forward to hosting Senior International Hockey for the first time ever.

Connacht Hockey President Martin Hughes said:

‘Connacht Hockey are delighted to be co-hosting this tournament with Hockey Ireland and the University of Galway. Indoor hockey is a highly skilful and entertaining game and is key to the development of hockey in Connacht. Playing host to the Irish and other national teams in Galway will be a proud moment for all of us at Connacht Hockey. The world class venue at the University of Galway will provide and incredible atmosphere and we are confident that the tournament will have a long and positive legacy for hockey in Connacht.’

Hosting this tournament in Ireland is possible due to the support of University of Galway and the collaboration between Hockey Ireland, Connacht Hockey and University of Galway.

 

Mike Heskin Director of Sport at University of Galway said:

‘The University of Galway is delighted that EuroHockey has chosen to return to our campus after almost 14 years. In the meantime, Irish Hockey has gone from strength to strength with both the men and women achievements Olympics qualification. We really looking forward to working with Hockey Ireland to providing the supporters of the west of Ireland the rare opportunity of watching live international hockey players of the highest quality and at the same time providing our European visitors a memory of a lifetime’.

 

Hannah Kelly Ireland National Team Indoor player and University of Galway student said:

‘The squad are delighted to have the opportunity to host this competition in Ireland on the University of Galway campus and it’s a testament to the work being done behind the scenes to promote indoor hockey in this country. It will be a great occasion and the first time that an Irish Hockey team will have played in Connacht. For me personally, as a University of Galway student and hockey club member I’m thrilled at the chance of possibly playing in front of a Galway crowd.’

 

Gareth Myburgh manager of the Ireland Womens Indoor Hockey Team said:

‘We are delighted to be awarded the hosting of the EuroHockey Women’s Indoor Championship II. What better place than the west of Ireland to host European teams and have them experience a true taste of Ireland and play in the outstanding facilities at the University of Galway. Hosting a tournament of this calibre was always a key milestone in our indoor hockey strategy and with the support of Connacht Hockey we have no doubt we will put on a super tournament.’

Hockey Ireland would like to thank Connacht Hockey and University of Galway. We would also like to thank EuroHockey for awarding the right to host to Ireland in which is a move which will help develop the 6 a side version of the Olympic sport of hockey. We would also like to thank our indoor hockey volunteers and players through their commitment have made this opportunity possible. More details will be announced in due course including opportunities to be part of the volunteer team around the tournament.

EUROPEAN CLUB TROPHY II MEN BANBRIDGE FINAL

Eugene McGee’s final game walk of honour. Pics by Albert Mact.

BANBRIDGE  – 4     TJ  PLZEN-LITICE  (CZE) – 1

Pool B winners Banbridge took on Pool A winners TJ Plzen- Litice in the tournament gold medal match at Banbridge this afternoon.

Banbridge who blitzed Mladost in their final pool game by 13-1 were in goal scoring form during the tournament having chalked up a goal difference of plus 26 in their pool matches, having opened their account with an 8-0 win and followed it up with a 7-1 win.  It was a poignant occasion too as veteran former Ireland international Eugene Magee was playing the final 1st team club game of his illustrious career.

Hugh McShane got Bann off the mark in the 10th minute from open play to make it 1-0.  Captain Alexander Tinney increased their lead in the 28th minute converting a penalty corner to leave it 2-0 at half time. Early in the third quarter Johnny McKee scored from open play to make it 3-0 to Banbridge in the 33rd minute.

Krystof Sestak got one back for Plzen-Litice in the 53rd minute to make it 3-1 to Banbridge. Matthew McKee scored from open play in the 55th minute to seal a 4-1 victory. Both sides as Pool winners have secured a place in next season’s Club Trophy I for their countries representatives however so it has to be considered a successful tournament for both of today’s finalists.

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston, Alexander Tinney [capt.], Johnny McKee, Jake Rowe, Peter Brown, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Matthew McKee, Mark Cowan

Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe

SUBS USED: Hugh Mc Shane, Eugene Magee, Mark Barlow, Tommy Dobson, David Finlay

TJ PLZEN-LITICE:  Tomas Necas, Jakub Homolka , Ondrej Hes, Lukás Benda, Eduard Gerlicky, Jakub Koryták Adam Uhlír[ capt.], Filip Kacírek, Dominik Bystricky, Reinhard Nicklas, Matej Svoboda

SUBS USED:  Krystof Sesták, Max Batík, Vit Barcal, Otakar Gerlicky

 

In the 3rd and 4th play off game  HAHK Mladost of Croatia had a 3-1 win over Copenhagen HC of Denmark

In the 5th and 6th play off game  SG Amsicora of Italy had a 3-2 win over Gaziantep Polisgucu of Turkey.

EUROPEAN CLUB CHALLENGE I WOMEN ALANYA TURKEY

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE – 7  HC ARGENTIA (ITA) – 0

Catholic Institute finished with a flourish beating HC Argentia of Italy in their play off game by 7-0.  Naomi Carroll opened her account in the 11th minute to put Insta 1-0 ahead . Eimear Ryan made it 2-0 in the 18th minute. Naomi Carroll grabbed her second of the match to make it 3-0 on 35 minutes.

Argentia’s Karolina Lisowska was green carded in the 36th minute, and Institute capitalized on their numerical advantage immediately.

Naomi Carroll completed her hat-trick to make it 4-0 a minute later and got her fourth of the game in the 37th minute to make it 5-0.

Maria Rosato was green carded in the 50th minute but there was no further scoring till both sides were back to full strength.

Rebecca Barry grabbed a goal to make it 6-0 in the 58th minute with Laura Foley completing the scoring a minute later to leave the final score 7-0.

 

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE:  Pamela Hearne (GK), Christine O’Shea [capt.], Roisín Begley, Naomi Carroll, Roisín Upton, Leah Clery, Laura Foley, Ciara Moloney, Eimear Ryan, Anna Horan, Michelle Barrett.

SUBS USED: Aoife Hickey, Clodagh Moloney, Rebecca Barry, Elizabeth Ryan, Jennifer Clein, Aoibheann Collins, Miriam O’Callaghan (GK)

 

HC ARGENTIA :  Chiara Mortarino (GK), Renata Llense Calegari, Lara Manzoni [capt.], Maria Rosato, Beatrice Guzzon, Benedetta Gibin, Alessia Marri, Irene Toscano, Letitia Rogai, Karolina Liskowska

 

Elsewhere in the other play off matches Siauliai Ginstreke were 1-0 winners of Akademischer HTC Wien. SK Slavia Prague beat Gaziantep Polisgucu 4-3 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw and the all Scottish clash between Clydesdale and Watsonians ended in a  5-1 win for the latter who added the successful run in this tournament to their recently completed domestic quadruple.

EURO HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY II  MEN 2023 SUNDAY MAY 28, 2023

Banbridge – 13  HANK Mladost – 1

Banbridge sealed first place in Pool A and a place in next season’s Club Trophy I for Ireland’s representatives in 2023-24.  Lisnagarvey, with an emphatic 13-1 win over HAHK Mladost who will be in second place in Pool A and qualified for the 3rd place tournament final tomorrow.

Jake Rowe opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the 2nd minute to make it 1-0. Louis Rowe from open play scored to make it 2-0 in the 4th minute.

James Evans made it 3-0 on 13 minutes. Johnny McKee got his first of the game from open play to make it 4-0 on 15 minutes. He got his second to make it 5-0 on 18 minutes and completed his hat-trick the same minute to make it 6-0. Jake Rowe got his second of the match to make it 7-0 with a converted penalty corner in the 20th minute. Alexander Tinney converted another penalty corner a minute after that to make it 8-0. David Finlay got in on the act scoring a goal in the 23rd minute from open play 9-0. Alexander Tinney got his second penalty corner of the match to make it 10-0 in the 24th minute.

David Finlay got his second goal of the game from open play to make it 11-0. Fran Zlatar got a consolation goal for HAHK Mladost to make it 11-1 in the 36th minute. Further goals from Matthew McKee in the 41st minute and a Jake Rowe penalty corner completed the scoring leaving it Banbridge 13 HAHK Mladost 1.

In the other Pool B game Amsicora and Swansea played out a 0-0 draw. The Italians securing third place by virtue of a better goal difference and will play Gaziantep in the 5th place play off.

On Monday Banbridge take on TJ Plzen-Litice of the Czech Republic to decide the overall tournament champions. HAHK Mladost will play against second placed Pool A side Copenhagen to decide 3rd place.

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston, Alexander Tinney [capt.], Johnny McKee, Jake Rowe, Peter Brown, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Matthew McKee, Mark Cowan, Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe

SUBS USED: Hugh McShane, David Finlay, Tommy Dobson, James Evans, Mark Barlow

 

 

 

EURO HOCKEY CLUB CHALLENGE I  ALANYA, TURKEY 

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE – 1  AKADEMISCHER HTC WIEN  (AUT) –  0

It took until the very last minute of the final pool game of this tournament for Catholic Institute to register their first win of the competition. It was only the second European  goal scored by Catholic Institute in their history.  Given it was from an Anna Horan penalty stroke made it even more historic.

At this level it’s 5 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 for a loss by less than 3 goals. A loss by any more than 3 goals is not awarded any points. Catholic Institute had lost on the opening day by 5 -1 and so garnered no points. A narrow 0-1 defeat against Slavia Prague had garnered 1 point so a win today would secure 5 further points and a pool total of 6 points. In a very tight encounter it was scoreless in the first quarter and also for the rest of the first half.

A scoreless third quarter followed, as did the opening 14 minutes of the final quarter. But in the 15th minute of quarter 4, the very last minute of the match Catholic Institute were awarded a penalty stroke. In the absence of captain Roisín Upton who missed the game, Anna Horan took on the responsibility and made no mistake from the spot to give Catholic Institute their first ever European victory. This was enough to give them 3rd place in Pool A and a tie with Argentia from Italy the 4th placed team in Pool B tomorrow.

 

Elsewhere in Pool  A:  Watsonians beat Slavia Prague 5-0 to secure 1st place in the pool. Slavia are 2nd and will take on Gaziantep who secured first place in Pool B with a 4-0 win over Argentia.  Clydesdale of Scotland secured 2nd place in Pool B with a 1-0 over Lithuania’s Ginstreke. Clydesdale take on fellow Scottish side Watsonians in Monday’s final round of games. Gaziantep play Slavia Prague while Ginstreke take on Akademischer Wien in the remaining tie.

 

Ireland Under 18 Women Competition camp in Calais

Game 1:  Ireland 1 England 6

Ireland were given a lesson in circle play for offensively and defensively as what was
otherwise an even and competitive game ended as a chastening experience.
Ireland conceded early but had maybe the better of a first half in which they created
numerous chances.

The second half started in a similarly sloppy fashion and they conceded twice early.
Milla Fulton pulled one back to give Ireland some reward for their attacking endeavours but
an England goal at the end of the quarter restored the 3 goal gap.

Two goals in the final minutes added to their disappointment.

Game 2:  Ireland 2 France 1

Ireland entered the game determined to implement some of the defensive lessons from the
previous day, Gabbi Scott gave Ireland the lead early on with a great reverse strike from a turnover,
Ireland performed much better and had chances to go further ahead but were stung with a
sucker punch in the second quarter as France equalised.

The game was not level for long however as Isobel Field scored a screamer on the reverse.
Ireland controlled the second half without adding to their lead, even dealing with 11 French
outfield players whilst having 8 of their own (discipline lessons to be learned).

After the day before it was an important to see the level of defensive intensity increase.

 

Game 3:  Ireland 2 Belgium 2

Ireland came from 2 down to snatch a draw against a strong Belgian team who had drawn
with England the day before.

Belgium scored early and followed it up with a second quarter corner goal.

Ireland struck back at the start of the third quarter when Gabbi Scott was fouled when one
on one with the keeper.

Scott took the stroke herself and made it 2-1.

EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY II MEN  2023  

BANBRIDGE   HC    7   SG  AMISCORA ASD ( ITA)  1

Banbridge got off to the best possible start when Peter Brown converted a penalty corner in the first minute to make it 1-0. Johnny McKee opened his account with a field goal in the 8th minute to make it 2-0 at the end of the first quarter. Johnny got his second of the game in the second quarter making it 3-0 again with a field goal in the 17th minute. And it was 3-0 at half time.

Banbridge had only gotten started because in the third quarter Johnny McKee completed his hat-trick with another field goal on 33 minutes to leave it 4-0. Louis Rowe got a goal from open play two minutes later and that was 5-0 to Banbridge. David Finlay also from open play got his goal on 41 minutes making it 6-0 and then captain Alexander Tilley converted a penalty corner in the 50th minute to make it 7-0.

Francesco Montalbano got a consolation goal for Amiscora in the 58th minute.  It ended Banbridge 7 Amiscora 1.

BANBRIDGE:  Luke Roleston,  Alexander Tinney [capt.], Johnny McKee, Jake Rowe, Peter Brown, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Matthew Mc Kee, Mark Cowan, Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe

SUBS USED: Hugh McShane, David Finlay, Tommy Dobson, James Evans, Mark Barlow

 

Elsewhere in Pool B 

HAHK  Mladost of Croatia had a comfortable  5-1  win  over Swansea HC of Wales.

Pool A’s game earlier today saw TJ Plzen Litice clinch Group A with a 2-1 win over Gaziantep of Turkey .

Next up for Banbridge is their final Pool B game of the tournament against Mladost of Croatia tomorrow afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EURO HOCKEY CLUB CHALLENGE I  WOMEN ALANYA TURKEY  MAY 27, 2023

POOL  A   

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 0  SLAVIA PRAGUE 1

Catholic Institute dominated possession in their second outing at the Euro Hockey Club Challenge I tournament in Alanya, Turkey this morning. They were unable to convert the numerous chances that came their way.  A scoreless first half, during which Slavia were temporarily reduced to 10 players when Veronika Kucerová on 20 minutes, was followed  by a third quarter during which Slavia were temporarily down to 10 players due to a green card for Adéla Lehcová in the 38th minute. But not long after they were returned to their full complement, captain Nikol Babická converted from open play in the 44th minute.  It proved to be the only goal of the game.

Catholic Institute captain Roisín Upton was green carded in the final quarter and received a yellow near the end of the match which meant they finished the game with 10 players.

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Pamela Hearn, Christine O’Shea, Naomi Carroll, Roisín Upton [captain] , Leah Clery, Laura Foley, Ciara Maloney, Eimear Ryan, Michelle Barry, Anna Horan, Jennifer Clein

SUBS USED: Roisín Begley, Aoife Hickey, Clodagh Maloney, Elizabeth Ryan, Aoibheann Collins

 

Elsewhere in Pool A 

Watsonians of Scotland with two field goals from Katie McCallum and a penalty corner from Emily Dark were too strong for Akademisher Wien winning 3-0.

Pool B saw a 1-1 draw between Lithuanians Ginstreke and Italy’s Argentia.  Turkish side Gaziantep beat Scottish side Clydesdale 1-0 in the remaining game.  Next up for Catholic Institute is an early morning final Pool A match Akademischer Wien on Sunday.

 

 

EUROPEAN   HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY  II  MEN, 2023  AT BANBRIDGE

BANBRIDGE  – 8     SWANSEA  HC  – 0

Banbridge got their opening Pool B game underway at Havelock Park with an early goal, Jake Rowe converting a Penalty stroke in the 3rd minute to give them a 1-0 lead.  Swansea’s Tony Johnson was green carded in the 12th minute and as he was about to return, Peter Brown added a second goal in the 14th minute from open play to leave them leading 2-0 at the end of the opening quarter. A further goal followed in the third quarter when Johnny McKee made it 3-0 in the 19th minute from open play. Captain Alexander Tinny took one for the team when he was green carded on 26 minutes but Banbridge remained 3-0 ahead at the break.

Banbridge put the Welshmen to the sword in the second half, Johnny Mc Kee getting his second goal of the game from open play in the 34th minute. Charlie Rowe made it 5-0, opening his account on 36 minutes with a field account and adding a second on 54 minutes making it 6-0. Louis Rowe got in on the act in the 56th minute with his first goal of the night to make it 7-0 and completed the rout with his second of the match two minutes from time to leave the final score Banbridge 8 Swansea HC 0.

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston: Alexander Tinney [captain], Johnny McKee, Jake Rowe, Peter Brown, Eugene Magee, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe, Mark Cowan.

SUBS  Hugh McShane, David Finlay, James Evans, Mark Barlow, Matthew McKee

 

SWANSEA: Michael Chapman , Rhys Joseph, Thomas Judge, Thomas Viney, Max Bowyer, [captain]

SUBS: William Midwinter, Rhys Griffiths , Flynn  Harman , Callum Lloyd,  Oliver Brook

not used  Ewan Lloyd , Alfie Geach (GK)

 

Elsewhere in the tournament

TJ Plzen-Litice from Czechia got their Pool A campaign underway with an emphatic 8-0 win over Copenhagen HC of Denmark.

In Pool B the other game between SG Amsicora of Italy and HAHK Mladost from Croatia ended in a 1-0 win for the Croatians.

Next up for Banbridge is a game with SG Amsicora tomorrow evening at 6:45 p.m .

 

 

EURO HOCKEY CLUB CHALLENGE I  WOMEN  2023  ALANYA , TURKEY 

POOL  A

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE – 1  WATSONIANS HC (SCO)  – 5 

Catholic Institute made their debut in European Club competitions, and had a baptism of fire against a Watsonians team fresh from sweeping a domestic quadruple in their native Scotland.

Sarah Jamieson put them 1-0 on 34 minutes from open play and Susan Hamilton added a second goal also from open play on 40 minutes.  Catholic Institute’s Ciara Moloney converted a penalty corner on 43 minutes to get them on the scoresheet but 5 minutes later Watsonians increased their lead again through a penalty corner converted by Emily Dark. She got her second of the match three minutes later to leave the Scots leading 4-1 and in less than a minute it was 5-1 when Sarah Jamieson got her second goal of the match.

Next up for Catholic Institute is a game against Slavia Prague 10:15 tomorrow morning Irish time.

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE:  Pamela Hearn;  Christine O’Shea, Naomi Carroll, Roisín Upton [captain], Leah Clery, Laura Foley, Ciara Moloney, Eimear Ryan, Michelle Barrett, Anna Horan, Jennifer Clein SUBS: Roisín Begley, Clodagh Moloney, Rebecca Barry, Elizabeth Ryan, Aoibheann Collins.

Elsewhere in Pool A

Slavia Prague had a 3-0 win over Akademischer  HTC Wien.

Pool B saw 3-0 wins for Turkish side Gazantiep and Scottish side Clydesdale Western, over Siauliai  Ginstreke of Lithuania and Italian side HC Argentia respectively .

 

 

EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY II  MEN 2023

 

Banbridge will be hosting the Eurohockey Club Trophy II for Men tournament from Friday May 26 – Monday May 29th 2023.  Two pools of teams will battle it out in order to qualify for place matches at the end of the tournament. Banbridge are in Pool B alongside Amsicora from Italy, Swansea from Wales and Mladost from Croatia. Pool A sees Gaziantep from Turkey battle it out with Plzen-Litice from Czech Republic and Copenhagen from Denmark.

The two pool winners will advance their countries representatives into Euro Hockey Club Trophy I for men in season 2023-24. Next year should Banbridge win their pool, Lisnagarvey will benefit from their efforts. Banbridge having won the EY Champions Trophy a few weeks ago will represent Ireland at EHL level.

 

BANBRIDGE

Banbridge have a great mix of experience and youth as well as a wealth of international experience with the squad. Eugen Magee, Ireland’s most capped player will retired at the end of the tournament.

Other current internationals are Johnny McKee, Charlie and Louis Rowe. Most of the squad have been graduates of Banbridge Academy. Matthew McKee may have the unique honour of being the first to win All Ireland Schools, EY League, EY Champions Trophy and Irish Senior Cup in one season. Bann have completed the “treble” of EY League, Champions Trophy and Senior Cup for the first time in their history this season.

 

Head Coach Scott McCandless is looking forward to the tournament.

It is always a challenge to play against teams and styles of play that we would not normally encounter. We will be giving the tournament our full attention to finish the season with another trophy” 

 

Banbridge first hosted a European tournament in 1985 when Amsicora also played and they returned to Banbridge when the local club hosted Round One of the EHL in 2016. Banbridge also have an interest in the Copenhagen team in former player Ian Livingstone, who now lives and works in the Danish capital.

 

BANBRIDGE FIXTURES

FRIDAY  MAY 26 2023

BANBRIDGE HC ( IRL)    –   SWANSEA  HC ( WAL)     POOL B    6:45 P.M.   HAVELOCK PARK

 

SATURDAY  MAY 27 2023

BANBRIDGE HC ( IRL)    –   SG AMSICORA  HC ( ITA)     POOL B    6:45 P.M.   HAVELOCK PARK

 

SUNDAY  MAY 28 2023

BANBRIDGE HC ( IRL)    –   HAHK MLADOST ( CRO)     POOL B    3:45 P.M.   HAVELOCK PARK

 

REMAINING  EURO HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY II  FIXTURES AT BANBRIDGE

FRIDAY  MAY 26 2023

TJ  PLZEN-LITICE (CZE)  –  COPENHAGEN  HC (DEN)    POOL A  14:15  HAVELOCK PARK

SG AMSICORA (ITA)   – HAHK MLADOST  (CRO)          POOL B  16:30 HAVELOCK PARK

 

SATURDAY MAY 27 2023

GAZIANTEP POLISGUCU (TUR)  – TJ LZEN-LITICE  (CZE)   POOL A  14:15 HAVELOCK PARK

SWANSEA HC (WAL)   -HAHK MLADOST (CRO)                 POOL A  16:30 HAVELOCK PARK

 

SUNDAY MAY 28 2023

GAZIANTEP  POLISGUCU (TUR)  -COPENHAGEN HC (DEN)   POOL A 11:15  HAVELOCK PARK

SG AMSICORA (ITA)   –  SWANSEA  HC (WAL)                          POOL B 13:30 HAVLOCK PARK

 

MONDAY MAY 29 2023

5TH AND 6TH PLACE FINAL     3RD POOL A  V 3RD  POOL  B     09:45  HAVELOCK PARK

3RD AND 4TH PLACE FINAL     2ND POOL A  V  2ND POOL B    12:00  HAVELOCK PARK

GOLD MEDAL  FINAL             1ST POOL A  V  1ST   POOL B    14:15 HAVELOCK PARK