EYHL Roundup 23rd September 2023

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 

ANNADALE 4 (Spencer Pinion 1 min, Owen McElhinney 24 min, Fergus Gibson 53 min & 67 mins)   INSTONIANS 1 (Gavin Lecky 29 mins)

CORINTHIAN  3 (Max Neill 7 mins, Ian Stewart 16 mins, Sam Maxwell 33 mins) MONKSTOWN  2 (Davy Carson 49 mins, Lee Cole PS 67 mins)

YMCA 0  THREE ROCK ROVERS 1  (Ben Johnson 18 mins)

BANBRIDGE 3 (David Finlay 10 mins, Charlie Rowe 38 mins, Louis Rowe 45 mins) GLENANNE  3 ( Shane O’Donoghue PS 15 mins, & PC 61 mins, Gavin Gibney 34 mins  )

UCD 4 (Andrew Luke Galbraith, Harry Lynch, Ben Stewart x2) LISNAGARVEY 8 ( Matthew Aughney , |Oliver Kidd, Jonny Lynch, Peter McKibbin ,  Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson , Andrew Williamson)

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 

PEGASUS 0  LORETO  4 (Rachel Kelly 4 & 10 mins, Síofra O’Brien 42 mins, Caoimhe Perdue 61 mins)

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 3 (Aoife Hickey 8 mins, Anna Horan 52& 53 mins)   CORINTHIAN  1 (Jessica Mc Grane 67 mins)

OLD ALEXANDRA 0 RAILWAY UNION 2 (Leah Warren 55 mins, Ailish Long 57 mins)

UCD  0  PEMBROKE WANDERERS  0 

ULSTER ELKS  3  (Serena Campuzano 20 mins, Bethany Harper 35 mins, Jessica McMaster 58 mins)  MONKSTOWN   1  (Chloe Watkins PS 8 mins)

 

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND UP

The action began at Queen’s University Sportsgrounds where Annadale took on Instonians in a Belfast derby and took the lead in the first minute through Spencer Pinion, who converted a penalty corner in the first minute. They went 2-0 up through a penalty corner from Owen McElhinney on 24 minutes. Instonians got one back before half time through a goal from Gavin Lecky from open play.

Annadale restored their two goal lead with a goal from open play converted by Fergus Gibson.

Fergus Gibson made the points safe for Dale in the 67th minute with his second of the match from a penalty corner to seal a 4-1 win. Annadale get their first points of the new season while Instonians remain pointless from their two outings so far.

Corinthians took on Monkstown at St. Columba’s College and Max Neill gave the hosts a lead in the 7th minute. Ian Stewart increased their lead on 16 minutes. Sam Maxwell’s goal on 33 minutes left Corinthians 3-0 at half time. Monkstown got back on the scoresheet through Davy Carson in the 49th minute and then were awarded a penalty stroke which Lee Cole  duly converted leaving Corinthians leading 3-2 with three minutes to go and that’s how it finished.

YMCA began their home campaign at Wesley College with a visit from Three Rock Rovers

It was the visitors who took the lead through Ben Johnson, converting a penalty corner in the 18th minute which proved to be the only goal of the game. Despite the home side being reduced to 10 players in the 9th minute when Aaron Bailey was green carded, and on 36 minutes when Harry Mc Carthy was green carded and finally in the 41st minute when Scott Ruttle was green carded, the goal game at a time when both teams were at full strength.

Banbridge had their second consecutive home game against Glenanne at Havelock Park.

David Finlay gave Bann a 1-0  lead on 10 minutes.  Glenanne were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted by Shane O’Donoghue in the 15th minute to leave it 1-1.  Glenanne then took the lead through a Gavin Gibney field goal on 34 minutes to make the score Banbridge 1 Glenanne 2 at half-time  Then began the comeback Charlie Rowe equalised in the 38th minute and his brother Louis Rowe scored in the 45th minute to leave Bann leading 3-2 at the end of quarter three. But Glenanne weren’t finished and they snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat when Shane O’Donoghue grabbed an equaliser, converting a penalty corner in the 61st minute and it finished Banbridge 3 Glenanne 3

The Battle of the Blues took place in UCD where the newly promoted students took on last season’s runners-up Lisnagarvey fresh from a six goal margin of victory in their season opener.

UCD’s men suffered a similar defeat at home to Garvey who racked up eight goals this week having gotten seven the previous week. Garvey scored in the first quarter. Both sides swapped 2 goals a piece in the second quarter to leave the half time score UCD 2 Garvey 3. Garvey got 3 goals in quarter three to leave them 6-2 ahead. They increased their lead to 8-2 in quarter four before UCD got 2 late goals to leave the final score UCD 4 LISNAGARVEY 8

Goalscorers for UCD: Adam Luke Galbraith, Harry Lynch Benjamin Stewart x2 Goalscorere for Lisnagarvey: Matthew Aughney, Oliver Kidd, Jonny Lynch, Peter Mc Kibbin, Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Andrew Williamson

 

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND UP

The EYHL Women’s Division 1 First round of season 2023-24 fixtures got underway at Queen’s University where Pegasus hosted Loreto. It was the visitors that struck first, Rachel Kelly scoring from open play in only the fourth minute. She grabbed her second of the game in the 10th minute. It was 2-0 at the end of the first quarter and remained 2-0 at the half -time break.

Síofra O’Brien added a third for Loreto in the 42nd minute. Caoimhe Perdue made it 4-0 to Loreto with a 61st minute goal from a penalty corner.

Catholic Institute hosted promoted side Corinthians at Rosbrien. The hosts took an early lead through Aoife Hickey and led 1-0 at half-time. Anna Horan made it 2-0 in the third quarter and got her second of the game to leave Insta leading 3-0. Jessica McGrane got a consolation goal for the visitors three minutes from time. It finished Catholic Institute 3 Corinthians 1

Dublin derby at Alexandra College saw Old Alexandra host Railway Union. After a very tight first quarter and an equally tight second it was 0-0 at half time. Railway Union took the lead in the 53rd minute when Leah Warren converted a penalty corner to put them 1-0 ahead. In the 55th minute Railway Union increased their lead through an Ailish Long goal from open play and it finished Old Alexandra 0 Railway Union 2

Defending champions UCD took on Pembroke Wanderers in a derby at Belfield.

It was a bit of a reunion as the Pembroke Wanderers squad had six former UCD players in their ranks most of whom had played at some point under current UCD coach Miles Warren. Both sides have been continuous members of the EYHL since it became a season long League format in 2015-16 season. Also given the familiarity of both sides with each other it’s probably not a big surprise that the game ended  in  stalemate. And given the high quality of defenders in action in this game, in both camps, probably even less of a surprise that it was scoreless.  UCD 0 Pembroke Wanderers 0

Ulster Elks took on Monkstown at the University Sportsgrounds in Jordanstown.  And got off to a successful opening day in the end but it wasn’t the start they would have wished for.

Monkstown were bolstered by the return to the ranks of experienced players Laura Pinder and Sarah Greene and indeed took the lead early on when they were awarded a penalty stroke which Chloe Watkins converted the 8th minute. Elks responded in the 20th minute when Serena Campuzano converted a penalty corner. Bethany Harper gave Elks the lead when she scored from open play in the 35th minute and Jessica McMaster sealed the 3-1 win for Elks scoring from open play in the 58th minute. Final score Ulster Elks 3 Monkstown 1

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EYHL Women’s Round 1 and EYHL Men’s Round 2 Fixtures Preview

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 R1 PREVIEW:

The 2023-24 EY Hockey League Women’s Division 1 begins this weekend and the first round of fixtures have turned up some interesting ties. Catholic Institute will host newly promoted Corinthians. Pegasus will take on last season’s EY Champions Trophy winners Loreto. Old Alexandra have Dublin Derby against Railway Union. Defending League Champions UCD take on 2021-22 Champions Pembroke Wanderers at Belfield and newly promoted Ulster Elks will host Monkstown.

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 R2 PREVIEW:

Round 2 of the EY Hockey League Men’s Division 1 gets underway on Friday night with a derby in Belfast where Annadale take on Instonians at Lagan College. The action continues on Saturday afternoon with Corinthians who were visitors to Grange Road in week 1, securing their first League point, hosting a Monkstown side who beat UCD in their first fixture by 3-0. YMCA who were beaten 5-1 by Banbridge on the opening day of the season in Havelock Park will host Three Rock Rovers who were held at home in their first game. Banbridge, fresh from their 5-1 win over YMCA, host Glenanne this weekend while UCD take on 2022-23 EYHL Men’s Division runners-up Lisnagarvey at Belfield.

EYHL Division 1 Friday 22nd September  

Men

Annadale v Instonians, Queens University, 19:30
 EYHL Division 1 Saturday 23rd September

Men

UCD v Lisnagarvey, Belfield Water, 15:45

Corinthian v Monkstown, St Columbas College, 13:15

Banbridge v Glenanne, Havelock Park, 14:45

YMCA v Three Rock Rovers, YMCA, 14:00

Women

 UCD v Pembroke Wanderers, Belfield Water, 14:05

Catholic Institute v Corinthian, Rosbrien, 13:00

Ulster Elks v Monkstown, UUJ, 14:30

Pegasus v Loreto, Queens, 12:45

Old Alex v Railway Union, Alexandra College, 13:30
Interprovincial Sunday 17th September

U16 Girls

Connacht v Leinster, Athlone, 11:00

Ulster v Munster, Trinty College, 12:30

U18 Girls

Connacht v Leinster, Athlone, 13:00

Ulster v Munster, Trinty College, 14:30

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

LAST SEASON: 4th

Catholic Institute ended 2023-24 in 4th place in the League and qualified for the Champions Trophy. Not as memorable as the previous campaign where they finished 2nd in the title race and had won the Cup. They at least made their defense of that title go all the way to the final step before surrendering the Irish Senior Cup.  They also experienced European Hockey for the first time in their history. Lessons learned in the latter campaign by the coaching staff and playing squad alike may see them finish in the top three again this season.

Emilie Ryan Doyle’s arrival from Old Alex, which coincides with her studying at UL should strengthen the depth of their defensive core and she should be on Shannonside for the length of her studies into the bargain. They begin their campaign with a home game against newly promoted Corinthian.

 

CORINTHIAN 

LAST SEASON: WON EYHL 2 (1ST IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1) 

Corinthian gained promotion from Leinster Division 1 and EYHL 2 last season, making it a promotion double alongside their senior men’s team who did likewise. They begin their campaign with a trip to Rosbrien, the only sand-based surface in the Division which opponents Catholic Institute have turned into something of a fortress in recent seasons. Corinthian will be keen to get off to a good start and avoid being in the battle against the drop too early in the campaign. Ultimately, Corinthian will be looking to establish a foothold in EYHL Division 1 this season and kick on from there in subsequent seasons. Their pitch at Whitechurch, which is probably the highest from an altitude standpoint in the city of Dublin, hosted the EYHL 2 playoff weekend last season. They were dominant in the Leinster Division 1 last season and will find the step up a challenge they need to rise to early on.

 

LORETO 

LAST SEASON: 2nd 

Despite the disappointment of losing the title on the final day of last season, they can have few complaints given the haul of silverware currently residing in the Beaufort Trophy cabinet. EY Champions Trophy and Jacqui Potter Cup winners in 2022-23 have been strengthened by the arrival of internationals Hannah McLaughlin and Caoimhe Perdue from UCD and UCC respectively. They have also only lost one player from last season’s squad. Therefore, they are in poll position to challenge for the EYHL title again this season and perhaps go one better. A tricky opening day fixture away to Pegasus at Queen’s University in Belfast though will need to be negotiated adeptly to get that campaign off to a successful start.

 

MONKSTOWN 

LAST SEASON: 8th  

Monkstown came 8th in last season’s League campaign but winning the Irish Senior Cup made it a better debut season following their promotion at the end of the 2021-22 season that may have been anticipated. The loss of many experienced players who had helped them secure that promotion and their replacement by in house youth, made the achievement of staying up and adding a trophy even more remarkable. The younger players are a year older and wiser will be led on the field by veteran international player Chloe Watkins who returned to the national panel a few weeks ago. They begin their season with a battle against recently promoted Ulster Elks in Jordanstown who have added some experienced performers to the squad which secured promotion last season. It will be a tough test for the Irish Senior Cup holders.

 

OLD ALEXANDRA

LAST SEASON: 3rd

Despite having what looked like the strongest squad this time last year on paper, they were unable to sustain their title challenge beyond the end of March. They did reach the Champions Trophy play offs ultimately coming up short and not making the final. There have been some significant changes to the squad during the close season with two retirements and a transfer to Catholic Institute being the headline ones.

 

PEGASUS 

LAST SEASON: 6th

Pegasus had a core group of experienced players last season, guiding a larger group of younger players. With a similar dynamic in their squad this season, their younger players will be one year older wiser and most likely better. At least three of the five teams that finished above Pegasus last season could be described as in transition. And if that proves to be the case on the field then perhaps a top five finish for Pegasus may well be a realistic target.

 

PEMBROKE WANDERERS

LAST SEASON: 5th

League winners in 2021-22, they had a relatively disappointing season in 2022-23 even though they had a crucial role in deciding who would win their title by beating Loreto on the final day of the campaign. They had a strong squad and while they lost some experienced individuals in the 2022 close season, in Gillian Pinder and Aisling Naughton to name but two, they probably would feel that 5th place was not a fair reflection of the talent at their disposal. This season veteran defender Leah Maguire has moved back to the North, from where she came and will be an Ulster Elk in 2023-24.  A serial winner whose experience will be missed it remains to be seen whether this will be a season of transition for Pembroke or whether they will return to being contenders like they had been not so long ago. A trip to defending champions UCD should prove a trickier opener than this time last year when they beat Belfast Harlequins 6-1.

 

RAILWAY UNION 

LAST SEASON: 7th 

The arrival of Michelle and Niamh Carey back from UCD should provide extra goal scoring power to a Railway Union side which disappointingly missed out on a Champions Trophy playoff spot last season by a very narrow margin. They hook up with other former students in Kate Lloyd, Katie Mullen, Orla and Sarah Patton and going even further back Holly Jenkinson. There should be a great blend of youth and experience at Park Avenue in 2023-24 and realistically Railers ought to be a top 6 side this season at the very least.

 

ULSTER ELKS

LAST SEASON:  EYHL 2 RUNNER-UP (ULSTER PREMIER DIVISION WINNERS)  

Ulster Elks won their Ulster Premier Division title last season with a 100% record and only lost two competitive matches an Irish Senior Cup tie and the EYHL 2 final. The addition of Leah Maguire the former UCD and Pembroke Wanderer defender will make them even more difficult to score against and that should provide them with the platform necessary to secure their place in the EYHL Division 1 again next season.

 

UCD

LAST SEASON: EYHL DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS  

The students won their first EYHL Women’s Division 1 title in 5 years last season by securing the title on the final day of the season after Loreto lost away to Pembroke Wanderers. But there have been a few changes as some of the players that secured that title have graduated and moved back to their original clubs. The loss of Ireland internationals Michelle and Niamh Carey (both to Railway Union) and Hannah McLoughlin (to Loreto) will be keenly felt even though, the UCD scholarship programme has been very successful at attracting some of the best young talent back into the club to replace their experience, it may take some time for the newbies to settle in so retention of their title might be a big ask. The three departees were three of the top four goalscorers in the club last season.  A good Senior Cup run and a tilt at the Champions Trophy might be more realistic targets for 2023-24. Mikalyla Power, newly arrived from Old Alexandra, will be hoping to score some of the goals lost by the departure of the big three mentioned earlier.

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EY Hockey League kicks off in style as Lisnagarvey take top spot

BANBRIDGE  5 (Jake Rowe, Louis Rowe, Josh Moffatt, Matthew McKee, Owen Magee) YMCA 1 (Fionn Marriott)

The first part of the Ulster double is the proof of the old adage you should not poke a bear. YMCA did not bear this in mind on their visit to EYHL, Irish Senior Cup and Champions Trophy holders Banbridge as they took an early lead through Fionn Marriott.  They managed to hold on to this lead until five minutes into quarter three when they conceded a penalty stroke. This was converted by Jake Rowe to put Banbridge level. Louis Rowe gave Banbridge the lead shortly after this and Bann led 2-1 at the end of quarter three.  Things remained tight until six minutes from the end when Josh Moffatt made it 3-1 to Banbridge. In an effort to get back on terms YM withdrew their goalkeeper in favour of another attacker and found themselves further behind when Matthew McKee scored a fourth. Owen Magee made the final score 5-1 just on the hooter.

 

MONKSTOWN 3 (Daniel O’Donovan, Lee Cole, David Vincent )  UCD 0

UCD were taught very early on in this game what it was like to be back in the EYHL Men’s Division 1. Daniel O’Donovan opened the scoring from a field goal in the 5th minute. Monkstown were awarded a penalty stroke in the 9th minute which Lee Cole converted. They led 2-0 at the end of the first quarter. David Vincent converted another open play goal for Monkstown in the 34th minute to leave Monkstown leading 3-0 at half -time. UCD were better in the second half being tighter in defence and carving out some opportunities during both quarters, but they singularly failed to convert any of these chances. They felt they should have been awarded a penalty stroke during quarter four, but the incident wasn’t even awarded a penalty corner. Frustration led to Alan Sothern being green carded 54th minute and Josh Filgas being yellow carded in the 57th minute. Both decisions were protested from the sideline to no avail.  A clean sheet for Monkstown and three points in the bag from their first outing. The students have Lisnagarvey as visitors next weekend. It doesn’t get any easier in this division.

 

THREE ROCK ROVERS 1 (James Walker) CORINTHIAN 1 (Peter Caruth)

Three Rock Rovers and newly promoted Corinthian shared the spoils in a feisty Marlay derby at Grange Road to start the new Men’s EY Hockey League season. In rain-soaked conditions, the reds started well, winning the first corner and drawing a strong stop from Ben Whelan before the hosts came into the contest. Mark Samuel used his pace to draw a brilliant first save of the day from new Corinthian arrival Duncan Fischer who had an excellent debut between the posts, closing out the first quarter 0-0. Rovers got into foul trouble in Q2, suffering three sin-binnings in quick succession to go down to eight players for a short spell and – when back to nine – Corinthian took the lead. It came from a corner which was switched left to Peter Caruth whose attempted power-slap snuck in through a couple of sticks. Back to 11, the hosts stepped up and were level from a corner, James Walker cleaning up after Ben Johnson’s initial shot was blocked – 1-1 on the half-time hooter. And they carried that momentum into the second half but could not make use of six corners in quick succession with Robbie Clarke’s excellent charging down the barrel a feature. Fischer also kept out a series of Rovers’ overload attacks as they clung on to parity. In the endgame, with a number of cards, the reds almost nicked it with Max Neill’s backhand shot fizzing centimetres wide. There were debuts for Three Rock teenagers Oscar Pasley and Sam Rothwell; Isaac Johnson also played his first game for the club following switch from Pembroke. Alex Flynn returned to Rovers from UCD. Missing for Three Rock were Jody Hosking ( through a suspension carried over from last season), Ali Haughton, James Kyriakides, Ryan Spencer, Ross Canning. 13 youth players in Three Rock’s  match day squad of 16. Corinthians gave debuts to Duncan Fischer and Daniel O’Daly. Joshua Greaney back at the club following studies in Loughborough University in England.

 

GLENANNE 3 (Jake Pillow, Gary Shaw, Richard Couse) ANNADALE 1 (David Lawless)

Jake Pillow, making his EYHL debut for Glenanne gave the Greens an early lead at St. Andrew’s and they also led 1-0 at the break. The game remained tight until the end of the third quarter and it was still 1-0 as the fourth quarter began. Gary Shaw increased Glenanne’s lead to make it 2-0. Annadale, in trying to get a goal on the scoreboard withdrew their keeper in favour of another attacker. They won a penalty corner which was converted by David Lawless to make it 2-1. Richard Couse popped up with a final goal for Glenanne to leave the final score 3-1.

 

LISNAGARVEY  7  ( Ben Nelson, Daniel Nelson, James Lorimar, James Corry, Andy Williamson, Oliver Kidd x 2) INSTONIANS 1  (Tommy Orr)

And if you hadn’t learned already from previous information, not to poke the bear, here’s more proof of the pudding. In the Ulster derby at Comber Road, visitors Instonians had the temerity to take the lead against Lisnagarvey through Tommy Orr. Lisnagarvey through Daniel Nelson and Andy Williamson managed to regain control of the game and led 2-1 at half-time. Further goals after the break from Ben Nelson, James Lorimar, James Corry and a brace from Oliver Kidd were enough to secure all three points for Garvey and top spot in the table on goal difference by virtue of their 7-1 win over Instonians.

 

All results from today’s fixture on the Hockey Ireland website, here: https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/results/

 

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Excitement Building Ahead of Saturday’s EYHL 2023-24 Season Start

The EY Hockey League Men’s Division 1 commences for 2023-24 this coming Saturday Sept 16 with a full program of 5 matches.

10 teams will play each other home and away over 18 rounds to decide the League title. In addition, the top 6 will contest the end of season EY Champions Trophy, which will also decide which Club represents Ireland at European Club level hockey.

Banbridge had a clean sweep last season, winning both the League title and Champions Trophy as well as adding the Irish Senior Cup title to their extraordinary treble. Lisnagarvey came 2nd in the League and also were the beaten finalists in the Irish Senior Cup. YMCA secured 3rd place on goal difference from Three Rock Rovers in 4th. Glenanne, having begun the season strongly, ended up 5th. Monkstown and Annadale filled 6th and 7th place respectively.  Instonians were in the bottom three most of the season but survived by finishing seven points clear of the bottom two in 8th place.

The two new clubs in this season’s EYHL Men’s Division 1, UCD and Corinthians were newly promoted at the end of last season replacing Cookstown and Pembroke Wanderers who by finishing in the bottom two places last season suffered automatic relegation to the Ulster Premier Division and Leinster Division 1A respectively.

 

Fixtures: Saturday 16th September:

  • Monkstown v UCD, Rathdown, 13:00
  • Three Rock Rovers v Corinthian, Grange Road, 13:00
  • Banbridge v YMCA, Havelock Park, 14:45
  • Lisnagarvey v Instonians, Comber Road, 15:00
  • Glenanne v Annadale, St. Andrew’s, 15:00

 

EYHL 2023-24 Club Overviews:

THREE ROCK ROVERS

LAST SEASON: 4TH

Three Rock Rovers begin the new season with a young squad who will be hoping to improve on last season’s fourth place finish in the EY Hockey League. New coach Ashlin Freddy, replaces his fellow countryman South African Elun Hack, after a spell working with his homeland at the Tokyo Olympics and the winning FIH Nations Cup side last December. Irish Under 21 International Evan Jennings returns after a year away on an Erasmus, former Wales International James Kyriakides returns after a season with Waterford, and younger players Oscare Pasley, goalkeeper James Coffey, Zach Silverman and Sam Rothwell step up from the Underage section. They will hook up with veteran Ali Haughton and recently capped senior Internationals Ben Johnson who was joined in the Irish shirt by clubmates Mark Samuel and Ali Empey both of whom made their senior debuts this summer. Three Rock will be hoping to finish higher than fourth this season but secure a Champions Trophy berth nevertheless.

 

CORINTHIANS

LAST SEASON: WON EYHL 2 (1ST IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1A)

Corinthians, gained promotion from Leinster Division 1 and EYHL 2 last season, making it a promotion double alongside their senior women’s team who did likewise, after winning both divisions whilst being unbeaten. They have gained a few new players, be it in the form of returnees from studies/work, players who are moving to Dublin as well as some Leinster movement. The squad has great continuity as well as a nice age balance with youth players making the step up, a core group between ages 23-28, with some older heads adding the experience and know how. The aim is to maintain top flight status but also continue to build on the massive strides made as a group over the last few years. Goalscoring has been a strength in the past and they will continue to look to create chances with their speed and linkups, but will also need to focus on being more defensively tight than their previous EY1 campaign in order to stay up and progress.

MONKSTOWN

LAST SEASON: 6TH

Monkstown came a disappointing 6th in last season’s League campaign and a glut of injuries midway through the campaign came back to haunt them at the end of the season. The number of defeats in the run up to Christmas as a result of missing those players is something that hampered them last season. This year they will be looking to improve on 6th place and be challenging for honours. Irish internationals Lee Cole and Jeremy Duncan are among the key performers for the Rathdown based side this season.  They begin their season with a battle against fellow Sky Blues UCD at Rathdown School and there has been a number of performers over the years who have played for both clubs and this season will be no different in that regard.

 

UCD

LAST SEASON: EYHL 2 RUNNERS-UP (3RD IN LEINSTER DIVISION 1A)

The students returned to the topflight despite a disappointing first half of the season, back on the same level as their Women’s team in the topflight of the EYHL. Unbeaten in the Leinster Division 1A after Christmas they carried this form into their EYHL 2 campaign and reached the final thus securing their place in the topflight for the current season. Defeat to Corinthians in that decider meant it was runners up medals for the squad who will be competing in the top Division for the first time since 2021-22 after only one season in Leinster Division 1A.  All promoted sides need to pick up their first win early into the campaign to avoid being basement battlers all season long. This time around the target, for UCD,  will be to retain their position in the topflight this season and build on the track record they had under a former coach Michael Styles when they were last in the EYHL Division reaching their first Senior Cup Final in 2020. Key players include Irish international Kevin O’Dea .

 

BANBRIDGE

LAST SEASON: 1ST IN EYHL, EY CHAMPIONS TROPHY and IRISH SENIOR CUP WINNERS

Banbridge had a season of the ages last year winning the EYHL title and adding the Irish Senior Cup to make a double. They also added the Champions Trophy ensuring EHL qualification as well. Eugene Magee, former international retired at the end of last season at the ripe old age of 37 and he will be a big loss. However, Banbridge have a knack of developing talent and have a production line coming from Banbridge Academy and their own structures churning out fine young players on a consistent basis and it won’t be much of a surprise to see them having yet another successful campaign. Experienced midfielder Philip Brown who missed the latter half of 2022-23 through injury should be available to begin the campaign which may well be his final one as a player.

 

YMCA

LAST SEASON: 3RD

YMCA had an outstanding season finishing in 3rd place last season.  They pipped Three Rock Rovers to that position on goal difference beating Instonians 7-2 on the final day of the season to secure it on goal difference.  They did finish 6 points behind second placed Lisnagarvey and 10 points behind League Champions Banbridge and they will be looking to narrow that gap if not close it altogether and try to bring a League title back to Wesley College at season’s end. Former coach Jason Klinkradt has moved on so a change in direction at this stage, under the new coach, could go one of two ways.

 

LISNAGARVEY

LAST SEASON: 2ND

Lisnagarvey were second in the League last season having led it for several weeks. They lost to Banbridge during the Champions Trophy campaign so they must be eager to get back to winning ways this season having dominated the League in previous seasons. Garvey should be among the favourites to potentially steal Banbridge’s crown, but it should be a very competitive Division this year all round. Like Bann, Garvey only lost 1 League game last season, but 6 draws in an 18-game program is what did the damage to the Comber Road outfit’s championship aspirations. Turning those draws into wins this time around could be the key to winning the title.

 

INSTONIANS

LAST SEASON: 8TH

Instonians escaped the drop last season and will be looking to consolidate a bit further up the table during 2023-24 season. They begin their campaign with a very difficult away trip to Comber Road to take on a Lisnagarvey side who were runners-up in both League and Cup to double winning, near neighbours, Banbridge. Although Instonians finished 7 points clear of relegation in the end, it was touch and go for several weeks for the club. Their target must be to avoid the bottom 3 to 4 spaces in the table this season. They will need to improve defensively as they conceded 66 goals last season, almost twice as many as 7th placed Annadale.

 

GLENANNE

LAST SEASON: 5TH

Glenanne had been in contention for the title most of the season but ended their league campaign 12 points behind eventual winners Banbridge in 5th place. This would have been seen as a disappointing end to the season. Goals scored won’t be a problem for them this season as Glenanne were the second highest scorers in the Division last season, but they  conceded over two per game and will need to be a bit tighter at the back to be real title contenders in 2023-2024.

 

ANNADALE

LAST SEASON: 7TH

Annadale had a very mixed season. At one point they seemed to be knocking on the door for a top 5 finish but fell away. This year they will be looking to improve on a 7th place finish which saw them finish 13 points clear of Instonians but only one league position above them. With Irish international Tim Cross hopefully returned to fitness, after an injury that kept him out of the international squad during the summer, they should do better this season.

 

 

Other Hockey fixtures this weekend:

 

Inter Provincial Series, Sunday 17th September

 

  • U16 Boys

Munster v Leinster, UCC, 12:00

 

  • U18 Boys

Munster v Leinster, UCC, 14:00

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Hockey Ireland announces EY Hockey League Division 1 fixture list for Season 2023-24

The EYHL sees ten men’s and ten women’s teams from around the island of Ireland come together to compete. Matches are scheduled to take to the pitch for the first round of the Men’s EYHL this weekend on Saturday 16th September, with the first round of the Women’s EYHL the following weekend on Saturday 23rd September. EY Hockey League Division 2 (EYHL2) returns to action in January 20th, 2024.

Covering all four provinces, the all-island EYHL will see twenty of Ireland’s top male and female clubs battle it out to become league champions over 20 weeks of exciting, fast-paced hockey. The top six in each competition advance to the EY Champions Trophy at the end of 18 rounds, with the ultimate champion for the season being determined at an end of season festival, showcasing the men’s and women’s grand finals on an equal basis.
EY Ireland will continue as official sponsor of the Irish Hockey League, Ireland’s highest performing hockey competition on the island of Ireland having extended their title partnership for a further three years in September 2022.

The 2023-24 season launch also sees the introduction of a new league logo. The new logo design supports the updated league visual identity introduced earlier in 2023, and is designed to capture the contemporary and dynamic characteristics of the league as well as support an increase in the distribution of online content. The new logo foreshadows an ambitious programme of development planned for the league by Hockey Ireland and its title partner, EY.

EY Ireland has been the primary sponsor of the Irish Hockey League since 2016 with the formation of the EY Hockey League and its subsequent expansion to feature a second tier in 2019. The competition has since become universally known as the EYHL, a measure of the intrinsic link between sponsor and competition and provides an elite hockey competition on an equal basis to male and female players.

Frank O’Keefe, EY Ireland Managing Partner:

“We are very excited for the 2023/2024 season of the EY Hockey League. Our ongoing partnership with Hockey Ireland is a source of great pride for us all at EY. Hockey exemplifies strong team building and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality – values that are central to everything we do at EY. We look forward to seeing these fantastic athletes in action over the course of the season. On behalf of EY Ireland I would like to wish all the participating teams the very best of luck.”

Anne McCormack, CEO of Hockey Ireland:

“Our ambition for the development and ongoing improvement of our top domestic Hockey league continues as we kick off the new 2023-24 EYHL season. The introduction of a new logo is just one example of how we constantly look to strengthen the league both on and off the pitch. Our partnership with EY Ireland is invaluable to raising the game, assisting with the organisation and promotion of the EY Hockey League, its high quality of matches, and ensuring clubs across the island are able to compete at the highest levels. We are really looking forward to some top-class matches taking place over the coming season as we embark upon what promises to be a highly competitive season.”

 

Links to all EYHL 2023-24 season fixtures here: https://irelandhockey.sportlomo.com/eyhl-2/upcomingfixtures

 

 

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Ireland top Pool C and progress to Olympic Qualifiers 

IRL – 1   ITA – 1  Match Report

Ireland will be in the Qualification groups for the 2024 Olympics next January in either China or Spain following a 1-1 draw with Italy in their final game at the EuroHockey Championships this morning. Group rivals Spain had played Scotland on Friday and surprisingly lost 2-1.

This meant that if Italy won today’s game with Ireland all four teams in Pool C would have finished on four points. The goal difference advantage meant that as long as it was a victory of two goals or less Ireland would still win Pool C and secure 5th place in the tournament.

That in turn would achieve the two basic goals for Ireland from these games: One, secure Ireland a spot in the Olympic Qualification groups taking place in January 2024, and two, keep Ireland at the elite level with a place in the EuroHockey Championships in 2025.

Both sides showed endeavour and maintained their discipline in a scoreless first quarter. The second quarter was also uneventful. It only featured a single penalty corner, and that was for the Italians.

The half time score was 0-0.

Things got interesting in the third quarter as Italy went 1-0 up when Sofia Laurito converted a penalty corner. As outlined earlier, a 1-0 defeat would not have been a disaster as Ireland would still have won Pool C on goal difference and 5th place would have been secured.

However, the Ireland team in 2023 are a different group and have a resilience that was missing in previous years. Trailing 1-0 at the end of quarter three, Ireland began the fourth and final quarter strongly and Naomi Carroll scored from open play in the 48th minute to make the score 1-1.

What was also remarkable about this game was that both sides were disciplined throughout, and the umpires were not tempted to issue any cards to either side.

The game ended 1-1, Ireland secured a point, winning Pool C. In addition, securing 5th place means that spot in the Olympic Qualification groups in January 2024 and a spot in the elite tier of European Hockey in 2025.

 

IRELAND: Ayeisha McFerran (GK), Sarah McAuley, Roisín Upton, Niamh Carey, Sarah Hawkshaw, Katie Mullan (C), Elena Neill, Charlotte Beggs, Caitlin Sherin, Katie Mc Kee, Deirdre Duke

SUBS: Michelle Carey, Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah Torrans, Naomi Carroll, Ellen Curran, Caoimhe Perdue

 

ITALY: Lucia Ines Caruso (GK), Emilia Munitis, Dalila Mirabella, Federica Carta (C), Sara Puglisi, Mercedes Pastor, Sofia Laurito, Lara Oviedo, Ivanna Pessina, Camila Machin

SUBS: Teresa Vittoria Dalla, Ailin Oviedo, Elettra Bormida, Antonella Rinaldi, Candela Caruso, Chiara Di Bella

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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

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EYHL Champions Trophy Semi Finals Match Reports

EYHL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL

UCD – 3 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE – 0

Recently crowned EYHL Women’s Division champions UCD took on defending Irish Senior Cup holders and Finalists in 2023 Catholic Institute in the opening semi-final of the EYHL Women’s Champions Trophy at Havelock Park on Saturday.

In the first quarter chances were few and far between. Pamela Smithwick denied Lucy Crowe for UCD after a penalty corner and Rebecca Barry and Roisin O’Shea had shots that were narrowly off target in an otherwise uneventful opening quarter.
Catholic Institute had a penalty corner early in the second quarter which they failed to convert and the whole momentum seemed to shift completely to their opponents UCD who went 1-0 ahead in the 24th minute Katie-Jane Marshall converting a penalty corner. They increased their lead in the 32nd minute remaining in the first half when Sarah McAuley hit the backboards to make it 2-0 at the break.

Catholic Institute were more in the game during the third quarter enjoying periods of possession but their efforts from penalty corners successfully repelled by a UCD defence backstopped by goalkeeper Nora McGinty and directed by Katie Jane Marshall and Sarah McAuley. Even when temporarily reduced to 10 players when Grace Keane was yellow carded for 5 minutes , in the 50th minute, Insta could find no way through.

In the 66th minute following the breakdown of a Catholic Institute attack, UCD launched a swift counter-attack which culminated in Niamh Carey scoring from open play to secure a 3-0 win for UCD and place in tomorrow’s final.

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

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Pamela Smithwick-Hearne; Christine O’Shea , Roisín Upton [capt.], Roisín Begley, Aoife Hickey; Naomi Carroll , Leah Clery, aura Foley , Cliona Moloney , Clodagh Moloney , EImear Ryan , Michelle Barrett,, Anna Horan, Elizabeth Ryan, Rebecca Barry , Aoibheann Collins , Miriam O’Callaghan

LORETO – 3 OLD ALEXANDRA – 2

Loreto who won their way directly into the EY Champions Trophy semi-final by finishing second in the EYHL Women’s Division took on 3rd placed Old Alexandra in the second semi-final on Saturday. Old Alexandra secured their semi-final berth by defeating Pegasus 2-1 in last weekend’s quarter-final .

In a busy opening period Old Alexandra took the lead in the 6th minute through an Abbie Russell goal from open play. Loreto wasted no time getting back on level terms converting a penalty corner in the 10th minute through Nicola Torrans to make it 1-1. Old Alex took the lead with a
second goal of the game for Abbie Russell in the 17th minute and Loreto then equalised for the second time through Christina Hamill to leave the half-time score 2-2.

Síofra O’Brien scored in the 63rd minute to give Loreto the lead for the first time in the match Near the end Old Alex withdrew their goalkeeper in favour of another out field player in what ultimately proved an unsuccessful attempt to get back on terms it finished Loreto 3 Old Alexandra 2.

Loreto advance to meet UCD in tomorrow’s EYHL Women’s Champions Trophy Final.

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

OLD ALEXANDRA: Holly Micklem, Emilie Ryan Doyle, Lena Tice, Jessica McGirr, Lindsay Power, Robyn Hetherington, Isabella Dunlop , Anna McCarthy, Abbie Russell , Deirdre Duke [C), Nicola Evans; Amy Giblin, Mykaela Power, Vanessa Winn, Allie Hetherington

EYHL MEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL

BANBRIDGE – 4 GLENANNE – 3

Recently crowned EYHL Men’s Division champions took on Irish Senior Cup finalists Glenanne in a dress rehearsal for next week’s Blue Riband game at Havelock Park on Saturday afternoon. Going into this game both games could potentially have won an EYHL Champions Trophy and Irish Senior Cup double adding even more to the prize potential of EHL qualification from this particular match.

Banbridge took an early lead through Johnny McKee who finished off some good approach work on 5 minutes. Peter Brown added a second on 14 minutes and Louis Rowe made it 3-0 to Banbridge in the 18th minute. Glenanne began their comeback through Shane O’Donoghoe in the 24th minute to make it 3-1 and it remained that score at half-time.

The third quarter was largely scoreless and the next goal for Banbridge didn’t arrive till the 60th minute when Jake Rowe put them 4-1 up. Glenanne responded through two Jonathan McCormack goals in the 64th and 70th minutes were not enough however.

The game ended Banbridge 4 Glenanne 3. Banbridge qualify for the Men’s EYHL Champions Trophy final tomorrow and strike a blow ahead of next week’s Irish Senior Cup Final… against Glenanne.

BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston; Alexander Tierney [capt.] , 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

GLENANNE: David Lawless, Neil Byrne, Jonathan McCormack, Richard Couse, Jason Rogan, Brad Venter [C], Shane O’Donoghoe, Theo Boitel, Kevin Venter, Gary Shaw, Sam O’Connor, Shannon Boucher, Richard Shaw, Gavin Gibney

LISNAGARVEY – 2 MONKSTOWN – 1

Recently dethroned EYHL Men’s champions from the past few seasons Lisnagarvey who secured their place in the Champions Trophy semi-final via their second place finish in the EYHL Men’s Division for 2022-23 were up against a Monkstown side who qualified for the quarter-finals by squeezing into sixth place in the table the final spot in the knockout stages.

With two of the best goalkeepers in the EYHL between the posts in the shape of James Milliken (Lisnagarvey) and David Fitzgerald (Monkstown) this was hardly going to be the goalfest we had witnessed earlier in the afternoon.

Garvey took the lead through Andrew Edgar with a goal from open play on 11 minutes. Monkstown lost Karl Lynch with a green card two minutes later but Lisnagarvey’s temporary man advantage was nullified a minute later when Matthew Aughey was also green carded on 15 minutes. Both sides had been restored to full strength by the 17th minute but Garvey were back down to 10 players when Jonathan Lynch was green carded in the 26th minute giving Monkstown a temporary man advantage.

It remained 1-0 at the break.

There was no scoring in the third quarter in a closely fought encounter and the scoring resumed in a hectic closing period of the final quarter. Oliver Kidd put Lisnagarvey 2-0 up in the 68th minute from open play and Monkstown got what ultimately proved to be a consolation goal when Keith Kenning converted a penalty corner in the final minute.

It finished Lisnagarvey 2 Monkstown 1 and the top two teams in the country as well as being local rivals in Ulster will play off tomorrow for the right to represent Ireland in next season’s EHL.

LISNAGARVEY: James Milliken ; Jonathan Bell , Jonathan Lynch, Mark Mc Nelis, James Corry [capt.]

Peter McKibbin , Andrew Williamson, Daniel Nelson , Harry Morris, Andrew Edgar , Oliver Kidd , James Lorimar, Matthew Aughney, Daniel Murray

MONKSTOWN: David Fitzgerald, Nick Dee, David Carson, David Cole, Stephen Cole, Geoff Cole [capt.] , Karl Lynch, Keith Kenning, Sam Hohn, Theodore Kohlmann, Lee Cole , Jake Beirne Alex Murphy, Mark Gibbons, Ruan Omoore

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Curtain Raiser for Weekend

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINALS

UCD V CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

And then there were four. The first semi-final pushes back at 10:30 Saturday morning and sees the EYHL Women’s Champions Trophy semi-finals the first of which involves UCD and Catholic Institute.

Recently crowned EYHL Champions for 2022/23 UCD take on a Catholic Institute side who finished in fourth place but are the holders of the Irish Senior Cup and will be back in the final next week attempting to defend their trophy.

If Catholic Institute win today and again in the final tomorrow, they could pull off an EHL qualification and Irish Senior Cup double by retaining their trophy next weekend into the bargain.

Catholic Institute defeated last year’s EY Champions Trophy winners, Pembroke Wanderers 1-0 in last weekend’s quarter-final to avenge that defeat somewhat.

For UCD who were in this exact same position five years ago having won the League, the lesson from history is that they need to be at their best to reach the final of this competition as they fell at the semi-final hurdle of the
EYHL Champions trophy back in 2018, on that occasion to Loreto.

LORETO V OLD ALEXANDRA

The second semi-final pushes back at 12:30.
Loreto, who beat UCD in the semi-final back in 2018, went on to win the trophy on that occasion and represent Ireland in the following year’s EHL.

A repeat of that achievement, is what they will be seeking on this occasion. Old Alexandra will have other ideas, no doubt.

This is a rivalry between two clubs that begins at school level. Loreto, based in Beaufort, regularly come up against Alexandra College in schools Cup competitions.

They have a rivalry at adult level where their school alumni come up against each other, at provincial and national level in League, Senior Cups and also in this competition.

Loreto, who were beaten to the title on the final day of the season, took some solace from having reached the semi-final by finishing second.

In order to derive that consolation though, Loreto need to win this tie and reach the final at the very least. Old Alexandra defeated Pegasus by 2-1 in their quarter-final last weekend having reached that stage finishing 3rd in the EYHL title race.

The fact that in this competition the League’s top four teams all made it through to the semi-finals adds further spice to the proceedings. The women’s final will be decided by the winners of the two semi-finals on Sunday afternoon.

MEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINALS

BANBRIDGE V GLENANNE

The first semi-final in the Men’s Champions Trophy will push back at 3:00 Saturday afternoon . You could not ask for a better semi-final pairing than an Irish Senior Cup Final dress rehearsal .

This is what we have with the recently crowned EYHL Champions for 2022/23 Banbridge taking on 5th placed Glenanne. Glenanne who defeated fourth placed Three Rock Rovers in their quarter-final at Grange Road won 7-3
and have been scoring goals for fun.

Banbridge had the second tightest defence in the EYHL this past season and their victory in the title race , secured their spot in this semi-final which is the first of two Men’s Semi-finals matches to be played this afternoon.

Both Glenanne and Banbridge going into this game have the potential to win a Senior Cup and Champions Trophy double. There are two other teams in the second semi-final who will be seeking to prevent that outcome.

It should prove to be a thrilling closely fought encounter and should neither side be separated after the full four quarters, it will go to a shoot-out.

LISNAGARVEY V MONKSTOWN

There are two disappointed sides relatively speaking in this half of the semi-final draw. Lisnagarvey had led the EYHL Championship title race, alternatively with Banbridge for most of the 2022/23 season but stumbled about a month from the end of the League dropping 4 points out of a possible 6 in a double round of fixtures weekend in February that saw them draw with Instonians and lose a vital game to Banbridge.

Garvey, like Loreto in the women’s competition, at least qualified for the semi-final directly by finishing in second place. Lisnagarvey had been champions since 2019 and surrendered their trophy disappointingly this season. A victory in the Champions Trophy would secure a return to the EHL and ease the disappointment. Monkstown who had a relatively disappointing League campaign finishing sixth did capitalize on their quarter-final berth by winning in a shoot-out last week in their quarter final against YMCA after normal time ended in a 3-3 draw.

They have designs of the EHL spot of their own and will be a very difficult opponent for Lisnagarvey to overcome. Although Lisnagarvey finished 12 League points ahead of their rivals it will all come down to how both sides do on the day.

The Men’s final will be decided between the winners of the two semi-finals on Sunday afternoon .

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CORINTHIANS DO THE DOUBLE DOUBLE

EYHL2 WOMEN’S FINAL 

ULSTER ELKS 0  CORINTHIANS 0  (2-3 IN  SHOOT OUT ) 

Corinthians added the EYHL2 winners trophy to their Leinster Women’s Division 1 trophy already secured this season by beating Ulster Elks in today’s EYHL2 Final . But they did it the difficult way going all the way to a shootout before being able to claim victory.  

In a closely fought opening quarter neither side could score . But not even an Alex Speers green card reducing Elks to 10 players could give Corinthians the opening they needed to take the lead. A second scoreless quarter followed and again despite being reduced to 10 by a green card this time to Bethany Scott , Corinthians were still unable to breakdown a resolute Ulster Elks defence.  The third quarter was equally close and even yellow cards for Alex Speers of Elks and Jessica McGrane for Corinthians could not create additional openings for either side in what proved to be a scoreless second half and so it went to a  shoot out. Ulster Elks converted two of their allocation and Corinthians converted three of theirs  to secure the title. The consolation prize for Elks is that they too will be playing in the elite division of the EYHL in season 2023-24 

 

ELKS: Gemma  Ferguson; Katie Craig , Bethany  Harper [c], Chloe Mitchell , Lucy McKimm , Bethany Scott , Lucy Craig Shannon Atkinson , Zahra Lowry, Charlotte Beggs, Kirsty   McLarnon, Sarah Jane Jamieson, Serena Barr , Alex Speers , Gabriella Scott , Sarah Preston  

CORINTHIANS :Bernie Van Wyk; Amber Kinlan [c], Emily McKay , Georgina Fottrell , Laura Motyer , Sophie Maleady ,Lauren McGrane, Ava Maleady , Jodie Douglas, Jessica Mc Grane , Isabella Maleady, Camila Arbuto, Leanne Kelly , Anna-sophia Moller ,Lynne Pomeroy ,Jenny Clarke:  

 

EYHL2 MEN’S FINAL 

 

UCD 1 CORINTHIANS 2  

Corinthians added the EYHL 2 winners trophy to their Leinster Men’s Division 1 A torphy already secured this season by beating rivals UCD in today’s EYHL 2 final. Given the women’s team had already done the Provincial/National Double this constituted a double double for the club on this historic occasion.  After a scoreless opening quarter Corinthians took the lead in the 27th minute with Sam Maxwell scoring from open play.  The lead didn’t last long as a penalty corner converted by Sam Byrne had UCD level again at 1-1.  And so it remained till half time. The third and fourth quarter were tight and very closely fought and just as the fourth quarter was nearing it’s end the decisive goal came . Chad Futcher converted a penalty corner two minutes from time to secure the title for Corinthians men and as alluded to earlier the double double for the club.  UCD, like Ulster Elks , also have the consolation of EYHL elite division hockey to look forward to in 2023-24.  

It finished UCD 1 Corinthians 2 

 

UCD: Matthew O’Brien-Honohan ; Cal Hewat , Ethan Flynn , Richard Williams, Kevin O’Dea, Timothy Cope, Bryan Smyth , Josh Filgas, Mark Smyth , Jay Menelaou, Sam Byrne [c], Simon Young, Mark Collins, Ross Clarke

CORINTHIANS: Simon Thornton;  Sam Maxwell , Andrew Sutton, Maximus Neill , Callum Adair , David Howard [c], Ben Murphy, Ian Stewart, Max Wright , Matthew McCabe, Chad Futcher, Neil Young, Max Caulwell , Charlie Beatty , Kristoffer Watt  

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