Episode 9 of Hockey Mondays with Declan Hughes
U16 and U18 Boys Interprovincial Finals.
ULSTER U16 – 1
LEINSTER U16 -4
The two sides seemed evenly matched in the early stages and produced a tight and cagey first quarter and there were no goals.
Leinster went ahead with a first goal by their captain Alfie Le Quesne, who converted a penalty corner in the nineteenth minute.
Leinster were 1-0 up. But Ulster got on the scoresheet just before half time their captain Edward Irwin scoring from a penalty corner in the twenty seventh minute.
Leinster added to their tally in the fiftieth minute through Robert O’Brien whose goal from open play gave Leinster a restored lead of 2-1.
Leinster increased their lead when Captain Alfie LeQuesne got his second of the match from a penalty corner to put them 3-1 against Ulster in the fifty sixth minute.
Leinster put the game to bed in the final quarter when David Rankin scored from open play in the sixty fifth minute and made it 4-1. Despite the scoreline Ulster’s goalkeeper, Benjamin Patterson was outstanding for the Ulster side between the posts. Leinster are the 2023 Interprovincial U16 Boys champions.
LEINSTER U16: Dylan Evans GK, Alfie Le Quesne (capt.), Noa Mulvey, Toby Slye-O’Connell, David Rankin, Jake Fulton, Johnny Woods, Oliver Graham, Robert O’Brien, Louis Rothwell, Conor Fox SUBS USED: Milo Dagg (5 mins), Lee Mc Mullen (6 mins), Luc Mc Kiernan (6 mins), Riagan Dunne (7 mins), Simon Montgomery (7 mins)
ULSTER U16: Benjamin Patterson (GK), Edward Irwin (Capt.), Toby Lyons, Seb Holly, Harry Thompson, Ethan Redford, Isaac Kelso, Finn Thompson, Robbie McAreavey, Charlie Taylor, James Barbour SUBS USED: Matthew Lunn (11 mins), Daniel McKee ( 13 mins), Matt Barrett (15 mins), Riley Marney (18 mins), Jack Mayne (22 mins), Charlie Costello (36 mins)
ULSTER U18 – 3
LEINSTER U18 – 2
The final game in the Under 18 Boys interprovincial took place at Havelock Park, Banbridge when Ulster took on Leinster on Sunday afternoon.
Captain Tom Archbold led by example and scored the first goal of the game from open play on twenty three minutes. Leinster responded through a field goal from Kevin McKeown in the thirty seventh minute to level it at 1-1. Ulster restored their lead in the fiftieth minute with converted penalty corner from Ben Law 2-1.
Jack Geraghty got the Leinster men back on level terms with a converted penalty corner in the sixty-fifth minute. Ulster won the Under 18’s Interprovincial championship when Matthew McAreavey scored from open play to leave the final score Ulster 3 Leinster 2.
ULSTER U18: Denver Goldbey (GK), Adam Duffield, Michael Hollway, Harvey Begg, Max Nicholson, George Palmer, Milo Thompson, Lukas Moles, Matthew Mc Areavey, Tom Archbold (capt.) SUBS USED: James McCoy (GK) 36 mins, Sean McMillan (12 mins), Ben Law (10 mins), Ethan Clothworthy (10 mins), Robbie Brown (8 mins), JJ Holley (8 mins)
LEINSTER U18: James Coffey(GK), Harry St. Leger, Oscar Pasley, Peter Montgomery, Zach Silverman, Kevin McKeown, Liam Walsh, Scott Kenny, Jack Geraghty, Jack Watchorn, Max Caulwell SUBS USED: Oskar Nielsen (GK) (36 mins), Niall Ryan Doyle (4 mins), Hugo Faulkner (6 mins), Willam Knatchbull (6 mins), Liam RIchardson (10 mins), Jack Fairmaner (13 mins), Philip Cole (36 mins)
EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION
RAILWAY UNION 0
CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 1
Railway Union suffered their second League defeat of the season and their first at home on Sunday afternoon as they lost 0-1 to Catholic Institute in their Round 9 EYHL Women’s Division tie. In a close contest played in a great spirit, chances were not that forthcoming in the first quarter, which ended scoreless. The only goal of the game happened in the twenty third minute when Ireland international Naomi Carroll converted her penalty corner and it proved to be the only goal of the game. Railers could find no way past former international goalkeeper Pamela Smithwick-Hearne and it proved a frustrating afternoon for the home side. For the visitors a very important three points. With the remaining matches in this round taking place on Wednesday and Thursday it could take till the end of the week to realise the impact this win may have on the standings. For Catholic Institute, following their win on Saturday against Pegasus, six points out of a possible six is a great return from these back to back games. Final score Railway Union 0 Catholic Institute 1 .
RAILWAY UNION: Emma Buckley, Orla Patton, Sarah Patton, Niamh Carey, Katie Fearon, Michelle Carey, Lisa McCarthy, Aebhfinn Burke, Emma Smyth (C), Niamh Shaw, Saoirse Griffin SUBS USED: Holly Jenkinson (5 mins), Orla Fox (7 mins), Jenny Long (7 mins), Kate Lloyd (8 mins), Ailish Long (8 mins),
CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Pamela Smithwick-Hearne, Roisin Begley, Aoife Hickey, Naomi Carroll, Leah Clery, Ciara Moloney, Tory Moloney, Eimear Ryan(C), Michelle Barrett, Anna Horan, Emilie Ryan Doyle, Jennifer Clein, SUBS USED: Seodhna Dervan (4 mins), Aoibheann Collins (4 mins) , Laura Foley (4 mins), Sarah Fitzgerald, (6 mins).
EY HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN DIVISION 1 ROUND 10
THREE ROCK ROVERS 4 (R SPENCER 2 MINS, MATTEO ROMOLI 4 MINS, JAMES WALKER 16 MINS, EVAN JENNINGS 21 Mins)
UCD 1 (HARRY LYNCH 60 MIN)
BANBRIDGE 3 (JOHNNY MC KEE 18 MINS & 52 MINS, MATTHEW MC KEE 59 MINS)
CORINTHIAN 2 (IAN STEWART 40 MINS, CRAIG MACKEY 70 MINS )
GLENANNE 4 (SHANE O’DONOGHUE 46 & 50, SHANNON BOUCHER 51 MINS, THEO BOITEL 61 MINS)
INSTONIANS 0
LISNAGARVEY 2 (MATTHEW NELSON 53 MINS, JOHNNY LYNCH 60 MINS)
MONKSTOWN 1 ( STEPHEN COLE 20 MINS)
YMCA 4 (ADAM WALKER 6 & 70 MINS, ETHAN MC INERNEY 11 MINS, GRANT GLUTZ 68 MINS)
ANNADALE 3 ( PETER CORRIE 2 MINS, FERGUS GIBSON 15 MINS, OWEN MC ELHINNEY MINS)
THREE ROCK ROVERS 4
UCD 1
Three Rock Rovers were as fast out of the blocks in this game, as UCD were slow to get going. Ryan Spencer had the hosts a goal up from open play as early as the second minute. Matteo Romoli a former UCD player, made it 2-0 to Three Rock Rovers in the fourth minute. James Walker had a third on the scoresheet in the sixteenth minute and Rovers led 3-0 at the end of that quarter. Three Rock added a fourth through Evan Jennings in the twenty-first minute and led 4-0 at the half time break.They did have a fifth effort find the net during quarter three which was disallowed by the umpires. This seemed to spark UCD into action and following a flurry of penalty corners the Students got a consolation goal from Harry Lynch in the 60th minute to leave the final score Three Rock Rovers 4 UCD 1
THREE ROCK ROVERS: Shane O’Brien, Ben Pasley, Matteo Romoli, Alastair Haughton, Ben Johnson, Evan Jennings, Alastair Empey, James Walker, Ryan Spencer, Harry McMahon (c) SUBS USED Sam Rothwell (4 mins), Rex Dunlop (5 mins), Peter Lynch (6 mins), Zach Silverman (7 mins)
UCD: Matthew O’Brien-Holohan, Callum Hewat, Kevin O’Dea (c), Samuel Walker, Adam Luke Galbraith , Samuel Ryder, Josh Filgas, Harry Lynch, Josh Gill, Andrew Fox, Mark Collins SUBS USED: Conor Walsh (8 mins), Alan Sothern (9 mins), Alex Lynch (14 mins), Gavin Gleeson (16 mins), Ethan Flynn (18 mins)
BANBRIDGE 3
CORINTHIANS 2
Defending champions Banbridge beat Corinthians in this clash at Havelock Park. Johnny McKee opened the scoring for Banbridge in the eighteenth minute from open play. Banbridge led 1-0 at the half time break. Early in the second half the visitors were level, Ian Stewart converting a fortieth minute penalty corner. Johnny McKee got his second of the game in the fifty-second minute to restore the lead for Banbridge and Matthew McKee stretched their lead to 3-1 with another open play goal in the fifty ninth minute. Craig Mackey got what proved to be a consolation goal by scoring a penalty corner in the final minute to leave the score Banbridge 3 Corinthians 2.
GLENANNE 4
INSTONIANS 0
Fresh from their eight goal thriller on Tuesday night, Glenanne added another three points to their total with a comprehensive 4-0 win over bottom of the table Instonians. After a scoreless first half things began to change after the break. Instonians conceding two penalty strokes within five minutes. The first was converted by Shane O’Donoghoe in the forty-sixth minute and his second was converted in the fiftieth. Glens led 2-0 and a minute later Shannon Boucher made it 3-0 scoring from open play. Theo Boitel made it 4-0 with another goal from open play in the sixty-first minute. It finished Glenanne 4 Instonians 0.
LISNAGARVEY 2
MONKSTOWN 1
It ended up being a very bad day at the office for Monkstown with both their men and women’s first teams losing their respective matches. But it must have looked the polar opposite when Stephen Cole’s penalty corner on twenty minutes gave Monkstown the lead away at Lisnagarvey. Monkstown held on to this lead right up to the end of the third quarter. Matthew Nelson equalised in the fifty third minute from open play. The tide turned finally in Garvey’s favour in the sixtieth minute when Johnny Lynch converted a penalty corner to give Lisnagarvey a 2-1 lead. It proved to be lead they would never relinquish and the game ended on that score line. Three more points for Garvey.
YMCA 4
ANNADALE 3
A seven goal thriller at Wesley College where the lead changed hands repeatedly. Annadale took the lead through Peter Corrie in the second minute. YMCA responded through a converted penalty corner by Adam Walker in the sixth minute. Ethan Mc Inerney gave YM the lead in the eleventh minute from open play and Fergus Gibson equalised for Annadale with a converted penalty corner in the fifteenth minute. It was still 2-2 deep into quarter three when Annadale went in front again in the 46th minute through Owen McElhinney from open play. This was a lead that Annadale held onto until almost the end of the game. Grant Glutz equalised from a penalty corner in the sixty eighth minute. And just when it looked like Annadale had done enough to hold on to the point, Adam Walker popped up to convert a penalty corner in the final minute to give YMCA a victory that had looked very unlikely only five minutes before the full time whistle.
EY HOCKEY LEAGUE WOMEN DIVISION 1 ROUND 8
CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 2 ( NAOMI CARROLL 51 MINS, CIARA MOLONEY 70 MINS)
PEGASUS 0
ULSTER ELKS 3 ( KATIE MC KEE 14 MINS, BETHANY HARPER 15 & 54 MINS)
UCD 3 (SOPHIE KIDD 29 MINS, EMMA PAUL 39 MINS, LUCY CROWE 52 MINS)
PEMBROKE WANDERERS 0
RAILWAY UNION 1 (AILISH LONG 51 MINS)
MONKSTOWN 2 (EMILY KEALY 47 MINS , CHLOE WATKINS 57 MINS)
LORETO 4 (SARAH TORRANS 9 MINS, SÍOFRA O’BRIEN 13 MINS, AISLING MURRAY 43 MINS, NICOLA TORRANS 51 MINS)
CORINTHIANS 1 (JESS MC GRANE 45 MINS)
OLD ALEXANDRA 2 (ELENA TICE 26 MINS, DEIRDRE DUKE 37 MINS)
CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 2
PEGASUS 0
Ninth placed Pegasus came to Rosbrien for this League tie desperately seeking League points. They put up an excellent effort in quarters one and two because at half-time it was still 0-0. Naomi Carroll opened the scoring for Catholic Institute in the fifty-first minute from open play. Ciara Moloney’s final minute penalty corner sealed the points for the Shannonsiders it finished Catholic Institute 2 Pegasus 0
ULSTER ELKS 3
UCD 3
These two sides play each other at Intevarsities level most years and when they are both in the same Division of the EYHL it can be up to three times a season.
Ulster Elks who are part college side through University of Ulster Jordanstown and part club side are a unique mix not often seen in hockey but frequently seen in Irish basketball (e.g.Trinity Meteors and DCU Mercy). To add spice to the proceedings there were two former UCD players lining up against them on this occasion Bethany Harper and Leah Maguire. And it was the former who would weigh in on the goalscoring as we shall see shortly. Katie McKee gave Elks the lead from a penalty corner in the fourteenth minute. Elks were awarded a stroke a minute later. Bethany Harper made no mistake – 2-0 Elks. UCD are nothing if not resilient in the current campaign and they responded with a goal from open play in the twenty-ninth minute to trail 2-1 at the half-time break.
Within four minutes of the resumption the visitors UCD were level at 2-2 thanks to captain Emma Paul’s converted penalty corner on thirty-nine minutes.
Bethany Harper from a penalty corner restored the lead for her new club in the fifty fourth minute but UCD snatched their second draw in succession when Lucy Crowe converted a penalty corner in the fifty-ninth minute to leave the final score 3-3.
PEMBROKE WANDERERS 0
RAILWAY UNION 1
These Dublin 4 derbies are frequently close encounters and this one was no different. The 2021/22 League Champions hosting the current second placed team in the League and nothing could separate them at the end of quarters one and two so it remained scoreless at half time. Late in the third quarter the first goal came from Ailish Long of Railway Union scoring from open play in the fifty first minute. There was no further scoring in this tie at Serpentine Avenue and it ended Pembroke Wanderers 0 Railway Union 1. Railway Union maintained their second place position keeping pace with Loreto and not allowing the gap between them to grow any wider.
MONKSTOWN 2
LORETO 4
League leaders Loreto maintained their unbeaten record with another fine victory away from home this time by 4-2 over Monkstown. Sarah Torrans made it 1-0 with a goal from open play in the ninth minute. Síofra O’Brien added a second from open play four minutes later. Loreto led 2-0 at the half-time break.
Aisling Murray added a third goal from open play in the forty -third minute. Monkstown responded with a converted penalty corner from Emily Kealy in the forty-seventh minute. Nicola Torrans made it a good afternoon for their family by making it 4-1 adding to the goal her sister got in the first half.
Chloe Watkins made things interesting in the closing stages by narrowing the gap to two goals by converting a penalty corner in the fifty-seventh minute.
Loreto hung on to win 4-2.
CORINTHIANS 1
OLD ALEXANDRA 2
Old Alexandra were the visitors to Whitechurch for this EYHL League tie hosted by Corinthians. The visitors took the lead when Elena Neill converted a penalty corner in the twenty-sixth minute. Old Alexandra led 1-0 at half -time. The visitors increased their lead in the thirty-seventh minute when Deirdre Duke converted a penalty corner. Jess McGrane got one back from open play for Corinthians in the forty-fifth minute but that proved to be the end of the scoring.
It finished Corinthians 1 Old Alexandra 2.
A busy weekend of EYHL action in the Men’s and Women’s Divisions gets underway on Saturday with a full programme in both Divisions but two matches from Round 9 in the women’s also taking place on Sunday and Monday.
EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND 10
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18 2023
In the Men’s Division Table toppers Banbridge host sixth placed Corinthians at Havelock Park
Glenanne in fifth place host bottom of the table Instonians at St. Andrew’s College.
Second placed Lisnagarvey take on seventh placed Monkstown at Comber Road.
Three Rock Rovers in third take on ninth placed UCD at Grange Road at 13:00.
Fourth placed YMCA take on Annadale at Wesley College at 15:45
BANBRIDGE ( 1ST ) V CORINTHIAN (6) HAVELOCK PARK START TIME TBC
GLENANNE (5) V INSTONIANS (10) ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE TBC
LISNAGARVEY (2) V MONKSTOWN (7) COMBER ROAD TBC
THREE ROCK ROVERS (3) V UCD (9) GRANGE ROAD 13:00
YMCA (4) V ANNADALE (8) WESLEY COLLEGE 15:45
EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 ROUND 8
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18 2023
Round 8 of the Women’s Division games all take place on Saturday.
Catholic Institute in fourth place take on ninth placed Pegasus at Rosbrien with a 13:00 start.
Bottom of the table Corinthians take on Dublin Rivals Old Alexandra who are in sixth place at 13;15 in St. Columba’s College.
Fifth placed Monkstown host league leaders Loreto at Rathdown School and Seventh placed Ulster Elks take on eighth placed UCD in Jordanstown. Tie of the round is the top three clash between third placed Pembroke Wanderers and second placed Railway Union at Serpentine Avenue.
CATHOLIC INSTITUTE (4) V PEGASUS (9) 13:00 ROSBRIEN
CORINTHIANS (10) V OLD ALEXANDRA (6) 13:15 ST. COLUMBA’S COLLEGE
MONKSTOWN (5) V LORETO (1) RATHDOWN SCHOOL
ULSTER ELKS (7) V UCD (8) 14:30 UUJ SPORTSGROUNDS JORDANSTOWN
PEMBROKE WANDERERS (3) V RAILWAY UNION (2) 15:15 SERPENTINE AVENUE
EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISON 1 ROUND 9
There are two ties from Round 9 this weekend so to speak. On Sunday Railway Union take on Catholic Institute at Park Avenue and on Monday night Old Alexandra host Pembroke Wanderers in Alexandra College starting at 20:00. The remaining ties take place on Wednesday and Thursday.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19 2023
RAILWAY UNION V CATHOLIC INSTITUTE TBC PARK AVENUE
MONDAY NOVEMBER 20 2023
OLD ALEXANDRA V PEMBROKE WANDERERS 20:00 ALEXANDRA COLLEGE
EYHL MEN’S DIVISION ROUND 9
BANBRIDGE 5 (Matthew McKee 5 MINS, Josh Moffett 19 MINS, Louis Rowe 34 MINS, Philip Brown 43 MINS, Sam Farson 52 mins)
INSTONIANS 1 (David Arneill 60 MINS)
Top of the table Banbridge took on bottom of the table Instonians in this Ulster derby on Tuesday night at Havelock Park . Matthew McKee opened the scoring in the fifth minute from open play. Josh Moffett added a second from open play in the nineteenth minute. A Louis Rowe goal from open play in the thirty-fourth minute left Banbridge 3-0 ahead at half-time. Philip Brown converted a penalty corner in the forty-third minute to increase Banbridge’s lead even further. Sam Farson completed the scoring for the hosts in the fifty-second minute from open play. A consolation goal from Instonians was registered on the hour mark through David Arneill it finished Banbridge 5 Instonians 1
CORINTHIAN 1 (Ian Stewart 69 MINS) UCD 0
Eighth placed Corinthians hosted ninth placed UCD in this South Dublin derby at St. Columba’s College. Both teams who won promotion from EYHL 2 last season have found adjusting to the higher echelon a bit of a struggle this term and occupied two of the bottom three spots in the table going into this match.
After a scoreless first half and a further scoreless third quarter it had appeared that both sides may have settled for a 0-0 draw that is until the final minute when Ian Stewart scored for Corinthians from open play to gain all three points for the hosts. It finished Corinthians 1 UCD 0
LISNAGARVEY 3 ( Daniel Nelson 26 MINS, Andrew Edgar 31 MINS, Matthew Nelson 39 MINS) ANNADALE 0
Second placed Lisnagarvey took on seventh placed Annadale in this Ulster derby on Tuesday night at Comber Road.
Daniel Nelson gave Garvey the lead in the twenty-sixth minute of the match with a goal from open play. Five minues later Lisnagarvey were awarded a penalty stroke which Andrew Edgar put away with aplomb. Matthew Nelson’s thirty-ninth minute goal from open play secured a 3-0 win for Lisnagarvey.
YMCA 3 (Scott Ruttle 3 MINS, Ben O’Grady 32 MINS, Sam Hyland MINS)
MONKSTOWN 1 (Mark Gibbons 67 MINS)
Fifth placed YMCA took on sixth placed Monkstown in a mid-table clash at Wesley College on Tuesday night.
Scott Ruttle opened the scoring for YMCA in the third minute. Ben O’Grady added another goal from open play in the thirty second minute to leave the score 2-0. Sam Hyland converted a penalty stroke in the 57th minute to leave YMCA leading 3-0. Mark Gibbons got a consolation goal for Monkstown in the sixty seventh minute from open play to leave the final score 3-1 top YMCA
GLENNANE 4 (Shane O’Donoghue 14 MINS, Jake Pillow 43 MINS, Brad Venter 49 MINS, Lukas Odendaal 69 MINS )
THREE ROCK ROVERS 4 (Ryan Spencer 9 MINS and 35 MINS, Alistair Empey 60 MINS and 69 MINS )
Fourth placed Glenanne took on third placed Three Rock Rovers at St. Andrew’s College on Tuesday night .
The visitors took the lead through Ryan Spencer who had just come on to the field on rotation, in the ninth minute. Glenanne grew into the game and five minutes later forced three penalty corners in succession the last of which was converted by Shane O’Donoghue to level the scores at 1-1. Ryan Spencer grabbed his second of the game to put Three Rock back in front in the thirty-fifth minute to leave them 2-1 ahead at half-time. Jake Pillow equalised for Glenanne in the forty-third minute and captain Brad Venter put the hosts in front for the first time in the game in the forty-ninth minute from open play to leave Glenanne 3-2 up. Alistair Empey grabbed an equaliser on the hour mark and then put Three Rock Rovers back in front with two minutes left in the game. Three Rock were reduced to nine players owing to a succession of cards and In the sixty-ninth minute Glenanne withdrew goalkeeper David Lawless in favour of another outfield player Lukas Odendaal and they enjoyed instantaneous success from the move as one of his first actions was to score their fourth goal to clinch a draw from the jaws of defeat.
GLENANNE: David Lawless; William Rutley, Neil Byrne, Richard Couse, Josh Rogers, Brad Venter (C), Luke Jackson , Shane O’Donoghoe, Theo Roittel, Gary Shaw, Sam O’Connor;
SUBS USED: Jake Pillow (5 mins), Fergal Keaveney (14 mins), Lukas Odendaal (69 mins)
THREE ROCK ROVERS: Ben Whelan; Ben Pasley, Matteo Romoli, Ben Johnson , Evan Jennings, Alistair Empey, James Walker, Mark Samuel, Rex Dunlop, Jody Hoskings, Harry Mc Mahon (C). SUBS USED: McAlistair Haughton (6 mins) , Peter Lynch (6 mins) , Ryan Spencer (9 mins), Zach Silverman (9 mins), Oscar Pasley (29 mins)
Banbridge Hockey Club, a prominent sporting institution in Northern Ireland, recently announced the appointment of Dr William McCandless as its new President. Dr McCandless, known affectionately as “Doc” in the community, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Originally from Dromore, Dr McCandless attended Methodist College in Belfast, where he excelled in rugby. However, it was his three sons who introduced him to the world of hockey when they came home from Banbridge Academy with hockey sticks in hand. This marked the beginning of Dr McCandless’s longstanding connection with the sport and the club.
Dr McCandless served as a family GP in Banbridge for an impressive 44 years before retiring in 2021. Throughout his career, he seamlessly merged his professional skills with his passion for hockey. As the club doctor, he was a familiar sight on the sidelines, often seen stitching up players, including members of the opposing team when necessary.
His commitment to hockey extended beyond the local club level. During his son Bruce’s tenure as an international hockey player for Ireland, Dr McCandless served as the team doctor for the national side on a voluntary basis. This allowed him to travel the world with the squad, further enhancing his reputation for dedication to the positive development and progression of hockey in Ireland.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication, Dr McCandless was awarded honorary life membership of Banbridge Hockey Club in 2005. This prestigious title highlights his significant contributions to the club’s growth and success over the past three decades.
The sense of family at Banbridge Hockey Club is an important aspect of its identity, with Dr McCandless’s own family deeply immersed in it. He fondly recalls the challenges of Sunday lunches when his three sons, Scott, Ross, and Bruce, were regular first-team players. Despite the occasional tensions caused by losses, it was clear that their shared love for the sport and the club always prevailed.
This deep connection to the club continues to inspire Dr McCandless. Recently, he spent a Thursday evening watching his granddaughter take part in primary matches at Havelock Park, symbolising the intergenerational bond that makes Banbridge Hockey Club truly special.
On his appointment, Club Chairperson, Sheree Totton had this to say, “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Doc. His longstanding commitment to our club is truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be happier that he has been awarded the position of President. With his ability and passion, I am confident that together we will accomplish great things for our beloved club. Let’s embark on this exciting journey and make this upcoming year one to remember!”
Expressing his gratitude for his new role, Dr McCandless remarked, “I’m honoured to have been asked to fill the role of President of such a prestigious club. I hope to be able to encourage further progress in areas such as fundraising and the social aspect of the club. My aim is to provide new opportunities for young players coming up through the ranks.”
With the appointment of Dr William McCandless as President, Banbridge Hockey Club can look forward to a new era of growth, development, and inclusivity. Dr McCandless’s experience, dedication, and passion for the sport will undoubtedly inspire the club’s members and ensure its continued success for years to come.
Hockey Ireland would like to wish Doc all the best in his new role.
Under 16 Women
LEINSTER 1 ULSTER 5
Ulster took the lead in this game with a goal from open play scored by Alyssa Somerville in the 21st minute. They increased their lead in the 32nd minute when Evie Girvan converted a penalty corner. Alyssa Somerville got her second goal of the game from open play in the 45th minute to make the score Leinster 0 Ulster 3.
Leinster responded through Isabella Willis from open play in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1. That two goal margin only lasted two minutes as Ulster restored their three goal margin when Lara Wilson scored from open play in the 56th minute. Ruby Johnson converted a penalty corner in the 66th minute to seal a 5-1 win for Ulster and the 2023-24 Under 16 Interprovincial title for the Ulsterwomen.
Under 18 women
LEINSTER 2 ULSTER 2 ( LEINSTER WIN 3-1 IN A SHOOT -OUT)
If Ulster’s win in the Under 16 age bracket was something of a procession, the same cannot be said for Leinster’s victory in the Under 18 age bracket.
The game went back and forth and ended in a score draw and it took a succession of penalties to secure victory at the end of the tournament.
Leinster captain Millie Jerman led by example by converting her penalty corner in the 10th minute to give Leinster a 1-0 lead.
Erin Pim responded with a goal from open play for Ulster in the 28th minute to leave the scores level at 1-1 at half time.
Isobel field responded from open play to restore Leinster’s lead in the 38th minute and made the score 2-1.
Holly Beckinsale grabbed an equaliser with another open play goal for Ulster in the 53rd minute to bring it back to 2-2.
There was no further scoring so the game and the tournament was going to be decided by a shoot out.
Ulster won the toss and Rebekah Lennon converted her first effort 1-0 to the Ulsterwomen.
Sarah Byrne took Leinster’s first penalty of the shoot out and scored to make it 1-1.
Erin Pim took Ulster’s second penalty and was unable to score so it remained 1-1.
Milla Fulton converted Leinster’s second effort from the shoot out to make it 2-1.
Katie Herron of Ulster and Leinster’s Millie Jerman both missed the third efforts for their provinces
Isla Allen also missed Ulster’s fourth penalty to leave the score still at 2-1.
Mollie Lennon made no mistake from Leinster’s fourth effort to make the score 3-1.
Annie Cunningham missed for Ulster which meant Leinster won the title 3-1 via a shoot out following the 2-2 draw at the end of normal time.
Hockey Ireland Results Round-Up – Saturday Nov 11EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1LORETO 4 PEMBROKE WANDERERS 0 OLD ALEXANDRA 1 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 3 RAILWAY UNION 4 ULSTER ELKS 1 UCD 2 PEGASUS 2 UCD: Erika Gallagher, Katie Jane Marshall, Emma Paul, Lucy Crowe, Sarah McAuley, Katharine Egan, Leah O’Shea, Mikayla Power, Anna McCarthy, Sophie Kidd, Florence Maughan. SUBS: Lauren Moore (7 mins), Emma Montgomery ( 9 mins), Aine Naughton ( 9 mins), Sydney Weir McErlean (9 mins), Kate Ryan (18 mins), MONKSTOWN 1 CORINTHIANS 0 |
EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1ANNADALE 2 CORINTHIANS 1 GLENANNE 0 LISNAGARVEY 3 INSTONIANS 1 YMCA 2 MONKSTOWN 2 THREE ROCK ROVERS 2 UCD 0 BANBRIDGE 4 UCD: Ross Clarke, Samuel Ryder, Kevin O’Dea [capt.], Josh Filgas, Adam Luke Galbraith, Josh Gill, Callum Hewat, Conor Walsh, Benjamin Stewart, Andrew Fox, Mark Collins. SUBS Alan Sothern (6 mins), Samuel Walker (6 mins), Harry Lynch (10 mins), Alex Lynch (12 mins), Gavin Gleeson (26 mins) ; BANBRIDGE: Luke Roleston, Luke Witherow, Alexander Tinney [capt.], Joshua Moffett, Charlie Rowe, Philip Brown, Thomas Dobson, Mark Cowan, Matthew McKee,Louis Rowe, Sam Farson. SUBS: Mark Barlow (3 mins), Thomas Orr (6 mins), Jake Rowe (7 mins), Hugh McShane (8mins), Aidan McKee (8 mins) |
EYHL MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 PREVIEWS – NOVEMBER 11TH
EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1:
Kicking off the day at Rathdown is an exciting clash between Monkstown, currently holding the fifth spot, and the formidable Three Rock Rovers, who stand at third place. The action begins at 14:20.
Over at Shawsbridge, Instonians in the tenth position, go head-to-head against YMCA, occupying the seventh spot. This encounter starts ten minutes later.
The next match unfolds at St. Andrew’s College, featuring fourth-placed Glenanne taking on the second-placed Lisnagarvey at 15:00.
At Lagan College, an hour later, Annadale positioned in eighth place, hosts the dynamic Corinthians, currently in sixth place.
The late game of the day takes place at the National Stadium in Belfield, where ninth-placed UCD faces off against the table-topping Banbridge at 16:10.
EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1:
In what is arguably the tie of the round, league leaders Loreto play host to third-placed Pembroke Wanderers at Beaufort, commencing at 13:15.
Fifteen minutes later at Alexandra College, fourth-placed Old Alexandra takes on the seventh-placed Catholic Institute.
Second-placed Railway Union welcomes fifth-placed Ulster Elks at Park Avenue, starting at 13:30.
Thirty-five minutes later, at the National Stadium in Belfield, defending champions UCD, currently in sixth place, square off against ninth-placed Pegasus.
Wrapping up the day’s action at Rathdown School, eighth-placed Monkstown meets the challenge of the tenth-placed Corinthians at 16:15.
EYHL:
Saturday 11th November
Men
Monkstown v TRR, Rathdown, 14:20
Instonians v YMCA, Shawbridge, 14:30
Glennane v Lisnagarvey, St Andrews College, 15:00
Annadale v Corinthian, Lagan College, 16:00
UCD v Banbridge, Belfield Water, 16:10
Women
Monkstown v Corinthian, Rathdown, 16:15
Loreto v Pembroke Wanderers, 13:15, Loreto Beaufort School
Old Alex v Catholic Institute, Alexandra College, 13:30
Railway Union v Ulster Elks, Park Avenue, 13:30
UCD v Pegasus, Belfield Water, 14:05
Sunday 12th November
Interpro Finals Girls
Girls U16
Ulster v Leinster, UCD, 13:30
Girls U18
Ulster v Leinster, UCD, 15:45
Both Ireland Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Hockey teams to compete in Spain in January’s Olympic Qualifiers.
Following the conclusion of Hockey at the Pan American Games and the African Hockey Road to Paris 2024, 5 men’s and women’s teams have now gained direct qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 as Continental Champions, in addition to the hosts France.
A further 16 men’s and women’s teams have simultaneously secured their place at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024, so the pools for these qualification tournaments have just this morning been revealed.
The 16 teams per gender have been divided into two groups, with 8 teams traveling to each location: Muscat, Oman and Valencia, Spain for the men, and Ranchi, India, and Valencia, Spain for the women.
Senior Men
The 8 men’s teams that will compete in Muscat, Oman are: Great Britain, Germany, New Zealand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Canada, Chile and China
The 8 men’s teams that will compete in Valencia, Spain are: Belgium, Spain, Korea, Ireland, Japan, Austria, Egypt and Ukraine
Ireland are ranked 13th in the current FIH Men’s World Rankings .To give an idea of the size of the task ahead of the Ireland Men’s squad here are the rankings of the other teams in our group.
Belgium are ranked 2nd , Spain are ranked 8th, Korea are ranked 10th, Japan are ranked 15th , Austria are ranked 19th , Egypt are ranked 20th , Ukraine are ranked 29th. On the basis of current rankings Ireland would be the fourth seeds in their Olympic qualification group. And only the top three in this Olympic Qualification Group in Valencia will go to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Speaking after the qualification pools were revealed , Ireland Men’s National Team Head Coach Mark Tumilty said:
“The eight teams in Valencia and Muscat are further sub-divided into two pools of four. In order to qualify for the Olympics you have to finish top two in your group and then either make the final or win the third place match as only three teams make the games.”
“In Valencia, we have been drawn in a pool with Japan, Belgium and Ukraine. Belgium are the top seeds and are likely to win the group. The game against them is something of a free shot. If we get a positive result there that’s a bonus.”
“The games against Japan and Ukraine are must win games to reach the semi-final. If you win the semi you are automatically in Paris in the summer. But if you lose your semi-final you can still reach the Olympics by winning the 3rd place play off.”
“We need to be realistic looking overall Belgium and Spain are head and shoulders above the rest of the teams playing in Valencia. But any of the rest of the teams would fancy their chances of getting the third spot.”
“It’s important to get off to a good start. And if we can get a semi-final berth we can give ourselves a realistic opportunity of reaching the Olympics.”
Senior Women:
The 8 women’s teams that will compete in Ranchi, India are: Germany, India, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, United States, Italy and Czech Republic
The 8 women’s teams that will compete Valencia, Spain are: Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, Korea, Ireland, Canada, Malaysia and Ukraine.
Ireland are ranked 13th in the current FIH Women’s World Rankings . To give an idea of the size of the task ahead of the Ireland Women’s squad here are the rankings of the other teams in our group.
Belgium are ranked 4th , Great Britain (because of England’s ranking) are ranked 7th, Spain are ranked 8th, Korea are ranked 12th, Canada are ranked 16th, Malaysia are ranked18th and Ukraine are ranked 28th. Ireland would be fifth seeds in their Olympic qualification group. And only the top three in this Olympic Qualification Group in Valencia will go to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Speaking after the qualification pools were revealed , Ireland Women’s National Team Head Coach Sean Dancer said:
“We know after the release this morning that we are heading to Spain. We have been there over the years for warm weather training so are very familiar with the venue. Going to India would have been a bit more of a journey into the unknown so at least we have the familiarity of the venue.”
“I am really pleased with where the program is in the last few months, in terms of facilities, staff and the players being available to train full time three days a week. 2024 could be a really big year for us. With Olympic Qualification, followed up with a Nations Cup tournament in June, the winners of which would qualify for the FIH Pro League. We certainly have ambitions of getting higher than 13th in the World Rankings and Olympic Qualification would help achieve that “.
Ireland International Elena Neill said:
“We’re very familiar with Valencia, having been there many times before for warm weather training. A lot of blood, sweat and tears have been spilt on that pitch. Just to be heading somewhere we already know is cool.”
“To be honest when you try to qualify for the Olympics you are always up against it. We know the teams we will be facing, their quality and that it will be difficult. Being semi-professional and being able to training at the Sport Ireland Campus Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday means we have everything we need to succeed.”
“We have done it before and having experienced that level of pressure previously helps. You are in a very privileged position to be trying to qualify for an Olympic Games representing your country.”
The men’s and women’s teams have been divided into the two groups on the basis of their world ranking at midnight on 5 November 2023, once all Continental Championships were completed (based on the predetermined rules mentioned in the FIH Qualification System for the Paris Olympics, which can be accessed here.)
* Further breakdown of the pools at each tournament.
The teams that finish in the top-3 of each of the four FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 tournaments will seal their qualification to the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 will be played between 13-21 January 2024. Please visit Olympics.Hockey for more details about the qualifiers, as well as hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
