Launch of the National Umpire Academy and upcoming EHF/FIH appointments

Congratulations to all the Hockey Ireland / IHUA umpires, outlined in the table below, who have been appointed to EuroHockey and FIH tournaments / fixtures this summer.

It is fantastic to see some of last year’s Umpire Academy participants progressing on their umpiring journey. The 2023 – 2024 Umpire Academy launched at the EY Champions Trophy weekend in Banbridge (read more below). The programme sees 16 of Ireland’s up and coming umpires come on board to be offered mentoring and development opportunities in Ireland, and abroad.

Name Date Tournament
Fiona Davitt (academy mentor) 25-28-5/23 EuroHockey Club Challenge III, Porto (POR)
Rob Argent (academy mentor) 26-29/5/23 EuroHockey Club Trophy II, Banbridge
Sarah Craig 26-29/5/23

10-15/7/23

 EuroHockey Club Challenge II, Vienna (AUT)

EuroHockey Girls’ Championship II-A, Zagreb (CRO)
Ellie Duffy 28/6-1/7/23 EuroHockey5’s Women’s Championship, Walcz  (POL)
Gary O’Connor 8-16/7/23 EuroHockey Boy’s Championship, Krefeld (GER)
Amy Jones 8-16/7/23 EuroHockey Girl’s Championship, Krefeld (GER)
Russell Donaldson (academy mentor) 23-29/7/23 EuroHockey Men’s Championship II, Dublin
Ali Keogh (academy mentor) 26/5-4/6/23

18-27/8/23

 FIH Pro League, London

EuroHockey Women’s Championship, Moenchengladbach (GER)
Bruce Bale (academy mentor) 7-12/6/23 FIH Pro League, Eindhoven (NED)
Liz Clifford 26-29/5/23 EuroHockey Club Challenge I, Alanya (TUR)
Malcolm Coombes 10-15/7/23 EuroHockey Boy’s Championship II-A, Alanya (TUR)

The Academy launch weekend saw umpires receive coaching and development sessions with Ali Keogh, Bruce Bale, Fiona Davitt, Robert Johnston, Russell Donaldson & Rob Argent.

Speaking about the programme, Hockey Ireland Umpire Development Consultant Tom Goode said  ‘The launch of the National Umpire Academy marks the start of an exciting new venture in Irish umpiring. As part of this programme,  we will be encouraging the provincial umpiring associations to launch their own academies to work with their up and coming umpires. This will also require input from the clubs and the Club Umpire Programme is an integral part of this. Apart from increasing umpire numbers, it is also important that we provide umpires with the means to umpire to the best of their ability and to identify those who display the ability and commitment to umpire at the top provincial and national levels, as well as promoting those who display the ability and commitment to umpire at EHF & FIH level.

Some of our national academy umpires are already umpiring at the top provincial and national level and have also received EHF appointments.  We currently have 5 umpires on EHF umpire development programmes and are displaying a lot of promise. It shows what can be done.

Hopefully this is the start of something big!’

Back Row L to R: Luka Novakovic (Munster), Gary O’Connor (Munster), Aaron Donnell (Ulster), Aaron Saunders (Ulster), Victoria Johnston (Ulster), Sarah Craig (Ulster), Eimear Lenihan (Leinster), Emily Reid (Ulster)

Front Row L to R: Aidan McCullough (Leinster), Oli Brown (Ulster), Ellie Duffy (Connacht), Grace Nugent(Ulster)

Not in photo : Christina Coulter Reilly (Leinster), Amy Jones (Ulster), James Doherty (Ulster) Ross Jones (Ulster)

/by
,

Ireland Senior Women series against Scotland report

Ireland 4 Scotland 0
The Irish Senior Women beat Scotland 4-0 in their first game of a two game series in The University of Ulster on Saturday.
Ireland were 1-0 up at the end of quarter one with Deirdre Duke volleying home first time after a loose ball in the attacking circle. Ireland were two goals in front in quarter two with Mikayla Power scoring her first senior goal in her first outing for the Senior team.
Sarah Hawkshaw and Naomi Carroll linked up brilliantly after disposing Scotland of the ball and Mikayla showed great composure to beat the Scottish keeper.
Scotland held Ireland at bay in quarter three. Ireland scored two goals in the last quarter. Caoimhe Perdue scored a drag flick off a short corner to put Ireland three goals up.
The goal of the match came with 6 minutes to go. Roisin Upton took a quick free on the half way and finds Zara Malseed free in the circle with a beautifully floated aerial. Zara deflected the ball first time in the air into the goal to a marvellous applause from all the supporters.

Ireland 1 Scotland 1
Scotland took the lead within the first minute of the match starting. It took Ireland until quarter four to equalise in what was a bit of a frustrating game for the girls in green. Scotland really put the pressure on the Irish team.
Ireland struggled to gain momentum in the game in comparison to the previous day. They did force a number of penalty corners throughout the game but the Scottish keeper was in superb form between the posts.
Ireland did score off a well worked corner routine, Michelle Carey getting a lovely touch to a Roisin Upton drag flick.
Ireland head to The Netherlands for their next series of games at the start of June, playing The Netherlands, Argentina, Australia and Japan and coming back to Dublin on the 10th, 12th and 13th June to play against USA.

/by
, ,

Hockey Ireland U16/U18 Boys and Girls Teams Fundraiser

Hockey Ireland U16 and U18 boys and girls squads are holding fundraising raffles. By buying a raffle ticket, not only do you get a chance to win an incredible prize, but you will also be supporting the girls and boys sport as well as future elite Irish athletes.

The Hockey Ireland U16 Girls are talented young women training hard to compete in the 4 Nations Tournament at Easter in Aachen, Germany, and the 8 Nations Tournament in In July in Granada, Spain. They have eleven training weekends between now and July and are working hard to have the best possible start to their international campaign.

The Irish U18 Girls Hockey Team are participating in test matches in Poland & France & the EuroHockey U18 Girls Championship in Germany July 2023. There are huge costs associated with preparing for and attending these events and as they are self-funded the U18 Girls are running a Super Raffle to raise these essential funds.

The Ireland U16 Boys Hockey squad has an annual cost of €65k. The volunteer coaches and manager run a comprehensive year-long international programme that prepares the boys to compete at the top European Championship each year. This consists of weekly strength & conditioning, video analysis, daily athlete wellbeing monitoring through GPS equipment, regional and central training sessions, international test matches across Europe, culminating in the end of season championships, which this year will take place in Spain.

The Hockey Ireland Under 18 Boys Hockey squad is a self-funded team, coached and managed by volunteers, and this July we are working to maintain ‘Division A’ status at the 10 team Europeans to be held in Krefeld, Germany.

 

Find the underage raffles from each team below:

U16 Girls Raffle Tickets here

U18 Girls Raffle Tickets here

U16 Boys Raffle Tickets here

U18 Boys Raffle Tickets here

/by
,

Women’s Cup Finals Match Reports. 7th May, 2023

 

IRISH WOMEN’S HOCKEY CHALLENGE 

 

PORTRANE 3 UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY 1

At the start of this game there were a number of possible outcomes. One would have seen University Of Galway win this competition and then add the Irish Hockey Trophy to secure a unique double on the day for the Women’s part of the student Hockey Club. However, there was another possible scenario which is actually how things transpired and that was Portrane won the Irish Women’s Hockey Challenge Trophy and brought it back to North County Dublin.

In the first quarter Portrane struck in the 11th minute when Sarah Jane Kelly converted a penalty corner. Sarah Jane Kelly was also green carded in the 25th minute temporarily reducing her team to 10 players. The second quarter was scoreless and the Dubliners led 1-0 at half time.

The second half got under way and shortly into the third quarter Portrane increased their lead when captain Hannah Moynihan scored from open play to make it 2-0. She added another goal, her second of the game four minutes later to leave Portrane leading 3-0 with almost half an hour left to play.

University of Galway responded within a minute through Ailill Dorman’s goal from open play in the 42nd minute. Portrane’s Nadine Patterson was yellow carded on 57 minutes. Jenny Buttimer of University of Galway was similarly penalised on 64 minutes and Isobel Farell of Portrane got the third yellow of the game and missed the end of the match on 66 minutes.

The final score was Portrane 3 University of Galway 1 and the Cup is on it’s way to North County Dublin.

PORTRANE: Neasa Bissett, Jenny Farrell, Nadine Patterson, Sarah Jane Kelly, Hannah Moynihan [captain], Sarah Dowling, Sarah Keon, Ruth Basson, Hailey Clark, Isobel Farrell, Eva Van Dreumel, Mieke Van Dreumel ,Caoimhe McCann, Katie Lloyd, Emma Walsh .

UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY: Ellen Duffy, Aoife Roche, Eimear McCallon, Eabha Durkan, Eimear Walsh, Eva O’Donnell, Jenny Buttimer, Aisling McGrath, Aoife Murphy [captain], Ailill Dorman, Katie Osborne, Chloe Lawlor, Anna Gavin, Ciara Murphy, Florence McDonald, Mia Walsh, Orla Bagnall

 

 

IRISH WOMEN’S JUNIOR CUP 

 

CORINTHIANS 1 UCD 0

Corinthians women’s 2nds retained their Irish Junior Cup title with a closely fought 1-0 win over UCD at Belfield. Despite finishing in 6th place in the Leinster Women’s Division 2, three places below their opposition and also despite only collecting one point out of a possible six in their League outings, the Whitechurch based team were able to get the job done on the big day but at one point in the fourth quarter it looked like this game could possibly go all the way to a shoot out as three quarters had failed to produce a goal and the fourth looked like heading in a similar direction.

Early in the second quarter UCD were temporarily reduced to 10 players while Caro Theunisz served a two minute suspension due to her being green carded on 25 minutes. 0-0 at half time and well into the third quarter. Alannah Quinsey of Corinthians was green carded on the hour mark but the reduction to 10 players however temporarily did not impact the game at all.

With seven minutes left to play Laura Motyer scored from open play and it proved to be the match winner. Laura whose older brother is a former UCD player, scored in the 63rd minute and it proved decisive. UCD were unable to respond and the Junior Cup is returning to Whitechurch for the second year in a row.

Corinthians Men’s and Women’s firsts have enjoyed a very successful year winning their Leinster Men’s Division 1A and Women’s Division 1 titles respectively and both teams collecting the EYHL 2 Trophies as well. Corinthians, following this latest success, will have a lot of Cups to keep shiny for the next twelve months.

Final score from the Irish Junior Cup Final Corinthians 1 UCD 0.

CORINTHIANS: Hannah McKenna, Laura Heaney, Ciara Vincent, Sophie Maleady, Hannah McGrane, Camila Arbulo, Chalotte Stapleton, Annasophia Moller, Nadia Skelton, Deborah Young, Avril Cullen, Laura Motyer, Alannah Quinsey, Anna Peard, Niamh Walsh, Annabel Squires.

UCD: Lisa Baldwin, Abby Gilsenan, Sarah Fogarty, Anna Costello, Ciara Kelly, Lucy Bell, Emily Kavanagh, Isobel Bowen, Lauren Tracey [captain], Ella Ryan, Orla O’Donnell, Anna McCarthy, Fiona McNulty, Kate Ryan, Jessica Wagenaar, Caro Theunisz, Juliet Greene

 

 

IRISH WOMEN’S HOCKEY TROPHY 

 

UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY 0 OMAGH 0 (UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY WIN 4-1 IN SHOOTOUT)

The Irish Women’s Hockey Trophy decider went all the way to a shoot out before a winner could be decided. It was a scoreless first quarter which saw Honour Davison green carded for Omagh in the 14th minute. In a goalless second quarter Emma Fulton was green carded for Omagh in the 28th minute.

It was also a scoreless third quarter, where Gemma Buchanan of Omagh collected a green card in the 58th minute and in the goalless fourth quarter, Hannah Kelly of University of Galway was green carded in the 64th minute and Katharine McDowell of Omagh was green carded in the 68th minute.

So after 70 minutes of hockey it was down to penalties to decide the destination of this final piece of silverware from a hectic weekend. Ailbhe Folan took the first penalty for University of Galway and scored. Katie McDonnell missed the first one for Omagh 1-0. Hannah Kelly scored the second one for University of Galway 2-0. Amy McCollum missed the second one for Omagh 2-0 to University of Galway.

Ciara Dunne put University of Galway 3-0 up with their third penalty . Honour Davison got Omagh on the scoresheet when she converted Omagh’s third penalty to leave it 3-1.

Jenny Buttimer stepped to take University of Galway’s fourth penalty and made no mistake, and it finished 4-1 to the students of University of Galway in the shoot out and the Irish Women’s Hockey Trophy is heading west of the Shannon.

UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY: Anna O’Donoghue, Ailbhe Folan (captain), Emma Dillon, Aoife Quinn, Jenny Buttimer, Ciara Dunne, Ellie Hughes, Jess Dwyer-Matthews, Hannah Kelly, Megan Clinton, Ciara Burke, Aisling McGrath, Emily Duane (GK), Ailil Dorman, Aoife Roche.

OMAGH: Alison Long, Holly Swann, Emma Fulton, Emma Buchanan, Heather Moffitt, Gemma Buchanan, Lyndsey McCay, Cari McKinley, Honour Davison, Sophie Smyth, Lisa Barr, Laura White [captain], Rachel Buchanan, Katie McDowell, Katie Ballantine, Hollie Berrabah, Amy McCollum

 

/by
, ,

Men’s Cup Finals Match Reports

MEN’S IRISH HOCKEY TROPHY FINAL

BELFAST HARLEQUINS 4 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 2

Belfast Harlequins won the Irish Hockey Trophy at Banbridge on Saturday with an emphatic 4-2 win over Catholic Institute. James Hutchinson put Harlequins 1-0 up on 5 minutes following a penalty corner. David Fraser increased their lead on 22 minutes with a goal from open play.

Institute battled back into the game and Cillian Archer got them on the score sheet in the 29th minute to make it 2-1. Cormac O’Byrne was green carded in the 33rd minute but Belfast didn’t add to their 2-1 first half tally, which was the half time score.

Things got worse for Catholic Institute, early in the third quarter, when they conceded a penalty stroke which Harlequins captain Michael Patterson converted on 36 minutes to leave the score 3-1. Less than a minute later Patrick Jack added a fourth to make it 4-1. Stephen McGrath of Harlequins was green carded in the 52nd minute giving Insta a man advantage for a few minutes and when he returned to action, Jack Stockil converted a penalty corner for Institute on 56 minutes to make it 4-2. And while there was still time left to retrieve the situation, and Michael Patterson was green carded in the 59th minute for Harlequins, that second goal for Institute proved to be the final goal of the game.

It finished Belfast Harlequins 4 Catholic Institute 2

BELFAST HARLEQUINS: James Acheson, John Metcalfe, Antoine Hirschland, Michael Patterson [capt.], Drew Carlisle, Adam Tweed, James Hutchinson, Matthew Gray, Michael Finlay, Peter Bailey, David Clarke, Patrick Jack, Christopher Lemon, David Fraser, Stephen McGrath, Harry Chapman

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Tristan Murphy; Jack Stockil, Gary Acheson, Hugh Walsh, Cormac O’Byrne, Ed Gleeson [capt], Roy Gleeson, Nick Lampp, Cathal Duggan, Ivan Moore, James McCarthy, Cian Nolan, Cillian Archer, Francis Naughton, John Wallace, Colum O’Byrne .

MEN’S IRISH JUNIOR CUP FINAL

BANBRIDGE 2 LISNAGARVEY 2 ( LISNAGARVEY WON 3-2 IN SHOOT OUT)

Banbridge and Lisnagarvey could not be separated after 70 minutes of a closely fought Irish Junior Cup Final at Havelock Park in Banbridge.

Banbridge started well and took a lead in the 9th minute when Matthew Stevenson converted from a penalty corner. Aaron Baxter added a second in the 19th minute to make it 2-0 Banbridge.

Perhaps a two goal lead is the unsafest lead in hockey because two minutes later Lisnagarvey got off the mark through a goal from Matthew Morris. In the 57th minute Harry Archbold got a second goal for Garvey to leave the score 2-2 and there was no further scoring and the game went to a shoot out.

During the shoot out Banbridge converted two of their penalties. Lisnagarvey however converted three of their penalties to seal a 3-2 shoot out win. The Irish Junior Cup is on it’s way to Comber Road.

BANBRIDGE: Elliott Haw, Ben Walker, Matthew Spence, Dylan Cowan , Hugh McShane, William Malcomson, John McCague, David Gallagher, James Evans, Ben Robert Pollock, Matthew McKee, Thomas Edward Dobson, Bruce McCandless, Aaron Baxter, Matthew Stevenson, David McKinlay, Adam Mc Kee

LISNAGARVEY: Matthew McLearnon, Adam McCann, Craig Getty, Matthe McKibbin, Tim Curragh, Harry Archbold, Peter Bland, Andrew Forrest, Mark Raphael, Patrick Watson, Mackenzie Connor, Luke Dennison, Daniel Murray, Max Spence, Matthew Morris, John Cunningham, Phil Stirling

MEN’S IRISH HOCKEY CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

PORTRUSH 4 SAINTFIELD 0

After two scoreless quarters, early in the third quarter Portrush surged into the lead through a Brent Smith penalty corner after 40 minutes to make it 1-0. Saintfield had Jack Taylor yellow carded in the 46th minute and their suffering was eased somewhat when Brent Smith of Portrush was then green carded in the 48th minute. Saintfield then were reduced to 10 players in the 58th minute temporarily when James Erskine was green carded.

Portrush got their second of the game through Leon Smith also in the 58th minute from a field goal. Adam Scott from Portrush was then green carded in the 63rd minute and while he was temporarily sitting out they increased their lead through a Michael Conway field goal on 64 minutes. Saintfield’s Stuart Hunter received a green card in the 68th minute which meant he missed the remaining minutes of the game and Alastair Reilly got his goal for Portrush almost straightaway to seal a 4-0 win for Portrush and send the Irish Hockey Challenge Trophy to the north coast.

PORTRUSH: Marc Bennett, Brent Smith, Barry Mc Mullan, Ryan Smith, Aaron Kerr, Clive Fulton, Michael Conway, Alastair Reilly, John Dillon, Andy Christie, Callum McKeenan, Adam Scott, Leon Smith, James McElderry, Henry Craig, Andrew Morrison, Phillip Linton

SAINTFIELD: William Heaney, Matthew Sullivan [captain], Jack Taylor, Andrew Kirk, Matt Fraser, Rory Brown, Harry Bell, James Erskine, Doug Barrett, Henry Ward, Cliff Jack, Craig Harkness, Jason Campbell, Alex Miller, Stuart Hunter, James Magee, Thomas Brown;

/by
, ,

Hockey Ireland launches the search for a new CEO

 

Hockey Ireland are launching a search for a new CEO.

 

For further information click HERE

/by
,

Cup Finals Weekend

Cup Finals weekend

The domestic club season is ending this weekend with a bumper round of cup finals to round the season off ahead of the summer break. The Junior Cup Finals traditionally contested by clubs 2nd XI’s take place, with the Men’s finals taking place in Banbridge this Saturday and the Women’s Finals taking place in UCD this Sunday.

In addition they will be the main event on a bill that will include the Hockey Trophy and Hockey Challenge competitions, contested by clubs and teams outside the senior ranks.

Catholic Institute’s men will be trying to emulate the recent successes of their Women’s firsts by bringing some silverware to Rosbrien. Standing in the way are the men of Belfast Harlequins who in turn will be trying to bring a trophy back to Deramore Park to try and raise the gloom brought about by the relegation of the Women’s 1sts from the EYHL.

In the Junior Cup Final, Banbridge, whose First men’s team won everything available domestically, will be looking to put a bigger strain on the Havelock Park Trophy Cabinet by squeezing this trophy into the mix. Catholic Institute will be looking to win a Men’s Junior Cup title to add to last season’s success by the women at Senior Cup Level.

In the Hockey challenge on Saturday, Portush take on Saintfield. Saintfield had to overcome Midleton 4-1 away in their semi final while Portush had a 6-2 home win over Limerick in the other semi-final. The County Down side face County Antrim rivals Portrush in an all Ulster Final and their familiarity with one another should provide for a keenly fought encounter.

It all gets underway in Banbridge at 11:30 this Saturday with the Hockey Trophy Final.

Saturday 6th May

Men’s Cup Finals

Irish Hockey Trophy

Catholic Institute vs Belfast Harlequins, Havelock Park, 11:30

Irish Junior Cup

Banbridge vs Lisnagravey, Havelock Park, 13:30

Irish Hockey Challenge

Portrush v Saintfield, Havelock Park, 15:30

On Sunday, the Women’s Finals will take place at the UCD Hockey Stadium in Belfield which has been the main home venue for the international sides since the mid 1990s. First up is the Irish Hockey Challenge where Portrane take on University of Galway. A win for University of Galway at national level would raise the profile of Hockey not only in Galway itself but in the province of Connacht overall and provide a boost at a time when there are no teams playing in the EYHL senior divisions in the province. Portrane are celebrating their 104th anniversary in the club’s history and a win in this would be a big step as they march on into their 105th year as a club. Their men narrowly missed out on an EYHL 2 qualification recently and a win here would be a fitting way to end a season which has season real progress for both the men’s and women’s sides of the club.

The Junior Cup Final sees UCD 2nds take on geographical rivals and current Junior Cup holders Corinthians 2nds. UCD finished 3rd in Leinster Division 2 while Corinthians finished in 6th place and the two games between the sides in the League were close a 2-2 draw at UCD and 2-1 win for the Students at St. Columba’s College. Led by Club captain Lisa Baldwin UCD will be looking to bring another trophy back to Belfield to add to the EYHL Women’s Division title won by the First team. Corinthians will be looking to retain their title and add a Junior Cup to their already heavily burdened trophy cabinet following the Divisional trophies won by both the Men’s and Women’s first teams this season.

The Hockey trophy will feature University of Galway and Omagh both of whose sides are not from the traditional heartlands of the game. University of Galway because of their ability to draw in students from around the province and other parts of the country have usually been one of the stronger clubs in the Connacht League at all levels. A win in this competition would cement their reputation in this regard. Omagh would be striking a blow for the less fashionable clubs in Ulster should they be able to bring home some national silverware. Expect this to be a keenly fought contest. The possibility of the Students bringing home a national trophy double is also an aspect that could be a factor should the Irish Hockey Challenge go their way in the first of the days finals .

It all gets underway on Sunday at 11:45 in UCD with the Hockey Challenge Final.

Sunday 7th May

Women’s Cup Finals

Irish Hockey Challenge

Portrane vs University of Galway, UCD, 11:45

Irish Junior Cup

Corinthain vs UCD, UCD, 13:45

Irish Hockey Trophy

University of Galway v Omagh, UCD, 15:45

 

/by
,

Irish Senior Cup Finals match reports.

WOMEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL

MONKSTOWN 3 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 1

Defending champions Catholic Institute ended up surrendering their Irish Senior Cup title after a closely fought encounter with Monkstown.

Monkstown began the game well and forced an early penalty corner which did not produce the opening goal however. Aoife Hickey received a green card in the 12th minute but not even this temporary reduction to 10 players did anything to break the deadlock.

In a quarter with lots of end to end play it was Catholic Institute who took the lead from open play in the 18th minute through Rebecca Barry.

Insta carried this 1-0 lead well into the second quarter until the final minute when Monkstown got on the scoresheet. Natasha Twomey with a field goal got Monkstown back level just on the stroke of half time. Short of their internationals Roisin Upton and Naomi Carroll who were not available due to international commitments Institute battled gamely throughout the game.

In the third quarter Monkstown took the lead and it came from a set piece. Monkstown had forced numerous penalty corners in succession and been repelled repeatedly by the Institute defence.

Eventually Chloe Watkins found Sara Twomey who converted following a penalty corner on 34 minutes to give Monkstown a 2-1 lead at half time.
Despite pressure from Institute, Monkstown weathered the storm and increased their lead in the final quarter when Emily Kealy converted another penalty corner in the 68th minute.

The final score was Monkstown 3 Catholic Institute 1. Monkstown are the Irish Senior Cup Champions 2023 in their first ever final as a club.

MONKSTOWN: Martina Duignan, Emily Kealy, Sophie Moore, Jennifer Hamill, Claire O’Reilly, Rebecca Carhy, Sara Twomey, Natasha Twomey, Aoibhin Murdoch, Suzie Kelly, Olivia Brady, Millie Jermin, Orla Young-Hughes, Charlotte O’Neill, Chloe Watkins [capt.], Caoimhe Seymour Sub GK

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Pamela Smithwick-Hearne, Christina O’Shea, Roisin Begley, Aoife Hickey, Alison Clein, Leah Clery, Laura Foley, Ciara Moloney, Clodagh Moloney, Eimear Ryan [capt.], Michelle Barry, Aine Ryan, Rebecca Barry, Anna Horan, Elizabeth Ryan, Aoibheann Collins, Jennifer Clein Miriam O’Callaghan Sub GK

MEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL

BANBRIDGE 2 GLENANNE 2 ( Banbridge won 4- 1 in shootout)

Banbridge were already the EY Men’s Division Champions having won the League after 18 rounds of tough fixtures. Last weekend they added the Champions Trophgy to their trophy haul to secure a place in next season EHL in European Club competition. Going into today’s Irish Senior Cup final thre was the prospect of landing a grand slam of all of the three key trophies in men’s hockey in Ireland. The only thing in the way was a Glenanne side whom they were meeting for the fourth time in competitive hockey this season. There had been some very tight games between the teams in the Champions Trophy and one League game in particular. One heavy defeat for Glenanne.

Josh Moffett opened the scoring for Banbridge from a penalty corner on 8 minutes. The lead didn’t last very long. Jason Rogan getting an equaliser for Glenanne from open play 60 seconds later. Charlie Rowe picked up a green card for Banbridge in the 15th minute temporarily reducing his side to 10 players. Louis Rowe was green carded on 24 minutes but as Jonathan McCormack picked up a green card for Glenanne a minute later both sides were down to 10 players for around 3 minutes, before Neil Byrne collected a second green card reducing Glenanne to 8 players.

It remained 1-1 at the half time break. There was no scoring in the third quarter and in the 59th minute Owen Magee got the lead goal from open play in the 59th minute and almost immediately got himself yellow carded.

Glenanne ratcheted up the pressure in the final minute of the match forcing three short corners in the closing seconds in rapid succession, the third of which resulted in Brad Venter’s equaliser with the last play of normal time. Full time result 2-2 and that meant a shoot out.

Eugene Magee took Banbridge’s first penalty and scored 1-0 to Banbridge. Sam O’Connor took the first for Glenanne and missed. Peter Brown scored the second for Banbridge to make it 2-0. Richard Couse scored his penalty for Glenanne to make it 2-1. Louis Rowe made it 3-1 to Banbridge with his penalty, Shane O’Donoghue missed his effort to leave it 3-1 going into the next one for Banbridge. Charlie Rowe made no mistake to make it 4-1 to Banbridge and the Irish Senior Cup was on it’s way to the Havelock Park club house to rest alongside the Champions Trophy and League Trophy already secured. A Grand Slam treble secured congratulations to Banbridge.

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston, Alexander Tinney [capt.], Peter Brown, Hugh McShane, Jake Rowe, Joshua Moffett, David Finlay, Eugene Magee, Thomas Edward Dobson, James Evans, Mark Barlow, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Elliott Haw, Matthew McKee, Mark Cowan, Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe

GLENANNE: David Lawless, Neil Byrne, Jonathan McCormack, Richard Couse, Jason Rogan, Shannon Boucher, Brad Venter [capt.] Shane O’Donoghoe, Richard Shaw, Paul Byrne, Theo Boiter, Kevin Venter, Gary Shaw, Gavin Gibney, Sam O’Connor, Mark Keppel, Rory O’Donoghue, Michael Green

/by
,

Irish Senior Cup Finals, Saturday 29th April.

IRISH WOMEN’S SENIOR CUP FINAL 2023

The Blue Riband of domestic hockey, the Irish Women’s Senior Cup Final, takes place this Saturday April 29th at UCD. The action gets under way at 12:45.

The Women’s Irish Senior Cup was first competed for in 1903, making it one of the oldest cup competitions in World Hockey.

The winners in 2022, first timers Catholic Institute are back once again to defend their title. Their opponents Monkstown were only promoted a year ago from Leinster Division 1. Their first season back in the top fight proved to be a battle against relegation. It was nip and tuck between Monkstown and Ards, and came down to a game between the two sides a few weeks from the end of the season. Ards hosted Monkstown but lost the League game between the two sides. The following day Monkstown won their semi-final against Avoca thus rescuing their entire season in just 48 hours, securing their status as an EYHL side and reaching their first Irish Senior Cup Final.

With no pressure on them to win the title, Monkstown go into Saturday’s game as rank outsiders. However, there are three former Irish Senior Cup winners in the squad in Chloe Watkins, Suzie Kelly and Sarah Twomey all of whom previously won the Irish Senior Cup during stints with UCD.

Catholic Institute have most of last season’s Cup winning squad all of whom have been there and done that with regard to winning an Irish Senior Cup . Goalkeeper Pam Smithwick previously won an Irish Senior Cup during her time at UCD as a student.

Catholic Institute beat Pembroke Wanderers in their second round tie and were drawn against Old Alexandra in the quarter-final. A 4-1 win over Old Alex secured a semi-final against Railway Union. A 4-2 win for Insta in that game secured a place in this weekend’s decider.

Monkstown overcame Leinster Division 1 side Glenanne 6-0 in their second round tie. They then had to travel to UCD to take on the students in the quarter-final. A 3-2 win for Monkstown secured a semi-final tie against Leinster Division 1 side Avoca. And a 2-1 win for Monkstown secured their place in this weekend’s decider. Given that Catholic Institute finished 4th in the League and Monkstown finished 8th the form book might suggest a win for Catholic Institute but the Cup has a reputation for producing shocks even on Cup Final day which means Monkstown have a chance although not being favourites to win. Factor in the fact that both games between these sides in the League ended in stalemate and this game could go all the way to a shootout.

IRISH MEN’S SENIOR CUP FINAL 2023

In the second game down for decision on Saturday the later game is the Irish Men’s Senior Cup Final. The very first Irish Senior Cup Final took place as long ago as 1894, making the Irish Senior Cup the oldest competition in World hockey.

This year’s decider sees EYHL Men’s Division winners 2022-23 and recently crowned Champions Trophy winners Banbridge, take on Glenanne from Dublin. Banbridge will be attempting to win a treble, Glenanne to win an Irish Senior Cup would cap a fine season which saw them reach the semi-finals of the EY Champions Trophy thanks to a 5th place finish which secured a spot in the Quarter-final of the Champions Trophy where they beat Three Rock Rovers 7-3 to reach the semi-final only to come up short in last week’s semi-final against Banbridge.

So revenge could be on the cards as well, as if they needed any more motivation than winning this prestigious trophy the oldest in World Club Hockey. A few weeks ago both teams played both their League fixtures within a couple of weeks apart. In the first game Banbridge and Glenanne played out a 4-4 draw in Havelock Park. The return game took place on 1st April last and Banbridge defeated Glenanne 6-2 in Dublin.

Banbridge won their second-round tie against Bandon 5-0 and advanced to a quarter-final against YMCA which they won 4-1. In the semi-final Banbridge took on Annadale and their 2-0 win secured their place in this weekend’s decider.

Glenanne had a narrow 4-3 win in their second-round tie. Their much-delayed quarter final against Lisnagarvey saw them knock out the defending champions Lisnagarvey by 2-1 and up next in the semifinal were Monkstown. Glenanne won an 11 goal thriller by 7-4 to reach this weekend’s decider.

Glenanne have not enjoyed any Irish Senior Cup success since 2010 while Banbridge’s last victory dates back to 2017.

/by
, ,

EYHL Champions Trophy Finals

EYHL 2 MEN’S QUALIFICATION PLAY -OFF

BANGOR – 4 PORTRANE –  3

Bangor ended up in this playoff because they ended up in 3rd place in the Ulster Premier League.

Given that Cookstown were getting relegated out of the EYHL Division thus taking up one of the EYHL 2 slots on offer to Ulster, Bangor by virtue of coming 3rd got forced into the play off against a Portrane side that took up the Leinster slot. Given that Corinthians and UCD from Leinster Division 1 had already secured promotion to the EYHL there were less places available so Portrane were also in a play-off.

The first quarter was petering out seemingly until the 14th minute when Bangor took the lead with a Rhys Cunnigham field goal. Early in the second quarter Portrane were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted by Anthony Glutz in the 19th minute. Portrane took the lead on 24 minute through a Sean Graham goal from open play and led 2-1 at half time.

Nathan Belshaw got Bangor back on level terms in the 44th minute with another goal from open play. Bangor then took the lead in the 57th minute when Ryan Burgess converted a penalty corner.

Portrane responded through a second goal of the match for Anthony Glutz this time from open play in the 65th minute. The game was heading towards a shootout until Ryan Burgess converted a last minute penalty corner to give victory to the Ulster side it finished Bangor 4 Portrane 3.

**BANGOR:** Christophe Kent, Daniel Irvine, Benjamin Law, Matthew Armstrong-Sanchez [C], Nathan Belshaw, Callum Duncan, Mark Rutherford, Samuel McMillan, Ryan Lyall, Ryan Burgess, Jamie Lyall , Adam Duffield, Rhys Cunningham, James Holley, Robbie Brown

**PORTRANE:** Daniel Graham, Rory McKeon, John Skehan, David Graham, Anthony Glutz, Ossian Elmiger, Sean Graham, Adrian Sweeney, Christopher Neville [C], James Dunne, Cameron Shoebridge, Nicholas Pio, Dylan Eustace, Imran Khan, Andrew Darroch, Tom Mulvey

EYHL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL

UCD – 0 LORETO – 1

UCD went into this game not having beaten Loreto in either of their two EYHL Women’s Division encounters this season. The game in Beaufort had ended in a 2-1 win for Loreto and the return fixture had ended in a 2-2 draw. UCD had pipped Loreto to the title on the final day of the season and there was no reason ahead of today’s final to thing this game would be anything but close.
And that was what we got at least in the opening stages.

A closely fought tense opening corner produced very few chances and no goals. Loreto were temporarily down to 10 players as early as the 3rd minute when Aoife Taaffe was green carded. Charlotte Cope received a green card for UCD in the 10th minute but neither side could capitalize on their opponents temporary reduction to 10 players.

It remained scoreless also in the second quarter, Sara McAuley sitting out on a green card for UCD in the 17th minute and the half time score was UCD 0 Loreto 0

Sara McAuley was also yellow carded in the 32nd minute temporarily reducing the students to 10 players in the 32nd minute. The deadlock was broken however during the third quarter. Former UCD player Rachel Kelly, came back to haunt her former team by opening the scoring for Loreto in the 37th minute from open play to make it 1-0. It remained 1-0 at the end of the third quarter.

There was no further scoring in the game and it ended 1-0 to Loreto. Loreto qualify for the EHL and UCD will qualify for the second tier European competition.

**LORETO:** Lorna Bateman, Kate Crotty, Zoe Dunne, Lisa Mulcahy, Ella Pasley, Caitlin Sherin, Mia Jennings [C] Yasmin Pratt, Grace Donald, Grace McLoughlin, Christina Hamill, Nicola Torrans, Sara Torrans, Aoife Taaffe, Rachel Kelly, Síofra O’Brien

**UCD:** Norah Mc Ginty, Leah O’Shea, Grace Keane, Katherine Egan, Charlotte Cope, Caoimhe Byrne, Katie-Jane Marshall, Lucy Cope, Sophia Cole, Niamh Carey, Sarah McAuley, Hannah McLaughlin [C], Eva Lavelle, Áine Naughton, Ali Griffin, Lisa Baldwin (GK)

EYHL MEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL


BANBRIDGE – 3 LISNAGARVEY – 1

Banbridge and Lisnagarvey have a long established rivalry from their days in the Ulster League. The games between them are considered derbies and they have long been in contention for titles at the same time. Lisnagarvey won the League title in 2022 and were leading the charge for this seasons title until February when they were overtaken by Banbridge who eventually were crowned 2023 champions.

Lisnagarvey qualified for the semi finals of this competition by virtue of their runner-up slot in the this season’s EYHL Men’s Division. Banbridge by virtue of winning the League were in the opposite semi-final and dispatched Glenanne in yesterday’s contest by 4-3. Lisnagarvey beat Monkstown by 2-1 in their semi-final. Two very tight semi-finals and this contest seemed likely to follow in that vein.

Banbridge got off the mark as early as the 3rd minute through a Louis Rowe goal where he converted a penalty corner. It is said that the penalty corner is the most important set piece in the sport of hockey. Well let us present you with this game as exhibit A in support of this theory because all the goals in this game came about as a result of the set piece.

There was no further scoring in the first or second quarter and it was 1-0 at half-time. Jake Rowe increased Banbridge’s lead on 40 minutes converting a penalty corner. Four minutes later Joshua Moffett added a third goal from yet another penalty corner to make it 3-0.

Heading towards the end of the fourth quarter, Lisnagarvey finally got on the scoresheet for what would prove to be a consolation goal. Andrew Williamson converting a penalty corner but it was to no avail for Lisanagarvey because a few minutes later when the end of match hooter sounded the final score was Banbridge 3 Lisnagarvey 1.

The Champions Trophy, League Trophy and Irish Senior Cup treble has suddenly become a potential target as Banbridge return to the Irish Senior Cup Final at UCD next weekend with the first two already in the trophy cabinet.

**BANBRIDGE:** Luke Roleston; Alexander Tierney [C] , Johnny McKee , Peter Brown, Jake Rowe, Eugene Magee, Sam Farson, Owen Magee, Mark Cowan, Louis Rowe, Charlie Rowe, Joshua Moffatt, Hugh McShane, Mark Barlow, Matthew McKee, David Finlay

**LISNAGARVEY:** James Milliken, Jonathan Bell, Jonathan Lynch, Mark Mc Nelis, James Corry [C], Peter McKibbin, Andrew Williamson, Daniel Nelson, Harry Morris, Andrew Edgar, Oliver Kidd, James Lorimar, Matthew Aughey, Daniel Murray, Craig Getty, Mackenzie Connor

/by