, ,

Eurohockey Club Indoor Trophy for Railway Union

Back Row L to R: Orla Patton, Holly Jenkinson (VC), Kate O’Hogan (GK), Sarah Patton, Aebfhinn Bourke (not travelling), Michelle Carey (not travelling)

Front Row L to R: Becky McMullen, Jenny Long, Ailish Long, Orla Fox (C), Lily Lloyd, Kate Woods.

Railway Union are sending an experienced squad to the Eurohockey Club Indoor Trophy (W) in Cambrai, France from 17th to 19th February 2023.

The squad contains 4 current Irish international indoor players, 2 Irish indoor development squad players, and a previous Irish indoor international. The Railway indoor captain, Orla Fox, has 30 Irish indoor caps. The Patton sisters, Orla and Sarah, have 29 and 24 Irish indoor caps respectively, with Lily Lloyd having 18 Irish indoor caps.  Kate O’Hogan, the Railway indoor goalkeeper, and Becky McMullen, play on the Irish indoor development squad. Becky McMullen also has 4 Irish indoor senior caps. Previous Irish indoor player, Holly Jenkinson, has 5 Irish indoor caps. Holly is also an Irish international in 3 sports – indoor hockey, netball and tag rugby, plus is an Irish Masters hockey player.

The Railway Union indoor coach, Gareth Myburgh, is the Irish indoor manager and Irish indoor development squad coach. The Railway assistant coach, Michael Fulham, is also Irish indoor development squad coach.

This is Railway’s 4th participation in the Eurohockey indoor club competition – winning gold at the Challenge event in Bratislava, Slovakia in 2011, silver in Porto, Portugal in 2020 and playing in the Trophy event in Alanya, Turkey in 2022. In Alanya the team played the entire tournament with only six players.  Orla Fox has played in all 4 of these competitions.

In preparation for this event Railway Union won their provincial indoor tournament and the national indoor competition, for the third year running.

Captain Orla Fox said ‘we are really looking forward to playing in Cambrai. We have prepared well and feel we have developed as a squad since last year’s venture in Turkey. We are introducing young up and coming players, such as Kate Woods, to the squad and we hope to represent Ireland well at the tournament’.

Railway Union has 2 sets of sisters playing in the team: Orla and Sarah Patton, and Jenny and Ailish Long.

The Squad for the tournament is as follows:

1.    Kate O’Hogan GK

2.    Orla Patton

3.    Sarah Patton

7.    Holly Jenkinson VC

13.  Kate Woods

16.  Ailish Long

20.  Lily Lloyd

21.  Orla Fox C

23.  Jenny Long

29.  Becky McMullen

Coach:   Gareth Myburgh

Assistant Coach: Michael Fulham

Manager: Helen Johnston

Railway’s match schedule is as follows:

Friday 17th February at 9.30am (8.30am Irish Time) Railway Union v Raca (Slovakia)

Friday 17th February at 4.15pm (3.15pm Irish Time) Railway Union v Clydesdale (Scotland)

Saturday 18th February at 10.15am (9.15am Irish Time) Railway Union v Zelina (Croatia)

Saturday pm and Sunday = play off matches.

The games are being live streamed at  https://www.eurohockeytv.org/en-int/page/home-ehf-hockey.

/by
, , , ,

Hockey Ireland Senior Men accept invitation to join the FIH Pro League

Hockey Ireland is pleased to accept an invitation from the International Hockey Federation, FIH, for the Ireland Men’s Senior Squad to join the FIH Hockey Men’s Pro League next season.
Ireland finished runners-up to South Africa in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup tournament last November, losing a thrilling final 4-3.

It meant South Africa gained promotion to the Pro League for 2023-2024 replacing the nation that will finish bottom at the end of the current season.
However South Africa have decided not to take up their place and as runners-up in the Nations Cup, Ireland have been invited by the FIH to replace them and have chosen to do so. The 2023-2024 Pro League season will likely get underway in October and Ireland can expect games against the recently crowned World Champions Germany and Olympic gold medal winners Belgium as well as other hockey powerhouses such as Australia and India and closer to home Great Britain.

Before that Ireland will host Division 2 of the EuroHockey Championships in July at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, looking to claim a place in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Paris 2024.

Commenting on the announcement, Hockey Ireland CEO Ronan Murphy said: “This announcement comes at a very exciting time for Irish Hockey, as we look to grow participation in the game and compete at the highest level on the international stage. The fact that our Senior Men are now competing in World Hockey’s Pro League against eight top Hockey teams from around the world is a testament to all the hard work to date and is aligned with our High-Performance strategy and objectives”.

“As we continue our Olympic qualification campaign, we have a very busy year ahead with the EuroHockey Championships in Abbotstown in July offering a perfect opportunity for Irish Hockey fans to come along and watch the team in full international action.”

Mark Tumilty, Ireland Men’s Head Coach can’t wait to get started in the Pro League. “We are delighted this has come about. It’s a big opportunity for us and for men’s hockey in Ireland. It’s a massive challenge for us but I’ve said many times before that for Ireland to move forward in world hockey we need to be playing competitive games against the top nations. To have the chance now to play sixteen games against the top countries in the world will give our programme added purpose and focus.”

Hockey’s world governing body the FIH also commented: “Whilst we will miss South Africa in the next season, we know that the South African Hockey Association firmly intends to join the FIH Hockey Pro League as soon as possible. Therefore, this is just a matter of time. Meanwhile, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome the Irish men’s team and we can’t wait to see them perform in the League next season!”

POTCHEFSTROOM – FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup South Africa 2022
WORLDSPORTPICS COPYRIGHT FRANK UIJLENBROEK

/by
, , , ,

What to look out for this Week – Preview 4

EY Hockey League 1 & 2 continue this Saturday.

Fixtures

Saturday 11th February

EYHL 1 – Round 12

Women 

Belfast Harlequins v Monkstown, Deramore Park, 14:30 

Ards v Pegasus, Londonderry Park, 14:30 

 

Men 

Glenanne v TRR, St Andrews College, 13:30 

Annadale v YMCA, Lagan College, 14:30 

Lisnagarvey v Banbridge, Comber Road, 15:00 

Instonians v Monkstown, Shawbridge, 15:00 

Pembroke Wanderers v Cookstown, Serpentine Avenue, 16:00 

EYHL 2 – Round 6

Women Pool A 

Avoca v UCC, Avoca, 14:30 

University of Galway v Muckross, NUIG, 13:50 

 

Women Pool B 

Ballymoney v Galway, Joey Dunlop Centre, 13:00 

Corinthian v Cork Harlequins, St Columbas College, 13:15 

Men Pool A 

Cork Church of Ireland v Queens, Garryduff, 13:00 

 

Men Pool B 

UCD v Avoca, UCD, 14:30 

Kilkeel v South Antrim, Kilkeel High School, 14:30 

/by

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland

Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) has now launched a new scheme providing for the free installation of 50KW DC Electric Vehicle Charging Points at sports club facilities across the island of Ireland. Detailed information on the scheme is available from https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/ZEVISchemes/.  Terms and conditions apply.

 

The Scheme will pay for the civil and electric works as well as the purchase and installation of an electric vehicle charger for local sports clubs. ZEVI will procure the contractor(s) and successful clubs will agree to enter into a licensing agreement with this contractor for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the charger(s) to be eligible for funding.

 

Some Key Points of Information:

  • Clubs can only apply for funding via their NGB
  • Interested member clubs who meet the eligibility criteria and minimum requirements must send their contact details to sue.haslam@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com (ROI) or marc.scott@ulsterhockey.com (NI) before 25th Feb 2023.
  • Once a list of interested clubs has been collated, NGB’s can submit the list to Pobal via the Expression of Interest form.
  • The Expression of Interest form should be submitted to Pobal no later than 5pm on 28th February 2023
  • All interested parties are encouraged to fully read the Scheme Guidelines, Terms & Conditions and all other information available from Pobal.

 

The Department and Pobal will host an online Information Session at 10am on Thursday 9th February for clubs or NGBs who would like further information on the scheme. All interested parties are encouraged to register for this event by emailing zevischemes@pobal.ie. Please note that places are limited but that additional sessions will be organised as necessary to meet demand.

Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme – Pobal

Overview The Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding for the cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at sports club facilities across the island of Ireland. This Sch…

/by
, ,

Railway Union & Three Rock Rovers win the Indoor Title

Three Rock Rovers and Railway Union win the National Indoor Finals at the Antrim Forum.

In the men’s final, Three Rock Rovers defeated Monkstown 8-7 in the game’s last play. Railway Union defeated Ards 3-0 in the women’s final.

Three Rock Rovers Winners of the Irish Indoor Championship 2023

Railway Union Winners of the Irish Indoor Championship 2023

All results from Sunday’s games.

Semi-Finals
Ards 9-4 University of Galway
Railway Union 8-0 Glenanne
Monkstown 7-1 Queens University
Cookstown 4-9 Three Rock Rovers
3rd & 4th Place
University of Galway 1-5 Glenanne
Queens University 2-7 Cookstown
Final
Ards 0-3 Railway Union
Monkstown 7-8 Three Rock Rovers

 

/by
, , , ,

What to look out for this Week – Preview 3

The National Indoor Finals are all to play for this Sunday.

Fixtures

Saturday 4th February

EYHL 1 – Round 11
MEN

Monkstown v Lisnagarvey, Rathdown, 14:15
TRR v Pembroke Wanderers, Grange wood, 13:00
YMCA v Glenanne, YMCA, 14:15
Cookstown v Banbridge, Cookstown, 14:30
Annadale v Instonians, Lurgan College, 14:30

WOMEN
Ards v Belfast Harlequins, Londonderry Park, 14:30
Pegasus v Pembroke Wanderers, Queens University, 16:15

National Indoor Final

Sunday 5th February
Women
Ards v University of Galway, Antrim Forum, 09:30 am
Railway Union v Glenanne, Antrim Forum, 10:45 am

Men
Monkstown v Annadale, Antrim Forum, 12:00 pm
Cookstown v TRR, Antrim Forum, 13:15

Womens 3rd v 4th, Antrim Forum, 14:20
Mens 3rd v 4th, Antrim Forum, 15:00

Womens Final, Antrim Forum, 16:50
Mens Final, Antrim Forum, 17:00

Irish Junior Cup

Fixtures
Women – Saturday 4th February
Cork Harlequins v Railway Union, Harlequins Park, 12:45
Avoca v Ashton, Newpark, 14:30

/by
, ,

National Indoor Finals – Sunday 5th February

The National Indoor champions will be decided on Sunday evening with four men’s and four women’s clubs vying for glory in Antrim Forum. We welcome all supporters.​

The series starts on Sunday morning with the women’s semi-finals between Ards against University of Galway at 9.30 am with Railway Union up against Glenanne at 10.45 am. The winners will advance to the final at 3.50 pm with the third-place playoff at 2.20 pm. The women’s semis follow on the court with Monkstown up against Annadale (12 pm) and Cookstown facing Three Rock Rovers (1.15 pm) with the result of a 5 pm final with the third place match at 3 pm.​

Match Schedule:​

9.30 Am – Ards v University of Galway – Ladies’
10.45 Am – Railway Union v Glenanne – Ladies’
12 pm- Monkstown v Annadale – Men’s
1.15 pm – Cookstown v Three Rock Rovers – Men’s
2.20 pm – Ladies’ 3rd v 4th
3 pm – Men’s 3rd v 4th
3.50 pm – Ladies’ Final
5 pm – Men’s Final

​Full programme will be posted here.

/by
, , ,

Loreto move to the top with a 7-1 win

LORETO 7-1 ARDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EYHL Women’s 1st Division

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

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

EYHL Men’s 1st Division

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

EYHL 2 – Round 5

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

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

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

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

/by
, , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commenting on the agreement Park Developments Director Jilly Cotter said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/by