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What to look out for this Week – Preview 2

Loreto v Ards will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s YouTube page here.

EYHL 1 – Round 10 – Fixtures
Saturday 28th January

MEN

Pembroke v Monkstown, Serpentine Avenue,14:30
Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 14:45
Lisnagarvey v Cookstown, Comber Road, 15:00
Instonians v TRR, Shawsbridge, 15:00
Glenanne v Annadale, St Andrew’s College, 15:15

WOMEN

Loreto v Ards, Loreto, 14:45
UCD v Catholic Institue, Belfield, 13:00
Old Alex v Monkstown, Alexandra College, 13:30
Belfast Harlequins v Pembroke, Deramore Park, 14:30
Railway Union v Pegasus, Park Avenue, 15:30

EYHL 2

**EYHL 2 – Round 5**
Men (Pool B)
Kilkeel v Bandon, Kilkeel High School, 14:30
UCD v South Antrim, Belfield, 14:30

Men (Pool A)
Cork Church of Ireland v Cork Harlequins, Garryduff,13:30
Railway Union v Corinthian, Park Avenue, 13:30

Women (Pool A)
Muckross v UCC, Muckross, 13:30
Ulster Elks v Avoca, UUJ, 14

Women (Pool B)
Cork Harlequins v Queens, Harlequins Park, 12:45
Corinthian v Galway, St Columbas Collage, 13:15

Interprovincial  – Fixtures
Sunday 29th January

U16 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 11:30

U18 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 13:45

U21 Boys
Munster v Ulster, Abbotstown, 16:00

 

Irish Hockey Challenge – Fixtures
Wednesday 28th January

Men
Mullingar v Limerick, Mullingar, 13:00

 

Irish Junior Cup – Fixtures
Saturday 28th January

Men
Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 13:00

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Catholic Institute fightback to deny gutsy Monkstown – EY Hockey League

Catholic Institute 2-2 Monkstown

League leaders Catholic institute had to perform a second half comeback, against an impressive Monkstown in Limerick. Goals from Sophie Moore and Rebecca Carthy looked to be enough for a fourth Monkstown win of the season, but quick-fire goals from Leah Clery and Ciara Moloney pushed Institute onto 20-points after nine rounds of action.

The Dublin side led early in the second half and looked certain to inflict just a second defeat of the season on their hosts. Their display was built on a strong work ethic and an organised defensive structure, key to that was the outstanding Orla Young-Hughes.

But, when the need was greatest, Institute found near their best, in a largely sub-par display. They were led by Naomi Carroll, who was influential, though Roisin Upton’s absence was perhaps most notable.

After a scrappy opening 10 minutes or so, Monkstown opened the scoring. Chloe Watkins, who was Player of the Match, dribbled hard at the home defence and her cross was flicked to the net by the diving Sophie Moore.

At the other end, young goalkeeper Martha Duignan was comfortable when stopping a brace of efforts from Naomi Carroll. Her first was a cross that could have been diverted, the second, was an under-strength attempt from the first penalty corner of the contest. Monkstown, who’d the second poorest defence in the opening eight games of the season, was comfortable keeping the Limerick side at bay in the first half.

They quickly set about doubling their lead. As with so much of their good attacking play on the day, it was 200-cap midfielder Watkins who was at the heart of it. Natasha Toomey was set clear by Watkins, her early shot looked by certain to cross the line but Carthy made sure by tapping home from two-yards out.

The reply didn’t come until Watkins received a green card. Institute took this advantage through Clery, almost immediately. Captain Eimear Ryan delivered from just outside the circle, and with the aid of a couple of deflections, the ball found Clery who scrambled beyond Duignan. Suddenly, extending their unbeaten run to eight games, appeared possible again.

An equaliser came and it was from a penalty corner, with the telling touch coming – three goals in one quarter and the game level, it was now all to play for in the final period.

This game came to a frantic conclusion with Roisin Begley and Watkins having a chance at either end, with both just inches away from connecting with a pass and finding what would have been the match-winner. Neither side could find the winner and had to settle for draw.

In the end, there was some frustration for Catholic Institute at two points dropped, knowing that Loreto and UCD will be looking to overhaul them at the top of the league in the second half of the season.

While Simon Lowry’s youthful side will be disappointed to led a two-goal lead slip, they were delighted to take a point away to league leaders, who’ve conceded just nine times in as many outings

Elsewhere in the EYHL Womens’ Division One, UCD were able to get closer to the summit, winning 2-1 at home to Peagusus in Belfield. A goal in either half, from Michelle Carey and Leah O’Shea helped them move to within two points of Catholic Institute – a side who they’ll host later in the season.

Ards against Old Alex and Railway Union’s clash with Belfast Harlequins were postponed due to frozen pitches.

EHYL Men

Monkstown 5-0 Cookstown
Midtable Monkstown sealed their second victory of the season, when thrashing winless Cookstown. They led 2-0 at half-time, thanks to efforts from Rory Nichols and Geoff Cole. The same two were on target in a dominant second half, while Jeremy Duncan also put his name on the scoresheet in Rathdown.

League leaders Banbridge’s clash with third-placed Glenanne was postponed.

YMCA 4-0 Instonians
YMCA put four past Instonians in their first game of 2023. Goals from Ed Collins, Ross Henderson, Grant Glutz and Tom Power.

Pembroke Wanderers 1 – 4 Annadale
Goals from S Pinion, M Robson, D Tremlet and W Aston for Annadale to take the win over Pembroke.

Lisnagravey travelled to Dublin to win a close fight against Three Rock Rovers.
TRR 2 (James Walker, Ali Empey) Lisnagarvey 3 (Andrew Williamson 2, Andy Edgar)

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Sustainability in Sport

Sport and Sustainability

We know the positive role sport plays in promoting healthy lifestyles and building communities. Grassroots clubs the length and breadth of Ireland are testament to sport’s inherent attraction and power.

The range of social, environmental, and economic issues which affect us globally, are also causing significant challenges for the sports community. Both in terms of day-to-day operations and duties to our young people and future generations.

But with this, there’s growing recognition also around how the power of sport can be used to help inspire participants and followers towards building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. That means for clubs themselves, their communities and for the environment.

 

Meath LSP’s groundbreaking initiative

It’s against this background that Meath LSP is leading an exciting new initiative promoting social and environmental sustainability in sport.

Through committing to pursue sustainability, a club can inspire its members and the local community to become more conscious of their own individual actions.

Whether aimed at maximising the social or community benefits of their club, or acting responsibly around their club’s environment and surroundings, there’s opportunity to work together for positive change.

 

Project Long Game – Saturday 28 January

The “Project Long Game” information event (9.30am-1pm, Saturday 28th January, Solstice Centre, Navan) will show local club leaders, decision makers and volunteers etc how they can make their club more socially and environmentally sustainable.

A host of local and expert international speakers will share insights around best practice, the benefits and crucially, advise how clubs can make a start on sustainability. (And in doing so, how they can meet objectives of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).)

With a line up including leaders of progressive grassroots GAA, football and rugby clubs, attendees will learn of the many opportunities to be gained through making this commitment.

The benefits driven for their players, supporters and communities – be it attracting new members, reduced costs, better sponsorships, meaningful environmental action etc. – are increasingly apparent and compelling.

 

Learnings from further afield

In addition to hearing about learnings and case studies from the GAA’s key ‘‘Healthy Clubs’ and ‘Green Clubs’ programmes, world sport and sustainability expert Russell Seymour will share his perspective on the significance of Meath’s ‘Project Long Game’.

Lastly, with the international conversation now including the likes of Meathman Sean McCabe (Climate Justice Manager, Bohemian FC) and triple Irish Olympic athlete, Natalya Coyle, the audience will hear how the county can play a leading and impactful role for the years to come.

As they say in sport, “It’s all to play for.”

Register now to attend this free event at www.projectlonggame.ie

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Player of the Match – Chloe Watkins – Catholic Institute v Monkstown – EY Hockey League

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What to look out for this Week – Preview 1

Round 9 of the EY Hockey League kicks off this weekend. All fixtures can be seen below.

Catholic Institute v Monkstown will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s YouTube page here.

EYHL 1 – Round 9 – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Banbridge v Glenanne – 14:45 – Havelock Park
– TRR v Lisnagarvey – 15:00 – Grange Road
– Monkstown v Cookstown – 16:00 – Rathdown
– Instonians v YMCA – 16:00 – Shawsbridge
– Pembroke Wanderers v Annadale – 16:00 – Serpentine Avenue

WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v Railway –12:45- Deramore Park
– Catholic Institute v Monkstown- 14:30- Rosbrien
– Ards v Old Alex – 14:30 – Londonderry Park
– UCD v Peagsus – 14:50 – Belfield

 

Irish Senior Cup – Fixtures
Thursday 19th January

MEN
– Glenanne v Lisnagarvey – 20:20 – Loreto (Refix)

 

Irish Hockey Challenge – Fixtures
Wednesday 18th January

MEN
– Saintfield v Portrush – 20:00 – Saintfield (Refix)

Saturday 21st January
WOMEN
– Kilkeel v University of Galway – 15:00 – Kilkeel
– Cork Wanderers v Skerries – 16:00 – Ursuline School

 

Irish Hockey Trophy – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Rathgar v Kilkenny – 12:45 – Rathgar

 

Irish Junior Cup – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January

MEN
– Mossley v Cookstown – 12:45 – Mossley
– Lisnagarvey v Glenanne – 15:00 – Comber Road

Instonians v Clontarf – 17:30 – Shawbridge

WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v UCD – 14:30 – Deramore Park

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Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Final

 

Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Final

Munster 1-1 Ulster (Munster win shootout 3-2)

Munster took the Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial title coming from behind to equalise with the final play of the game and then beat Ulster in a shootout.

The northern province looked to have done enough when Sophie Kidd gave them the lead with only eight minutes remaining but with time expired Sarah Fitzgerald’s effort from a penalty corner found the back of the Ulster net.
Ruby Walsh and Anna Campbell scored for Munster in the shootout with Kidd and Eva Gaston replying for Ulster but the outstanding Beth Anne O’Farrell converted the final penalty shuttle with Ellie Edwards the unfortunate player to miss giving Munster the win.

“To be honest we were very happy and positive with the way we were playing and we had a number of corners we didn’t convert so to put the last one away, I think we felt we deserved at least one,” said Munster coach Yvonne O’Bryne afterwards.

The former Irish international knows a thing or two about winning and losing shootouts. She was a member of the 2018 World Cup squad who reached the final after beating India and Spain on the way after penalty shuttles and she had a special mention for match winner O’Farrell.

“She actually missed one in midweek in the Schools Cup and St Angela’s went out so she had a point to prove to herself and everyone else and I’d always put my house on her to score.”

When the two sides met in November, Ulster had won 3-2 so the final was expected to be tight but the direct style of play from both teams led to an entertaining opening to the game.

The strong running of O’Farrell and Fitzgerald was causing Ulster’s defence problems while Eva Gaston, a product of Dalriada, the same school as Ireland senior captain Katie Mullan, was controlling midfield and linking well for Ulster with forwards Kidd and Gabriella Scott.

Attacking endeavour, however, was countered by robust defending from both sides.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to Ulster. After winning the ball in midfield, Gaston’s pass found Kidd and the Ards forward stepped into a reverse stick shot that caused Faye Luby to make a great save. From the resulting penalty corner the Catholic Institute goalkeeper stuck out a right boot to deny Alex Byrne’s goal bound effort.

With the last play of the half, O’Farrell forced another penalty corner for Munster but Fitzgerald’s reverse stick shot was wide of the mark.
Munster began to seize control of the game in the third quarter finding joy down both flanks but Ulster’s defence was resilient.

Aine Power was becoming more of a factor with her stick handling ability cutting in from the right wing and she set Cork Harlequins team mate O’Farrell up for a shooting chance that went wide.

Ulster began the final quarter strongly and turned their pressure into the opening goal with eight minutes left in the game.

Gaston found Scott and after her powerful run into the circle, she picked out Kidd and her effort looped up and over the sprawling Lucy Nixon, now in goal for Munster.

Nixon then stopped Kidd doubling Ulster’s advantage from a penalty corner and it proved crucial.

As time expired Munster won a penalty corner and with the final play of the game, they slipped the ball to Fitzgerald and her shot took a couple of deflections but found it’s way into the goal to equalise.

It was on to a shootout and two saves from Aoife Doyle and conversions for Gaston and Kidd had Ulster ahead 2-1 after three shuttles but Campbell scored for Munster and Nixon produced a vital stop setting the stage for O’Farrell to score. When Edwards missed it was Munster who celebrated a victory at the end of an entertaining game.

O’Byrne added, “I think it’s fairly exciting for Irish hockey. The level of skill and technical ability at under-18 level is so much higher than when I was coming through. The game is getting faster and being played at a higher level which is great to see.”

Her opposite number, Ulster’s Suzanne Evans agreed, “It was a great game of hockey and we are disappointed but I hope there will be some big opportunities moving forward for these girls. This is an important age group with decisions being made about their futures but I hope they keep hockey as a priority and that their game progresses at club and maybe international level as well.”
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Four Ireland umpires selected onto the European Umpire Development Programmes

Congratulations to Christine Coulter Reilly, Gary O’Connor, Sarah Craig and Oli Brown who have all been accepted onto the European Umpire Development Programmes.

Christine and Gary will join the EuroHockey Umpires for Europe (U4E) programme. This focuses on improving the performance of umpires who are at an advanced stage of development and have shown the potential to become international umpires. Meanwhile, Sarah and Oli will have the opportunity to learn skills to progress in their national leagues via the EuroHockey Umpires for Nations (U4N) programme.

Many thanks to Sport Ireland’s support of our Umpire Academy, via the Women in Sport Programme, where Sarah and Christine started out on their national and international pathway.

https://eurohockey.org/2023/01/11/eurohockey-umpires-for-europe-u4e-and-eurohockey-umpires-for-nations-u4n-2023-announced/

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FIH Men’s World Cup 2023

Click on the link below to find out all you need to know about the 2023 Men’s World Cup

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIH MWC23

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Passing of Ronnie Smyth BEM

For Funeral times see https://www.funeraltimes.com/ronald-william-ronniesmyth-bem375159028

RONNIE SMYTH BEM

 

It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of ANNADALE President, Hockey Ireland Honorary Member and dear friend Ronnie.

Ronnie’s zest for hockey was limitless. He pursued his passion and love for his Club with the intensity of a perfectionist, always striving to improve the character, sportsmanship, performance and enjoyment of the players.

Ronnie cared deeply about all those around him whilst asking little in return. He had a unique mix of generosity with his time, supreme coaching and management skills, humour, and directness but always patient with an instinctive understanding of players of all abilities. A combination of talents from which his Club, Ulster and Ireland benefitted greatly.

Ronnie’s coaching talents were recognised with appointments as Ulster Senior Coach and coach of Ireland at U16, U18 and U21 levels. In addition to achieving the top Irish coaching levels Ronnie also gained the prestigious FIH badge which is the most senior coaching accolade in World Hockey.

Hockey Ireland recognised Ronnie’s immense contribution to the Sport by awarding Ronnie with Honorary Life Membership. This was followed by Her Majesty The Queen awarding a well-deserved British Empire Medal to Ronnie in 2022.

In paying tribute to Ronnie we cannot overlook the loves of his life in wife Liz, sons Andrew and David and daughter Alison to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

 

Ronnie Smyth – an inspiration to us all.

 

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Sports Energy Support Scheme

In November, Sport Ireland opened the application process for €35 million of funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis. The purpose of the funding, secured as part of Budget 2023, was to support National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport throughout the winter period.

Hockey Ireland subsequently engaged all our Clubs with the application process, and we are pleased to announce that thirty (30) successful Clubs have met the eligibility criteria. These eligible Clubs will be contacted in the coming days with details of how they can draw down the allocated funding.

We would like to thank Sport Ireland and the Government for this vital support mechanism on behalf of all our Clubs. 

Any questions on the funding can be submitted to info@irelandhockey.sportlomo.com

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