European Club Hockey Competition Update Sunday March 31

Lisnagarvey secure place in Monday’s final with impressive win at the EURO HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I in Portugal

 

LISNAGARVEY 8 OKS VINNITSA 0 

Lisnagarvey went into this EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I Pool B match with one simple mission beat OKS Vinnitsa and secure a place in Monday’s tournament final against the Pool A winners Cardiff MET from Wales.

A two-goal blitz in less than 60 seconds left the Ukrainians on the back foot from close to the start. Daniel Nelson converted a penalty corner for Lisnagarvey in the 4th minute and within a minute captain Andrew Williamson had them 2-0 ahead with another converted penalty corner. Andrew Edgar converted another penalty corner for Lisnagarvey to make it 3-0 to the Irish side in the 11th minute. Oliver Kidd had just been green carded when Garvey increased their lead.

The Ukranians were reduced to 10 players in the 16th minute when Volodymyr Kaplinskyi was yellow carded for 5 minutes  during this time Andrew Williamson got his second goal of the game, this time from open play in the 18th minute to make it 4-0 to Lisnagarvey.

No sooner had Kalpinskyi returned to action than his teammate Myhailo Yasinskyi was green carded keeping them reduced to 10 for a further 2 minutes. But Lisnagarvey waited until the 27th minute before adding a fifth to the scoresheet when Oliver Kidd converted a penalty corner. Lisnagarvey led 5-0 at half-time.

There was no further scoring in the third quarter and Lisnagarvey led 5-0 going into the fourth quarter. Ben Nelson scored from open play in the 48th minute to make it 6-0 to Lisnagarvey. MacKenzie Connor made it 7-0 to Lisnagarvey from open play in the 57th minute. The 8-0 victory was sealed in the final minute with a converted penalty corner from Matthew Aughey. Lisnagarvey by winning Pool B won a place in the tournament final against the winners of Pool A Cardiff MET from Wales. They will see this as a winnable game and could seal promotion to the higher-level tournament for an Irish team in next season’s European club competitions.

OKS VINNITSA: Bohdan Yurkov (GK),  Volodymyr Kostechko, Yurii Dzemukh,  Volodymyr Kaplinskyi, Maksym Onofriiuk,  Mykhailo Yasinskyi, Volodymyr Zhmereniuk, Artem Kapura, Oleksandr Diachenko (C), Oleksandr Solomianyi, Oleksii Popov, SUBS USED: Roman  Bludov (GK) (16 mins), Dmytro Hrubyi (6 mins),  Oleksandr Yasinskyi (6 mins), Iurii Moroz (9 mins), Vadym Mynchuk (18 mins)

LISNAGARVEY: James Milliken (GK), James Lorimar, Ben Nelson, Jonathan Lynch, Mark McNelis, James Corry,  Peter McKibbin, Andrew Williamson, Daniel Nelson, Harry Morris, Matthew Nelson, SUBS USED: Matthew Aughey (4 mins), Ryan Getty  (4 mins), Andrew Edgar (4 mins),  Oliver Kidd  (4 mins), Matthew McKibbin (6 mins), MacKenzie Connor (8 mins), James Ritchie (GK) (51 mins)

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European Club Hockey Competition, Loreto & Lisnagarvey Game Updates Saturday, March 30th

Loreto suffer defeat with possible goal of the tournament from Siofra O’Brien in their second game at the ABN-AMRO EHL FINAL 8

CLUB CAMPO DE MADRID 6 LORETO 2

Loreto had another tough day at the office on Saturday when they took on Spanish side Club Campo De Madrid in their ranking match. The storied Spanish club who have multiple national titles to their name, got off to a relatively slow start in a scoreless first quarter. Lucia Abajo Saenz opened the scoring for Campo from open play in minute 22 minute to put the Spanish side 1-0 ahead. Belen Iglesias Marcos added a second on the half hour mark to put them 2-0 ahead and within a minute it was 3-0 as Sara Barrios scored from open play to leave Club Campo leading 3-0 at half time.

Loreto responded with one of the goals of the tournament scored by Siofra O’Brien to make the score 3-1. Lucia Abajo Saenz got her second of the game for Campo in minute 42 to restore their three-goal lead and leave the score 4-1. Yasmin Pratt got a second goal for Loreto from open play in minute 53 to narrow the gap to two goals but that was as good as it would ever get for the recently crowned EY Hockey League Irish Women’s Division 1 Champions. Inma Hofmeister made it 5-2 for Campo in minute 56 and two minutes later Begonia Garcia made it 6-2 to Club Campo De Madrid.

Speaking to Euro Hockey after the match Siofra O’Brien said: ” I think that overall we are happy and disappointed with how things went. It was our first-time taking part in the big League, we’ve just seen how quickly small mistakes get punished. We’ll take a lot (of lessons) from the two games and hopefully be able to put those lessons learned into action as soon as we get home. I enjoyed scoring the goal. We talked a lot about Hannah’s big aerials from behind, at the beginning of the tournament, so I just saw it early and took my chance. We can’t thank our support enough. We’ve said it before the game, we’ve said it at half-time, we love them all very much. They have been phenomenal at the tournament and throughout the season and now we have finished our games here we can celebrate with them and hope they had a great weekend.”

CLUB CAMPO DE MADRID: Maria Tello (GK), Sara Barrios, Lucia Monsalve, Beatriz Perez Lagunas, Blanca Perez, Maria Lopez Garcia, Belen Gonzalez-Laguillo, Belen Iglesias-Marcos, Laura Barrios, Berta Agullo, Alejandra Torres-Quevedo (C) SUBS USED: Begonia Garcia (5 Mins),  Inma Hofmeister (5 mins), Lucia Abajo Saenz De Tejada (5 MINS), Carlotta Gonzalez (6 mins), Maria Angelos Ruiz Castillo (GK) (31 mins)

LORETO: Liz Murphy (GK), Lisa Mulcahy, Siofra O’Brien, Mia Jennings (C), Grace McLoughlin, Caitlin Sherin, Yasmin Pratt, Sarah Torrans, Christina Hamill. Hannah Matthews, Hannah Mc Loughlin.  SUBS USED: Rachel Kelly (4 mins), Grace Donald (5 mins),  Caoimhe Perdue (7 mins),  Ella Pasley (7 mins), Aisling Murray  (9 mins), Katie Dunne  (11 mins), Lorna Bateman (GK) (56 mins)

Lisnagarvey beat hosts Lousada in the EURO HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I Pool B clash in Portugal

LOUSADA 2 LISNAGARVEY 6

Lisnagarvey took on hosts Lousada in the EURO HOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I Pool B clash in Portugal this afternoon, the game was delayed owing to heavy rain and puddles on the pitch and started almost an hour late. When play eventually got under way the hosts started the brighter and took the lead through Jose Santos who converted a penalty stroke in minute 11. Jonathan Lynch equalised for Lisnagarvey in the 18th minute with a goal from open play to make it 1-1. Lisnagarvey took the lead through a Ben Nelson goal from open play in the 21st minute to make it 2-1 to the Irishmen. In a very busy closing two minutes or so of the second quarter Lousada first of all grabbed an equaliser Afonso Carmalho from open play and with the final play of the opening half Peter McKibbin converted a penalty corner for Lisnagarvey to send them in leading 3-2 at half-time.

In the first minute of the third quarter Andrew Williamson converted a penalty corner for Lisnagarvey which gave them a 4-2 lead. Discipline was a problem in this game. James Lorimar was yellow carded for Lisnagarvey in the 34th minute and Jonathan Lynch was green carded in the 41st minute reducing Garvey to 10 players on each occasion. But things got worse for the hosts because in the 42nd minute when Jose Marques was yellow carded and Carlos Magalhaes was green carded reducing Lousada to 9 players for 2 minutes and 10 for the remainder of Marques yellow card temporary suspension. Despite these examples of either team being outnumbered their opponents failed to capitalize on their temporary numerical advantages. It was only when both sides were restored to full strength that Lisnagarvey scored again. Matthew Nelson scored from open play in the 51st minute to increase Garvey’s lead to a 5-2 lead, Oliver Kidd added a sixth goal for Lisnagarvey in the 57th minute. The game finished 6-2 to Lisnagarvey who have a 100% record going into their next game.

LOUSADA: Andre Romariz (GK),  Carlos Almeida, Pedro Alves, Helder Goncalves, Jose Santos, Ricardo Teixeira, Ruben Teixeira, Carlos  Magalhaes, Afonso Carmalho,  Goncalo  Marques, Miguel Romariz. SUBS USED: Jose Marques (7 mins), Marco Moreira (8 mins), Rui Ribeiro (9 mins), Jose Carmalho (11 mins), Jorge Sa (11 mins), Ivo Rocha (GK) (56 mins)

LISNAGARVEY: James Milliken (GK), Ben Nelson,  Jonathan Lynch,  Mark McNelis,  Peter McKibbin, Andrew Williamson (C), Daniel Nelson, Harry Morris, Ryan Getty, Andrew Edgar, Matthew Nelson. SUBS USED: Oliver Kidd (5 mins), James Corry (6 mins)  James Lorimar (6 mins), Matthew Aughey (6 mins), MacKenzie Connor (8 mins). James Ritchie (GK) (52 mins), Matthew McKibbin (53 mins)

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Pathway Teams Report.

It has been a busy weekend for our Pathway teams. Five teams are away for the weekend. U16 Boys and Girls, U18 Boys and Girls and our U21 Men.

The U16 Girls are away in Lilleshall National Sports Centre in the UK.

The U16 Boys are away in the Walcz Olympic Sports Centre in Poland.

The U18 Girls are at the KHC in Leuven, Belgium

The U18 boys are in Wiesbaden THC in Germany

The U21 Men are in Loughborough University in the UK.

So far they have been playing some great hockey according to their managers and getting some great experience.

Scores from Friday and Saturday: 

U16 Girls results

Match 1: England 4 Ireland 0

England put on an impressive display in the opening game, notching a goal in each quarter to take a 2-0 lead into half time. Ireland struggled to get a foothold in the game, penned in by the aggressive English press. The third quarter produced Irelands best spell, combining to win a couple of corners, but to no avail. England scored two more goals in the last quarter to leave the game 4-0 at the final whistle.

Ireland were impressive in the shoot out, however, coming away with a bonus point.

Match 2: Spain 4 Ireland 1

In the second game of a busy day, Ireland took on a fresh Spanish side full of flair and ability. The first Spanish goal was deftly taken, and the second somewhat against the run of play. Half time 2-0 to Spain.

The second half was a different affair, the Irish girls finding their groove and playing their best hockey of the day. A couple of chances went begging across the far post, Hollai Quinn hit the cross bar, before Emma McEntee converted a stroke after Anna Butler was fouled in the circle. Unfortunately a lapse in concentration immediately after saw Spain win and convert a penalty corner to make it 3-1. Ireland pushed for a goal back and conceded from a Spanish counter in the last quarter to leave the final score 4-1. However, just like earlier in the day Ireland were composed and assured in the shoot out, coming away with the bonus point.

Match 3: Ireland 0 England 6

Tough 3rd match for the U16 Girls against England 6-0 loss.

Match 4: Ireland 2 Spain 4

In a thrilling encounter at the Lilleshall Stadium, Ireland’s under 16 hockey team faced off against Spain in a nail-biting match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Despite a valiant effort, Ireland ultimately fell short, losing 4-2 to a formidable Spanish side. However, amidst the disappointment, there were plenty of positives to take away from the game. From the outset, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation. Spain seized the early advantage, capitalizing on some defensive lapses to take the lead. Despite the setback, Ireland remained resilient, refusing to let their heads drop.
As the game progressed, Ireland’s persistence paid off when they earned a penalty corner, which they expertly converted to level the score. Buoyed by the equalizer, they continued to press forward, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Spain’s defense held firm, thwarting their advances and regaining the lead with a clinical finish.
Despite conceding some soft goals, Ireland refused to relent. With unwavering determination, they launched a relentless assault on the Spanish goal in the final quarter. Their efforts were rewarded when they earned another penalty corner, but unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on this occasion.
As the clock ticked down, Ireland threw everything they had into the attack, desperate to salvage a result from the game. Their persistence paid off when they finally found the breakthrough, levelling the score once again and setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the game went to a penalty shootout. Ireland, displaying nerves of steel, held their nerve to emerge victorious in the shootout, securing a morale-boosting win to cap off the tournament on a positive note.
While the final result may not have gone in their favour, Ireland’s under 16 hockey team showcased their resilience, fighting spirit, and never-say-die attitude throughout the game. Their performance against a strong Spanish side is a testament to their talent and determination, and bodes well for the future of Irish hockey.
As they reflect on their tournament journey, Ireland can take pride in their achievements and use this experience as motivation to continue striving for success on the international stage. With their promising young talent and a resilient mindset, the future looks bright for Irish hockey.

U16 Boys results

Match 1: U16B V U18B Czech Republic

Ireland under 16 boys versus Czech Under 18 Men:

The first quarter of the game saw Ireland start on the front foot, dominating possession and taking an early lead through Liam Walsh expertly slapping home from a short corner rebound.

Quarter two continued in the same vein, with Ireland enjoying the Lions share of possession, however not capitalising on several circle entries.

It was in quarter three that Ireland drove home their dominance with two excellent team goals. The first a wonderful team goal finished off by the tireless Hayden Jones. The second a sublime reverse finish from Harry Thompson.

Several more chances came and went, with the Ireland work rate causing all sort of problems for the opponents.

Each game ends with run-ins, which Ireland also won in sudden death, David Rankin converting the winner (his second of the shoot-out).

A four point haul from game one leaving head coach Ronan Hickey pleased “greater challenges lie ahead, however the boys worked very hard and have given us a good platform to build upon”, said Ronan.

 

Match 2: Ireland 0 Belgium 2

The under 16 boys took on their Belgian counterparts in their second group match, in what turned out to be a tactical battle between both coaching teams.
Two Belgium goals within the first 4 minutes left the boys with an uphill battle…and battle they did.

Oliver Graham had a short corner taken off the line with another being well saved by the keeper.

Whilst Belgium edged the first half, a change in shape and press structure caused the Belgians lots of problems, with Ireland dominating possession in Q3 and Q2. However the boys could not find the breakthrough and Belgium ran out 2-0 winners.

Once again, Ireland prevailed in the run-ins to secure the bonus point, leaving them tied at the top of the table after two games.

Next up are the Poland under 18 men, with it all still to play for.

Match 3: Ireland 2  Poland U18 0

Ireland under 16 Boys entered today’s final group game knowing that a victory against a very strong Poland under 18’s would see them through to the bronze medal play-off. Backed by absolutely incredible Irish supporters, the boys controlled the game from the outset.
Ireland took the lead through Hayden Jones who calmly controlled and fired home a short corner rebound.
As expected, the Poland side tried to respond, however were unable to penetrate the Ireland press. On the very odd occasion they did, Irelands one to one defence was outstanding. The second half saw the Ireland boys dominate territory creating some good chances. It was through one of these that the boys put the game to bed. Johnny Woods broke inside and accelerated away from a Polish defender, drew another before slipping in Sam Rothwell who deftly dinked it over the out-rushing keeper and tapped home home to spark great celebrations from the travelling support. The boys saw the game out comfortably and now face Austria under 17 for third place.
Special mention to the travelling supporters who were incredible and totally out-sung the home fans all match long!
Match 4: Ireland 1 Austria U17 2
Irelands under 16 boys took on Austria under 17 team this afternoon in the third/fourth place game. It was a tactical battle for large portions with possession shared evenly. Austria took the lead in Q3 from a short corner. Ireland immediately responded creating several good chances, however were unable to capitalise. Against the run of play, Austria scored a second in Q3 seemingly putting the game out of reach. However in true honeybadger style the under 16 boys responded incredibly, driving the Austrian team back with wave after wave of attack. Some last ditch defending saw Austria reduced to 10 men. Ireland saw their opportunity and withdrew their goalkeeper. Shortly thereafter they were awarded a penalty stroke and converted to make it 2-1. The wave of attacks continued. With minutes remaining Ireland were awarded a second penalty stroke. This time the Austrian keeper pulled off a fantastic stop. This enabled the Austrians to run down the clock and emerge as 2-1 winners. Ireland finished in 4th place in this 8 Nations tournament having faced three teams from older age categories. A notable result and credit to the players and leadership team of Ronan Hickey, Denis Pritchard, Mollie McGann, Sadhbh Murray Donoghue, Bart Shannon.

U18 Girls results

Match 1: Ireland 0 Spain 2

U18 Girls played Spain in their first match of the 2024 program. They played well unfortunately losing 0-2. Spain scored from a penalty in the 3rd Quarter and again on the final whistle.

Match 2: Ireland 0 Belgium 3

On Saturday, they met Belgium, losing 0-3, with goals 1st, 2nd and 4th quarter. They go again tomorrow at 10am against USA.

Match 3: Ireland 1 USA 4

Meabh McLoughlin with the goal.

Match 4: Ireland 0 Spain 0

U18 G drew 0-0 with Spain to close out their 4 Nations. Strong performance today with good progress made over the last 4 days

U18 Boys results

Match 1: Ireland 0 Netherlands 8

The first game of the Easter 4 Nations in Wiesbaden, Germany was a real tough game against The Netherlands. After starting well in the first quarter, a very difficult second quarter followed with a lot of wasteful passing leading to goals against. The third quarter showed signs of defensive improvement however further wasteful passing lead to goals against.
The final quarter was a marked improvement with the scoreline shared.
A tough day at the office but no doubt a real show of the standard to work towards.
Match 2: Germany 7 Ireland 0
Match 3: Scotland 3 Ireland 3

U21 Men results

Match 1: Ireland 1 England 2

U21M 2-1 loss to England – players report

We started our series against England with a tough game. They started the game well and had a lot of the ball in the first quarter, but we settled into the game and started to create some chances. We went 1-0 down in the second quarter from after one of their forwards picked up an aerial on the baseline and played it across to another one of their forwards who finished it well, and it stayed
1-0 until half time. We came out much better in the second half and started to keep the ball well and create more and more chances. We won a short corner midway through the 3rd quarter which Louis Rowe scored to make it 1-1. The game opened up then and both teams had a handful of good chances to go ahead in the rest of the third and 4th quarter. With about 5 minutes left England won a corner and converted it to make it 2-1. We couldn’t find an equaliser in the little time that was left and the game ended 2-1. We were disappointed with the result but happy enough with how we played considering it’s our first time playing together as a group since October. We are all looking forward to building on this performance and are confident we can get results in Sunday and Mondays games.

Match 2: Ireland 2 England 5

In a thrilling encounter at Loughborough University, the Ireland U21 men clashed with their English counterparts in the second game of a riveting three-game series. Push back was at noon, and from the onset, it was evident that both teams were evenly matched.
Q1 saw England draw first blood with a clinical move down the right-hand side, resulting in a well-executed pull-back and finish. However, Ireland responded swiftly, as Louis Rowe embarked on a mesmerizing solo run from the halfway line, with Adam McKee capitalizing on the rebound to level the scores.
Q2 saw Ireland seize control, dominating proceedings and earning several penalty corners, one of which was expertly converted by John Cunningham to put Ireland ahead.
Q3 witnessed a resurgence from England, as they notched up two goals to take the lead, courtesy of another incisive move down the right and a penalty corner conversion.
Q4 England continued their attacking onslaught, adding two more goals to their tally, including another penalty corner conversion and a well-worked move down the right flank, securing a hard-fought 5-2 victory.
Despite a valiant effort from Ireland, England emerged triumphant, setting the stage for an exciting finale to the series. Ireland will be eager to bounce back in tomorrow’s decisive encounter.
Match 3: Ireland 3 England 2
The match started at a really high standard with Ireland going in front with a rocket of a flick from Louis Rowe into the top right hand corner. England grew back into the game after converting a deflected corner, and then pressing with intensity to turn the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1.
The Irish boys battled hard and immediately responded with a bit of fortune from a short corner converted from Sam Maxwell. They then kicked on with an incredibly composed finish from Matthew McKee to make the score 3-2. The team showed resilience to protect the lead and came out victorious.
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European Club Hockey Competition, Loreto & Lisnagarvey Opening Game updates

Ireland’s Loreto suffer defeat to Junior FC in their opening game of ABN-AMRO EHL FINAL 8

Ireland’s Lisnagarvey in comprehensive win in their opening game of EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I POOL B 

 

LORETO 0  JUNIOR FC 5 

Thursday Mar 28: Loreto began their EHL campaign with a disappointing 5-0 defeat against Spanish Champions Junior FC. Adding to the disappointment of the result itself was the fact that had Loreto won this game and reached the semi-final; there would have been a second spot available for Irish teams in next season’s competition which expands to 12 teams.

Junior and Loreto played out a scoreless first quarter. The lead goal came from Junior in the minute 26 when Maria Granatto opened her account with a goal from open play. Caoimhe Perdue was green carded in minute 34 and Junior capitalized on their player advantage going 2-0 ahead with a first goal of the game from open play for Laura Bosch. It was 2-0 at half time.

Loreto were restored to a full 11 players early in the third quarter, but Marta Gesti added a third goal for Junior in minute 38. Laura Bosch got her second goal of the game from open play in the 44th minute to leave Junior leading by 4-0. Maria Granatto added her second goal of the game in the 53rd minute to seal a 5-0 victory. Disappointingly all the goals came from open play.

What lies ahead for Loreto is a 5-8th place game on Sunday. This will bring this particular European adventure to a close.

LORETO: Liz Murphy, Lisa Mulcahy, Siofra O’Brien, Mia Jennings (C), Grace McLoughlin, Caitlin Sherin, Yasmin Pratt, Christina Hamill, Hannah Matthews, Hannah McLoughlin, Rachel Kelly SUBS USED: Grace Donald (6 mins), Aisling Murray (6 mins), Ella Pasley (6 mins), Sarah Torrans (8 mins), Caoimhe Perdue (8 mins), Katie Dunne (10 mins), Lorna Bateman GK (56 mins)

JUNIOR FC: Jana Martinez (GK), Clara Pineda, Laura Bosch, Teresa Lima, Carlota Petchame (C), Anna Gardsjord, Julia Strappato, Anna Serrahima, Maria Granatto, Laia Vidosa, Georgina Oliva  SUBS USED: Gabriela Perez (4 mins), Marta Gesti (4 mins) Berta Serrahima (5 mins) Jessie Bele (8 mins), Mariona San Jose (8 mins), Marta Punti (49 mins), Delfina Radrizzi GK (53 mins).

 

Ireland’s Lisnagarvey in comprehensive win in opening game of EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I POOL B 

 

LISNAGARVEY 4 GRANGE 0      

Friday Mar 29: Lisnagarvey got their EuroHockey Club Trophy I Pool B campaign off to an impressive start with a comprehensive win over Scottish side Grange in Lousada, Portugal on Friday. Grange found themselves temporarily reduced to ten players when Aidan Quade was green carded and Lisnagarvey took advantage almost immediately.

Oliver Kidd got things underway with a goal from open play for the Irish side in the 10th minute. Garvey led 1-0. Captain Andrew Williamson increased their lead when he converted a penalty corner in the 20th minute. Oliver Kidd got his second goal of the game when he converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute and the Comber Road based side led 3-0 at half time. Oliver Kidd completed his hat-trick with a goal from open play in the 37th minute to leave Garvey leading by 4-0 and no way back seemingly for the Scottish side.

There was no further scoring in the third quarter and Lisnagarvey were able to see out the remainder of the match comfortably keeping a clean sheet in the process. Goal difference may prove crucial in deciding pool positions so having a goal difference of plus four this early into the competition may be of great benefit come the end of the round robin tournament.

LISNAGARVEY: James Milliken (GK),  James Lorimar, Ben Nelson, Jonathan Lynch, Mark McNelis, Peter McKibbin, Andrew Williamson (C), Daniel Nelson, Harry Morris, Ryan Getty, Matthew Nelson SUBS USED: Matthew McKibbin (4 mins), Andrew Edgar (5 mins), Oliver Kidd (6 mins) James Corry (6 MINS), MacKenzie Connor (6 mins), Matthew Aughey (6 mins)

GRANGE (SCOTLAND): David Forrester (GK),  Joseph Waterston, Clemens Rusnjak, David Nairn, Calum Wood, Ben Pearson, Dylan Bean, John McCloskey, Aidan McQuade, Cale Walsh, Robert Croll  SUBS USED: Jamie Green (3 MINS), Michael McKenzie (3 MINS), Calum Lothian (3 MINS), Livio Belotti (C),  (4 MINS), Zachary Talbot (4 MINS).

 

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European Club Hockey for Loreto and Lisnagarvey this Easter Weekend

EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I in Lousada.

Easter weekend is traditionally a quiet time for Hockey on the home front but for two of the country’s best teams it will be a busy period as both Loreto’s women and Lisnagarvey’s men represent Irish hockey at the European club level. Loreto will be in the EHL Final 8 tournament in the Netherlands while Lisnagarvey are in Portugal to take place in the EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I in Lousada.

AMRO EHL FINAL 8  in Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Loreto, the winners of the EY Champions Trophy in 2022-23 qualified for the ABN-AMRO EHL Final 8 tournament which will be held at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen just outside Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. The action gets under way on Thursday March 28th 2024. The first games are straight knockout in that the winner advances to the semi-finals of the competition and possibly a final. The loser will go into a 5th-8th  place play off on Saturday. On Monday there are the gold medal final and the bronze medal final to decide the placings 1st to 4th.  Next year the EHL will be a FINAL 12 so if Loreto manage to reach the semi-final of this year’s competition they will secure an additional spot for Ireland at the FINAL 12 in 2025.

LORETO begin their campaign against JUNIOR FC from Spain (Thursday, March 28; 12.30pm CET). If they win this they face a semi-final and of course secure that extra spot for Ireland in next year’s EHL Final 12. Hot on the heels of two trophies, the mood could not be better for Irish side Loreto ahead of their return to the Wagener Stadium after a five-year hiatus. Recently, they won both the EY Hockey League – the regular season title in Ireland – and then took the regional Jacqui Potter Cup on St Patrick’s Day in front of a bumper crowd close to their Rathfarnham home.

For Hannah Matthews, it is a special time to be part of the panel. The Olympian and World Cup silver medallist had taken a step back at the start of the 2022/23 season following her retirement from international hockey. But the itch to get involved soon came back: “I decided to take a year out but was always there if any team needed me!

“Once I played a few games, I started reflected on it and thought I don’t have too many years left in me so thought about giving it another go while the body still can!”

It saw her initially play with the second team at the club before stepping in for games toward the end of the league last season as Loreto eventually won the national title – the EY Champions Trophy.

This season, she has played a full role in a breath taking run which saw them confirmed top of the EYHL with three games to go having won their first 13 games in a row with only two dropped points out of 45.

“It has been great – I have never experienced a season  like it before but we still have it all to do. It’s just great being part of such a talented group and I am lucky to have made it into the squad to be honest.”

Indeed, they have built on their 2023 panel with another Olympian, Hannah McLoughlin, returning to the club while Irish international Caoimhe Perdue has also joined. Along with Christina Hamill, Sarah Torrans, Siofra O’Brien and Liz Murphy, there are five players who played in the 2022 World Cup in the Wagener Stadium.

Going back further, nine of the panel played here in 2019 in the EuroHockey Club Cup; Loreto ended seventh, beating Ritm Grodno 2-1 – it remains the most recent win for an Irish women’s club in the European top tier.

Prior to that, they made life difficult for Den Bosch and UHC Hamburg as Matthews – captain at the time – reflects:

“I remember Liz Murphy having an outstanding match in particular [against Den Bosch] and then getting hit myself by a drag-flick that I didn’t even see coming!

“It was a tough one but we had opportunities against UHC Hamburg and then a great win against the Belarussians. It was really tough, very hot, physically exhausting when you don’t have the ball!”

“We were so young when we went the last time and it is great to have kept such a large volume of players. We have grown since then. I am the one dragging the average age up but it is important we know each other so well.

 “We are better equipped, having so many more players this time around who have been exposed to international hockey. We feel really good, really confident and hoping to compete and do well against Junior. Everyone is buzzing.”

As for the challenge of Junior FC in the FINAL8, despite it being a first meeting, it is not a wholly unknown quantity.

Matthews only previous European encounter with Spanish opposition went to a shoot-out against Sanse Complutense in 2014; she scored the winner to earn bronze in the Trophy competition.

Internationally, Ireland and Spain tend to play numerous friendlies against each other and so that kind of dynamic will not be far from their minds.

“We are well used to playing Spanish teams and I know Gigi [Oliva] pretty well. She is going to be a huge one to keep a lid on. She changes every team she plays on towards her strengths – she will be a main target to cut out.”

And they take on the challenge knowing they will have a rowdy support-base. Early sales show Ireland among the biggest regions snapping up EHL tickets; experience tells Matthews that the Loreto crowd will make the most of the weekend.

** Every game from the EHL FINAL8 will be streamed live on www.eurohockeytv.org

EUROHOCKEY CLUB TROPHY I in Lousada Portugal.

Last season’s EYHL Men’s Division 1 runners-up Lisnagarvey’s reward for coming second in the League was a place in this tournament. Lisnagarvey are drawn in Pool B. They begin their campaign on Friday March 29 with a game against Grange from Scotland. On Saturday March 30 the second Pool B game sees Lisnagarvey take on the hosts Lousada from Portugal. And the third game on Sunday March 31 Lisnagarvey complete the round robin phase of the tournament with a morning game against OKS Vinnitsa from Ukraine.

There will be place games taking place on Sunday afternoon and Monday to decide the ultimate winners of the tournament. The format of these is the fourth-place team in Pool B plays the fourth placed team in Pool A, the third team in Pool B plays the third team in Pool A. And the last two games see the second placed Pool B team take on the second placed team in Pool A and the two pool winners play off to decide the overall winners of the tournament. These latter games will take place on Monday April 1. The winners will also be promoted to the next level of European club hockey, which next year’s representatives from that country will benefit from.

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Hockey Ireland Domestic Round Up Sunday Mar 24: Irish Senior Cup Semi Final Results

This weekend saw three of the four semi-finals take place in the Men’s and Women’s Irish Senior Cup, a competition that dates back to 1894 (Men) making it the oldest Club hockey competition in the world. The competition is an open draw format played for by the best Hockey Clubs across Ireland.

In the Men’s competition three of the four participating clubs were from Ulster and two of them gained home advantage in the draw as Banbridge hosted Cookstown while Lisnagarvey hosted Three Rock Rovers from Dublin.

In the Women’s Irish Senior Cup semi-finals, three of the four teams were from the province of Leinster. Loreto gained home advantage in the draw against Catholic Institute from Limerick and the all-Dublin semi-final between UCD and Railway Union will take place in Belfield at a later date.

 

IRISH SENIOR CUP WOMEN’S SEMI-FINAL 

 

LORETO 0 CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 1  

Catholic Institute have qualified for their third Women’s Irish Senior Cup Final in a row by beating 2024 EY Hockey League Women’s Division 1 Champions 1-0 in the first Women’s semi-final at Beaufort. Insta broke in the first minute and found Roisín Begley inside the Loreto semi-circle and she rifled the ball into the net for a goal worthy to win any hockey game. Catholic Institute and Loreto still had 69 minutes left to play so it was far from clear how this game would finish. Catholic Institute hit Loreto on the counterattack and enjoyed a fair amount of possession in the first and second quarters. Despite Loreto forcing a number of penalty corners it was still 1-0 to the Shannonsiders at half-time.  Loreto were completely dominant in the third quarter forcing at least half a dozen penalty corners and long corners, but the Catholic Institute defense marshalled by Anna Horan and the superb Emilie Ryan-Doyle was also backstopped by former Ireland International Pamela Smithwick-Hearne in goal. There was a whole team effort involved with the likes of Naomi Carroll and goal scorer Roisin Begley popping up in defensive positions to make crucial tackles and interceptions. As the game wore on the penalty corners improved from Loreto and Emilie Ryan Doyle took one effort off the line when it seemed an almost certain goal. But despite their best efforts, especially in the second half, Loreto who head to Amsterdam for the EHL on Wednesday next, could find no way through. Catholic Institute qualify for this year’s final where they will play the winners of the second semi-final between UCD and Railway Union due to be played at Belfield in the next couple of weeks.

LORETO: Liz Murphy, Lisa Mulcahy, Siofra O’Brien, Mia Jennings (C), Grace McLaughlin, Caitlin Sherin, Sarah Torrans, Grace Donald, Christina Hamill, Hannah Matthews, Rachel Kelly SUBS USED: Ashling Murray (4 mins), Hannah McLoughlin (5 mins), Ella Pasley (6 mins), Katie Dunne (7 mins), Caoimhe Perdue (8 mins)

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE: Pamela Smithwick-Hearne, Roisín Begley, Aoife Hickey, Laura Foley, Ciara Moloney, Eimear Ryan (C), Naomi Carroll, Anna Horan, Emilie Ryan-Doyle, Jennifer Clein, Michelle Barrett SUBS USED Leah Clery (4 Mins), Sarah Fitzgerald (5 mins), Aoibheann Collins (6 mins) , Seodhna Dervan (12 mins)

 

IRISH SENIOR CUP MEN’S SEMI-FINAL 

 

LISNAGARVEY 6 THREE ROCK ROVERS 1

Lisnagarvey hosted Three Rock Rovers at Comber Road in the first of the Men’s Irish Senior Cup semi-finals on Sunday. Peter McKibbin opened the scoring for Garvey in the 6th minute from a converted penalty corner. Mark Mc Nellis made it 2-0 to the hosts in the 12th minute from another converted penalty corner. Lisnagarvey were 2-0 at half-time.  Ben Johnson’s 39th converted penalty corner got Three Rock Rovers off the mark and it was a one goal game till near the end of the third quarter when Oliver Kidd scored from a penalty corner in the 50th minute and Peter McKibbin got his second of the game in the 59th minute to leave Garvey leading 5-1 going into the closing stages. Oliver Kidd got his second penalty corner of the match in the final minute to secure Lisnagarvey a place in the 2024 Irish Senior Cup Final which we now know will be an all Ulster affair.

 

BANBRIDGE 4 COOKSTOWN 0

Given the teams involved in the second of the Men’s Irish Senior Cup semi-finals at Havelock Park and the outcome of the first game, there will be an all-Ulster final between Lisnagarvey and Banbridge on Finals day. Cookstown who won the Ulster Premier Division for Men this season came into this game on a good run of form. By contrast Banbridge have struggled in recent weeks, drawing 2 and losing 1 of their last four games in the EYHL Men’s Division 1. Indeed, they were beaten 5-2 by Monkstown 24 hours earlier. However, despite all of those factors, Banbridge proved too strong for Cookstown on the day. Johnny McKee gave Banbridge the lead with a sixth minute goal from open play. Louis Rowe added a second goal in the 29th minute and Banbridge led 2-0 at half-time. Thomas Orr converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute to leave Bann 3-0 up. Matthew McKee sealed the win with a 64th minute goal from open play to secure a 4-0 victory.

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Hockey Ireland Domestic Weekend Results Round-Up: Last Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Mar 23

TUESDAY MARCH 19TH 2024

EY HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN’S DIVISION 1

INSTONIANS 0 LISNAGARVEY 9

The week’s action got underway, in the EYHL Men’s Division 1 at Shawsbridge where Instonians hosted Lisnagarvey on Tuesday. For Instonians points were desperately needed if automatic relegation was to be averted and for Lisnagarvey in second place in the table, the points were needed if Banbridge were to be denied back-to-back League titles. Oliver Kidd scored from open play in the 6th minute to give the visitors the lead. Matthew Nelson added a second in the 17th minute. Captain Andrew Williamson opened his account with a goal from open play in the 26th minute and got his second of the game, converting a penalty corner in the 31st minute and Lisnagarvey led 4-0 at half-time. Daniel Nelson got his first of the game for Lisnagarvey in the 38th minute to further increase their lead. Matthew Nelson got his second of the game in the 59th minute to make the score 6-0 to Garvey. Daniel Nelson grabbed his second of the game in the 60th minute to make it 7-0 and Matthew Nelson completed his hat-trick for 8-0 in the 64th minute. Anything Matthew Nelson can do Daniel can match and he completed his hat-trick in the final minute converting a penalty corner to leave Lisnagarvey 9-0 winners.

 

THURSDAY MACH 21 2024

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 2 POOL B

UCC 3 UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY 0

This game took place on Thursday night at The Mardyke. The first quarter was scoreless. UCC took the lead in the 29th minute when Jenny McLaughlin converted a penalty corner. Just on the stroke of half-time Julia McCarthy increased their lead when she converted a 35th minute Penalty corner and UCC led 2-0 at the break. The all-University clash was finally decided in favour of the Munster home team when Nikki Barry scored from open play to secure a 3-0 win.

 

SATURDAY MARCH 23 2024

MUCKROSS 0 ARDS 0 

Recently crowned Leinster Division 1 champions Muckross and Ulster Women’s Premier League side Ards played out a scoreless draw in Donnybrook in the EYHL Women’s Division 2 Pool B.

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 1

GLENANNE 2 YMCA 0  

Glenanne beat YMCA at St. Andrew’s College in the EYHL Men’s Division 1 on Saturday. Brad Venter put the home side 1-0 ahead in the 15th minute. Fergal Keaveney made it 2-0 to Glenanne in the 43rd minute to secure the 2-0 win.

 

THREE ROCK ROVERS 2 LISNAGARVEY 1

Ryan Spencer put the hosts 1-0 ahead in the 9th minute with a goal from open play. Captain Harry McMahon increased their lead in the 49th minute when he converted a penalty corner. Andrew Williamson put Lisnagarvey on the scoresheet when he converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute in a game which finished with Three Rock Rovers winning 2-1.

 

MONKSTOWN 5 BANBRIDGE 2

EYHL Men’s Division 1 League leaders Banbridge crashed 2-5 to Monkstown at Rathdown school. Jeremy Duncan scored after 4 minutes and again after 16 minutes to leave Monkstown 2-0 ahead. Johnny McKee responded to put Banbridge on the scoresheet in the 21st minute from open play. Stephen Cole put Monkstown 3-1 up when he scored his first goal of the game in the 27th minute. David Vincent made it 4-1 with his 49th minute goal for Monkstown. Johnny McKee converted a penalty stroke for Banbridge to make it 4-2 in the 52nd minute and Stephen Cole’s penalty corner for Monkstown in the 63rd minute left the final score Monkstown 5 Banbridge 2.

 

INSTONIANS 2 CORINTHIANS 3

A five goal thriller at Shawsbridge where bottom of the table Instonians hosted Corinthians from Dublin. Ian Stewart put the visitors 1-0 up after 5 minutes . In the 12th minute Max Neill converted a penalty corner to leave the visitors 2-0 up. Matthew McCord converted a penalty corner for Instonians to make the score 2-1 in the 30th minute. Max Cantwell added a third goal for the visitors in the 37th minute to leave Corinthians 3-1 ahead. Philip Hamill’s 64th minute penalty corner goal for Instonians made the final score Instonians 2 Corinthians 3.

 

UCD 1 ANNADALE 2

UCD took on Annadale in a relegation six pointer. Anything less than a win could see UCD relying on other results to go there way over the next three games to avoid facing automatic relegation alongside the already doomed Instonians whose Midweek defeat to Lisnagarvey after a run of two positive results has effectively relegated them. UCD in 9th need points to leapfrog Annadale and a game against their 8th placed opponents perhaps their best chance of a potential win. A closely fought first quarter couldn’t break the stalemate. David Tremlett converted a penalty corner to give Annadale the lead in the 30th minute. UCD created numerous chances and were awarded several penalty corners they could not convert being unable to find their way past the Annadale defence and goalkeeper until the 67th minute when Benjamin Stewart converted a penalty corner and looked to have secured a point at 1-1. However Annadale had other ideas and Adam McAllister scored in the 69th minute to snatch a win for Annadale by 2-1.

 

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 1

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 2 OLD ALEXANDRA 1

Catholic Institute came back from being 0-1 down at Rosbrien , scoring twice in the fourth quarter to secure a win in the EYHL Women’s Division 1. The first half was scoreless and the scoreline was 0-0 until the 43rd minute. The visitors were awarded a penalty corner which was converted by Robyn Hetherington. Old Alex were leading 1-0 at the end of the third quarter. Leah Clery led the comeback for Catholic Institute scoring after only 57 minutes. Naomi Carroll completed the turnaround for the hosts scoring what proved to be the winning goal in the 63rd minute to secure the points on a 2-1 scoreline.

 

CORINTHIANS 0 MONKSTOWN 1

Monkstown’s bid to avoid relegation got a boost today when they collected all three points from their visit to St. Columba’s College.  A scoreless first half meant it was still 0-0 at half-time. The match was decided by the only goal of the game for Monkstown,  Chloe Watkins scoring from open play in the 41st minute securing all three points on offer. Rivals Pegasus loss to UCD was more good news for the Sky Blues.

 

PEGASUS 2 UCD 3

Pegasus took on UCD at Queens University in this EYHL Women’s Division game. The first quarter was scoreless and when the first goal of the game arrived it came for Pegasus in the 20th minute Zara Malseed scoring from open play. Sarah McAuley equalised for UCD in the 29th minute. UCD captain Emma Paul gave the visitors the lead when she converted a penalty corner in the 32nd minute and UCD were 2-1 ahead at half-time.  Sarah McAuley increased the lead for UCD from a converted penalty corner in the 45th minute to leave UCD 3-1 up at the end of the third quarter. Pegasus got a second goal in the fourth quarter from Sophie McDowell in the 63rd minute but it proved to be a consolation goal as UCD ended the game winning 3-2.

 

PEMBROKE WANDERERS 1 LORETO 1

EYHL Women’s Division 1 champions for 2023-24 Loreto travelled to Serpentine Avenue to take on Pembroke. The hosts took the lead in the 30th minute. Amy Kate Trevor converting a penalty corner to put Pembroke 1-0 ahead. Loreto whose defeat in the equivalent fixture last season cost them the League 12 months ago responded and gained a share of the spoils thanks to Yasmin Pratt’s goal from open play in the 49th minute.

 

ULSTER ELKS 0 RAILWAY UNION 5

Lily Lloyd grabbed  a goal for Railway Union from open play in the 6th minute. Sarah Hawkshaw added a second in the 19th minute. Railway Union led 2-0 at half-time. Emma Smyth opened her account in the 50th minute to make it 3-0. Niamh Carey made it 4-0 in the 58th minute and Emma Smyth added a fifth in the 62nd minute the game finished Ulster Elks 0 Railway Union 5. Railway look set to finish second in the EYHL Women’s Division 1 this season following this win.

EYHL WOMEN’S DIVISION 2 POOL A 

KILKENNY 0 AVOCA 3

Avoca travelled to Kilkenny College in need of a win. The first half was scoreless. Early in the third quarter things began to change. Avoca took the lead through a converted penalty corner by Molly Cole in the 38th minute.  Zoe Watterson’s goa,l from open play in the 40th minute increased their advantage to 2-0. Aisling Cullen scored from open play in the 53rd minute ensured the win for Avoca by 3-0 and maximum points for the Dubliners.

 

CORK HARLEQUINS  6 GREENFIELDS 0 

Greenfield had a chastening visit to Farmer’s Cross on Saturday. Michelle Barry opened the scoring in the 27th minute 1-0 to Harlequins. Joy Sampson added a second in the 28th minute 2-0 to Harlequins. Cliodhna Sargent added a third in the 30th minute. They led 3-0 at half time. Michelle Barry got her second of the game to make it 4-0 in the 40th minute. Cliodhna Sargent added a fifth in the 49th minute and a 70th minute goal from Alex Dale left the final score Harlequins 6 Greenfields 0.

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 2 POOL A

PEMBROKE WANDERERS 3 BANGOR 3

Ryan Burgess gave Bangor the lead at Serpentine Avenue in. the 6th minute when he converted a penalty corner. Bangor led 1-0 at half time. James Holley increased the visitors’ lead with a goal from open play in the 43rd minute. 2-0 to Bangor. Pembroke got off the mark through a penalty corner converted by Ross Breytenbach in the  52nd minute. Cian Murphy scored a goal from open play in the 54th minute to make it 2-2 . Jack Flanagan gave Pembroke Wanderers a 3-2 lead in the 63rd minute. But just as it seemed Pembroke would hold out for the win, Bangor responded with a final minute goal by Ryan Burgess from a converted penalty corner to leave the final score 3-3.

 

AVOCA 5 BANDON 0

Details to follow, shortly.

 

EYHL MEN’S DIVISION 2 POOL B

CORK HARLEQUINS 3 CHURCH OF IRELAND 4

A seven-goal thriller at Garryduff. Julian Dale gave Harlequins the lead in the 14th minute converting a penalty corner 1-0 to Harlequins. Church of Ireland equalised through Gearoid Cashman in the 22nd minute.   It was 1-1 at half-time. Sam Dale gave Harlequins a 2-1 lead in the 45th minute when he converted a penalty corner. Julian Dale got his second goal of the game when he scored in the 57th minute to make it 3-1 to the hosts. Jamie Horgan responded for C of I in the 59th minute to make it 3-2 and then two goals from Jonathan Bruton in the 64th minute from a penalty corner and in the final minute from open play secured the win for the visitors. The game finished Cork Harlequins 3 Cork Church of Ireland 4.

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The Royal School Armagh crowned Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Champions

Friday, Mar 22: The second and final day of the Kate Russell All Ireland Senior Schoolgirls’ Championships took place in Armagh today with the hosts The Royal School of Armagh in poll position after Day 1, St. Angela’s in second place and Wesley College in third. Each of the five participating teams had two more round robin games to play before the final positions were decided and the Champions, second and third place prizes awarded.

 

DAY 2/ GAME 1: COLAISTE IOGNAID 0  WESLEY COLLEGE 6

Colaiste Iognaid, the Connacht provincial representatives, had been on the receiving end of a couple of hidings on Day 1 and went into this game with the defending champions determined that this trend would not continue. The first quarter was scoreless. Milla Fulton gave Wesley College the lead and exerted enormous pressure during the latter end of the second quarter. Half time score was Colaiste Iognaid 0 Wesley College 1. Galway’s Colaiste Iognaid defended their goal tenaciously and ensured that when the half time hooter blew they were only a goal behind. Colaiste Iognaid forced their first penalty corner in the third quarter as an indication of their improved performance in this particular match. Milla Fulton was yellow carded as was Sarah Ruttle so at one stage Wesley College were down to 9 players in the third quarter but Colaiste were unable to turn their numerical advantage into a goal. It remained 0-1 to Wesley at the end of the third quarter. One of Wesley’s most impressive performers was Annabel Squires, who is also an Under 19 cricket international player for Ireland. Wesley’s first penalty corner of the fourth quarter went wide. A second penalty corner saw Milla Fulton force a save from Iognaid keeper Emily Fitzgerald, but  Evelyn Quick reacted quickest to the rebound for Wesley almost within a minute to make it Colaiste Iognaid 0 Wesley 2. A third penalty corner for Wesley College resulted in the Dublin school being awarded a penalty stroke and Milla Fulton got her second of the game, when she made no mistake to leave Wesley College 3-0 ahead. Sarah Ruttle made it 4-0 for Wesley a minute later. Annabel Squires teed up Stewart who found Milla Fulton in space and she completed her hat-trick to make it 5-0. Culbert  found Sarah Ruttle made it 6-0 to Wesley just before the end.

 

DAY 2/ GAME 2: THE ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH 1  KILKENNY COLLEGE 0 

Hosts Royal School went into their third game of the tournament top of the table with a 100% record. Looking to add to their points total, Grace McCool scored for Royal School in the first quarter. And they enjoyed a period of ascendancy in that first quarter which ended with Royal School 1-0 ahead. Kilkenny College managed to keep Daisy Nicholson of Royal School off the scoresheet after her hat-trick exploits on Day 1 against Colaiste Iognaid. But this was a close and tightly fought game and remained so till the final hooter. In the second quarter, Kilkenny enjoyed more possession but were unable to carve out the equaliser needed. They had created numerous chances which produced a fair share of penalty corners that they were unable to convert. It was still 1-0 at half time. In the third quarter Kilkenny forced a penalty corner their fifth of the game but their captain Amy Handcock was unable to make it count. Play went from end to end during this quarter and Royal School Armagh goalkeeper Vicky Cupples had to be sharp to deny Kilkenny an equaliser in the closing stages of the third quarter. A succession of penalty corners for Kilkenny were repelled by an Armagh defense marshalled staunchly by goalkeeper Vicky Cupples and Joanie Cunningham.  Armagh then proceeded to take the initiative and forced a few penalty corners of their own but their was no further scoring. Lily Grace of Kilkenny College was chosen player of the match which ended Royal School Armagh 1 Kilkenny College 0.

 

AFTER MORNING  ROUNDS

 

TEAMS P W D L F A GD PTS
THE ROYAL SCHOOL 3 3 0 0 10 1 9 9
WESLEY COLLEGE 3 1 1 1 7 3 4 4
ST ANGELAS COLLEGE 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
KILKENNY COLLEGE 3 1 0 2 5 2 3 3
COLAISTE IGNAID 3 0 0 3 2 19 -16 0

 

DAY 2/ GAME 3: COLAISTE IOGNAID 0  ST. ANGELA’S 2

St. Angela’s took the lead through Aine Power from a converted penalty corner in the first quarter. They added a second in the second quarter when St. Angela’s were awarded a penalty stroke. Aine Power converted with aplomb to register her second goal of the game.  It was Colaiste Iognaid 0 St. Angela’s 2 at half-time. Colaiste Iognaid had a penalty corner near the end of the third quarter, but they didn’t score. Aine Power and Beth Ann O’Farrell combined but could find no way past the Colaiste Iognaid defense early in the fourth quarter from another penalty corner. St. Angela’s finished strongly, forcing a couple of penalty corners late on, but they did enough to finish the game, winning 2-0 and remaining unbeaten going into their final pool match with Royal School Armagh who had 3 wins from 3 and 9 points. St. Angela’s having drawn one of their three matches to this point now need to beat Royal School Armagh in that match to win the Championship. St. Angela’s Aine Power was selected player of the match by the commentary team.

 

DAY 2/ GAME 4: WESLEY COLLEGE 3  KILKENNY COLLEGE 2

Two teams whose championship aspirations were over managed to produce the most entertaining game of the tournament so far. Wesley College took the lead with a goal through Imogen Stanley to put themselves 1-0 ahead. Kilkenny College got back on terms with a goal from Sara Sheehan to make it 1-1. Milla Fulton restored Wesley Colleges lead. It was 2-1 to Wesley at the end of the first quarter. Amy Handcock equalised for Kilkenny College with a converted penalty corner early in the second quarter to make the score 2-2. Kilkenny had a number of chances to take the lead during this quarter but did not convert them and it remained 2-2 at half-time. Wesley College goalkeeper Lucy Bond was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the third quarter but it remained 2-2 heading into the final quarter. In the closing moments of the game Milla Fulton sent it in and the Kilkenny College keeper played it and it fell to Laura Heaney to make it 3-2 to Wesley College. That was how it was when the final hooter blew. Amy Handcock of Kilkenny College was chosen as player of the match by the commentary team.

 

DAY 2/ GAME 5: THE ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH 2  ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE  2 

First played second in the final match of the Kate Russell All Ireland Senior Girls Hockey Championship in Armagh. Schools Champions of Ulster versus Schools Champions of Munster to decide the outcome. Both teams went into this game undefeated. After some end to end play early on Royal School Armagh took the lead through a goal from Grace McCool in the first quarter. 1-0 to Royal School Armagh, in a march that St. Angela’s needed to win to secure the championship. A draw would do the hosts to secure the title.

It was still 1-0 to Royal School at the end of quarter one. St. Angela’s started the second quarter strongly and  Nicole Clarke equalised from a converted penalty corner for them early in the second quarter.

Royal School responded when Hanna Redmond got a goal somewhat against the run of play to leave Royal School leading 2-1 at half-time. St. Angela’s got a penalty corner at the start of the third quarter Emma Naughton converting to make it 2-2. It was 2-2 at the end of the third quarter.  Royal School Armagh were awarded a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter. From this penalty corner they were awarded a penalty stroke. Up stepped Joanie Cunningham, and she hit the post, what a let off for St. Angela’s College, and the score stayed at 2-2.  This was the first penalty stroke missed of the entire tournament.  Daisy Nicholson went on a solo run and looked certain to score for Royal School Armagh but she missed the target but they won a penalty corner with their next effort. Royal Armagh’s penalty corner didn’t produce a goal and

St. Angela’s won possession back with two minutes to go. But Royal School Armagh held out for the draw they needed to win the championship for the 5th time. Royal School Armagh’s Rianna Gillespie was selected as player of the match by the commentary team on the livestream. Ellie Stephenson of Royal School Armagh was voted Player of the Tournament.

 

 

TEAMS P W D L F A GD PTS
THE ROYAL SCHOOL 4 3 1 0 12 3 9 10
ST ANGELAS COLLEGE 4 2 2 0 6 3 3 8
WESLEY COLLEGE 4 2 1 1 10 5 5 7
KILKENNY COLLEGE 4 1 0 3 7 5 2 3
COLAISTE IGNAID 4 0 0 4 2 20 -18 0

 

DAY 2 RESULTS

COLAISTE IOGNAID 0-6  WESLEY COLLEGE

THE ROYAL SCHOOL 1-0 KILKENNY COLLEGE

COLAISTE IOGNAID  0-2 ST. ANGELA’S

WESLEY COLLEGE 3-2 KILKENNY COLLEGE

THE ROYAL SCHOOL 2-2  ST. ANGELA’S.

 

We spoke to Royal School Armagh head coach Greg Thompson after their Championship win:

“It was a very competitive tournament from start to finish. St. Angela’s pushed us all the way I am very glad we held out in the end. Going into today we had done the double-double (Ulster Schools League and Cup in 2023 and 2024). We have lots of experience in the squad about 9-10 have represented Ulster at this stage and some of those have gone on to represent Ireland at underage level. We will lose 5 of this squad at the end of this year, they are doing A Levels and will head off to University. The Firsts have done the treble, the seconds and thirds have won their Cups and the Under 14s have won their competitions as well. The girls across the school are hardworking and committed. We only opened the new pitch in September to be standing here and looking at the girls celebrating it’s all come together very well. We’d like to thank all the parents, the sponsors and everyone who helped us to host the tournament.” 

 

 

 

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The Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls Championships underway, Day 1 Results.

Thursday, Mar 21: Kate Russell was one of the most influential figures in the history of the Irish Ladies’ Hockey Union (ILHU). The inaugural Kate Russell All Ireland Schoolgirls’ Championships took place in 1980 to honour her memory and legacy.

The schools participating in the 2024 two-day tournament are Wesley College, St. Angela’s , Kilkenny College, Colaiste Ignaid and The Royal School Armagh, with all games taking place at The Royal School.

Day 1 today and the hosts got things underway taking on Colaiste Ignaid and it ended in a 7-1 win for Royal School Armagh.

In the second game St. Angela’s College took on Kilkenny College and St. Angela’s won this game 1-0.

The third game of the day was between Wesley College and Royal School Armagh; this would be Wesley’s first game of the tournament and the second for the hosts. The Royal School Armagh won this game 2-0.

The fourth game was between Kilkenny College and Colaiste Ignaid and Kilkenny bounded back from their earlier defeat to win 5-1.

In the fifth game of the day Wesley College took on St. Angela’s  this game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Day 2 and final day takes place tomorrow March 22, with fixtures commencing 9.30am. All games are available to view for free on hockey Ireland TV.

 

RESULTS 

ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH 7-1 COLAISTE IGNAID

KILKENNY COLLEGE 0 -1 ST. ANGELA’S COLLEGE

WESLEY COLLEGE 0 – 2 ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH

KILKENNY COLLEGE 5-1 COLAISTE IGNAID

WESLEY COLLEGE 1- 1 ST. ANGELA’S.

 

TEAMS  P W D L F A GD PTS
THE ROYAL SCHOOL 2 2 0 0 9 1 8 6
ST.ANGELA’S COLLEGE 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
KILKENNY COLLEGE 2 1 0 1 5 1 4 3
WESLEY COLLEGE 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1
COLAISTE IGNAID 2 0 0 2 2 12 -10 0

 

To view the Livestream, click HERE

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