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Irish Senior Cup Finals match reports.

WOMEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL

MONKSTOWN 3 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEN’S IRISH SENIOR CUP FINAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Irish Senior Cup Finals, Saturday 29th April.

IRISH WOMEN’S SENIOR CUP FINAL 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IRISH MEN’S SENIOR CUP FINAL 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Hockey Ireland Advances Its Live Stream Offering

April 20, 2023: Hockey Ireland announces its plan to offer a paid live stream broadcast of this weekend’s EY Hockey League Champions Trophy finals April 23 and the Irish Senior Cup finals April 29.

This technology represents the culmination of a 2022/23 domestic season where Hockey Ireland and its League partner, EY, have looked to innovate and develop audience engagement, improving the quality, relevance and visibility of the sport at the highest level of Irish domestic hockey.

The offering is a first for Hockey Ireland as it looks to increase the visibility of its sport and deliver content to its audiences online, with the key to success being the ability to deliver the right product to the right audience in a repeatable way.

“This weekend’s, and the Irish Senior Cup’s, paid live stream supports our goal of increasing the visibility of our sport in a financially sustainable way”, commented Nick McElwee, Commercial lead for Hockey Ireland.

“We aspire to providing a live stream broadcast of every game in season 2023/24 of the EY Hockey League Division 1 Women and Men. Our role is to find the best way to make that happen and we know consumer behaviour as well as technology is bending in our favour in this regard”.

Pricing of the live stream for both finals has been set at EUR10 per match or EUR12.5 for a two-match day pass. The service will be provided through StreamSport in association with Hockey Ireland’s streaming partner HBV and will be available via the Hockey Ireland website.

The EY Hockey League Champions Trophy takes place this weekend April 22 and 23 in Banbridge, with the Women’s Semi Finals seeing UCD Vs Catholic Institute and Loreto Vs Old Alex, and the Men’s Semi Finals seeing Banbridge Vs Glenanne, and Lisnagarvey Vs Monkstown, all taking place April 22. The winners of these games will participate in the streamed finals on Sunday April 23. The Irish Senior Cup, the World’s Oldest Club Hockey Cup, takes place April 29 at UCD with the Women’s finals seeing Monkstown Vs Catholic Institute and the Men’s finals seeing Banbridge Vs Glenanne.

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland commented: “EY Ireland is immensely proud to sponsor the Irish Hockey League, and together with fans across the island and beyond, we look forward to tuning in to the Champions Trophy finals and Irish Senior Cup finals via this innovative livestream. These finals are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the talent, teamwork and tenacity displayed by players throughout the EYHL and across the island and we wish all the players, coaches and organisers the very best of luck.”

Heatley Tector, Proprietor, HBV Studios Ltd commented: “All at HBV Live are delighted to be involved with Hockey Ireland in streaming crucial games over the next couple of weeks. Our partnership with Hockey Ireland has grown considerably over the past six months culminating in the Live Streaming of the EYHL and Irish Senior Cup finals . The introduction of paywall technology is yet another example of wonderful innovation on the part of Hockey Ireland and I wish all participating teams the very best of luck. Enjoy the broadcast.”

To view and purchase matches please go to Hockey Ireland Livestream

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Hockey Ireland CEO moving to International Role

Hockey Ireland CEO moving to International Role

 

The Board of Hockey Ireland wishes to announce that its CEO, Ronan Murphy is set to take up a senior role with an International Sporting Federation.

The move follows a 6 month term for the CEO who has been part of significant growth and progress at Hockey Ireland, with renewed focus and structures in place to secure its continued positive momentum which has included the Senior Men’s promotion to World Hockey’s Pro-League.

Commenting on his decision, Ronan Murphy said “while the timing of this next step in my career was unexpected, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Hockey Ireland Board, staff, and the Irish Hockey community. During my tenure, we have worked hard to reorganise the organisation and have established an exceptional senior management team capable of delivering the strategic objectives for Irish Hockey. This is a very exciting time for Irish Hockey, with both senior High-Performance teams working towards qualification for Paris 2024 and our senior men participating in the Pro League for the first time. We have also realigned our commercial focus and commitments to our funding partners and sponsors whose support is integral to the sport.”

The process to find a replacement CEO will commence in the coming days, with further updates to be announced accordingly.

For further enquires, please contact: nick.mcelwee@hockey.ie

End.

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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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EYHL Play Off Weekend match results and reports

EYHL PLAY OFF WEEKEND

In the EYHL Men’s  Champions Trophy   Three Rock Rovers hosted Glenanne and  YMCA took on Monkstown in the Quarter finals to see who would face Banbridge and Lisnagarvey in next weekend’s semi-finals  in Banbridge . In the EYHL Women’s Champions Trophy Old Alexandra took on Pegasus and Catholic Institute hosted Pembroke Wanderers to see who would face UCD and Loreto in next weekend’s semi-finals in Banbridge. But that was just EYHL Champions Trophy in the EYHL 2 it was semi-finals weekend at St. Columba’s College home of Corinthians hockey club who also had skin in the game.

 

EYHL MEN’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY  

 

THREE ROCK ROVERS  3  GLENANNE  7

A ten goal thriller at Grange Road resulted in a 4 goal margin of victory for the visitors Glenanne who take on either Lisnagarvey or Banbridge in next week’s semi-final weekend. Glenanne raced into an early lead, Shane O’Donoghue   converting two  penalty corners, and Gavin Gibney adding another  to put them 3-0 ahead .  James Walker got on the mark for Three Rock Rovers to make it 3-1  but Glenanne responded within a minute through Shannon Boucher to make it 4-1 to Glenanne.  Gavin Gibney made it 5-1 to Glenanne and Three Rock responded through Ben Johnson (5-2) but a penalty stroke by Shane O’Donoghue made it 6-2 to Glenanne.  Rex Dunlop got Three Rock’s final goal of the game to leave the score 6-3 and Johnny  McCormack  got a final goal to leave it 7-3

 

YMCA  3  MONKSTOWN 3 ( MONKSTOWN WON 6-5 ON SHUTTLES)

YM began well and early goals from  Harry McCarthy  Peabo Lembethe  saw them leading the visitors 2-0 at the end of the first quarter.  Monkstown finished the half strongly and Sam Hohn got them on the scoreboard , YMCA 2 Monkstown 1 at half-time.

Adam Walker restored the two goal margin for YM but  goals from Rory Nichols and also Geoff Cole made it 3-3 at full time and so went to shuttles. Monkstown built on the momentum from their second half fight-back and secured their semi-final berth 6-5 in the shoot out.

 

Glenanne and Monkstown will be in the draw for next week’s semi-finals alongside League Champions Banbridge and runner ups Lisnagarvey

 

 

EYHL WOMEN’S CHAMPION’S TROPHY

 

OLD ALEXANDRA  2  PEGASUS 1  

Emma and Abbie Russell are not only  sisters but also  a goalscoring duo . Abbie Russell assisted in the first goal of the game for Old Alexandra which was converted by her sister Emma to put OId Aexandra 1-0 up. Lucy McKee equalised for Pegasus. And then Emma Russell provided the final pass for Abbie Russell to give Old Alex a 2-1 lead which they held on to advance to the semi-finals weekend in Banbridge.

 

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE  1    PEMBROKE WANDERERS  0

Pembroke Wanderers  were visitors against Catholic Institute . A first half goal from Rebecca Barry was enough to secure a semi-final spot for the hosts who advanced 1-0 and will face either UCD or Loreto in Banbridge subject to the draw .    They all  join OId Alexandra, winners from the first quarter-final, in the hat for the draw which will take place in the next few days.

 

EYHL 2 MEN’S DIVISIONAL SEMI-FINALS  

 

UCD  1  RAILWAY UNION 1  (  UCD WON SHUTTLES BY 2-1)  

UCD’s second half of the season excellence continued in the semi-final of the EYHL 2 Men’s Division.

UCD took the lead through a Mark Smyth field goal in 20 minutes to go 1-0 up. Railway responded through Jeremy McKeever on the hour mark it was 1-1 at full time. That meant shuttles. UCD began with Kevin O’Dea taking a shuttle he was fouled by goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe and a penalty stroke was awarded which was duly converted to leave UCD leading 1-0 in shuttles. Mark English converted the first shuttle for Railway Union it was 1-1. Sam Walker took the second shuttle for UCD and was upended by keeper Stephen O’Keeffe who then received a warning about any future similar fouls, before having to face a second penalty stroke in succession, which  also was converted leaving UCD 2-1 ahead on Shuttles. Railway proceeded to miss all 4 of their remaining efforts and UCD failed to convert their remaining 3. UCD advance to Sunday’s final and are promoted back  to EYHL top Division.

 

CORINTHIANS  3  BANDON 1

Corinthians took the lead after only 4 minutes through Chad Futcher  and  Ian Stewart added a second on 23 minutes both from open play.  Sam Maxwell made it 3-0 on 45 minutes also with a field goal.  Ross Smyth converted a penalty corner for Bandon on 61 minutes to leave the final score 3-1. The Dubliners joining UCD in Sunday’s final and  winning promotion to the EYHL top flight.

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION SEMI-FINALS  

CORINTHIANS  3   CORK HALREQUINS  2

Corinthians  were 1-0  ahead through Jodie Douglas in the 10th minute, and Harlequins equalised through an Yvonne O’Byrne penalty corner on 12 minutes. Jodie Douglas got her second of the match to put Corinthians 2-1 up on  34 minutes and Jess McGrane added another to leave Corinthians 3-1 ahead on 43 minutes.  Cork Harlequins responded with another penalty corner from Yvonne O’Byrne on 46 minutes and it remained a 1 goal match until the very last seconds when a penalty corner awarded to Corinthinans was converted by  Jess Mc Grane in the very last act of the game. A first trip to the EYHL top flight for the Corinthians women crowning a great weekend for their club.

 

ULSTER ELKS  2   QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY 0

Six years after being relegated Ulster Elks are back in the EYHL after this win over Queen’s. Elks opened the scoring with a Shannon Atkinson goal in the 9th minute and then seemed to get nervous and allowed Queen’s back into the game. They sealed the win with a Chloe Mitchell goal to secure a 2-0 win and a place in the EYHL2 Final as well as securing promotion to the top flight for next season. Coming off the back of their 100% record in the Ulster Premier League this past season it’s a remarkable achievement for this largely student based side.

 

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Hockey Ireland Board Recruitment

Hockey Ireland is seeking applications for new members for the Board of Directors with expressions of interest for
consideration welcomed up to 17.30 Tuesday 18th April, 2023.

 

See full description HERE

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