Round 9 of the EY Hockey League kicks off this weekend. All fixtures can be seen below.
Catholic Institute v Monkstown will be streamed on Hockey Ireland’s YouTube page here.
EYHL 1 – Round 9 – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January
MEN
– Banbridge v Glenanne – 14:45 – Havelock Park
– TRR v Lisnagarvey – 15:00 – Grange Road
– Monkstown v Cookstown – 16:00 – Rathdown
– Instonians v YMCA – 16:00 – Shawsbridge
– Pembroke Wanderers v Annadale – 16:00 – Serpentine Avenue
WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v Railway –12:45- Deramore Park
– Catholic Institute v Monkstown- 14:30- Rosbrien
– Ards v Old Alex – 14:30 – Londonderry Park
– UCD v Peagsus – 14:50 – Belfield
Irish Senior Cup – Fixtures
Thursday 19th January
MEN
– Glenanne v Lisnagarvey – 20:20 – Loreto (Refix)
Irish Hockey Challenge – Fixtures
Wednesday 18th January
MEN
– Saintfield v Portrush – 20:00 – Saintfield (Refix)
Saturday 21st January
WOMEN
– Kilkeel v University of Galway – 15:00 – Kilkeel
– Cork Wanderers v Skerries – 16:00 – Ursuline School
Irish Hockey Trophy – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January
MEN
– Rathgar v Kilkenny – 12:45 – Rathgar
Irish Junior Cup – Fixtures
Saturday 21st January
MEN
– Mossley v Cookstown – 12:45 – Mossley
– Lisnagarvey v Glenanne – 15:00 – Comber Road
Instonians v Clontarf – 17:30 – Shawbridge
WOMEN
– Belfast Harlequins v UCD – 14:30 – Deramore Park
Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial FinalMunster 1-1 Ulster (Munster win shootout 3-2)Munster took the Uniphar Under 18 Girls Interprovincial title coming from behind to equalise with the final play of the game and then beat Ulster in a shootout. The northern province looked to have done enough when Sophie Kidd gave them the lead with only eight minutes remaining but with time expired Sarah Fitzgerald’s effort from a penalty corner found the back of the Ulster net. “To be honest we were very happy and positive with the way we were playing and we had a number of corners we didn’t convert so to put the last one away, I think we felt we deserved at least one,” said Munster coach Yvonne O’Bryne afterwards. The former Irish international knows a thing or two about winning and losing shootouts. She was a member of the 2018 World Cup squad who reached the final after beating India and Spain on the way after penalty shuttles and she had a special mention for match winner O’Farrell. “She actually missed one in midweek in the Schools Cup and St Angela’s went out so she had a point to prove to herself and everyone else and I’d always put my house on her to score.” When the two sides met in November, Ulster had won 3-2 so the final was expected to be tight but the direct style of play from both teams led to an entertaining opening to the game. The strong running of O’Farrell and Fitzgerald was causing Ulster’s defence problems while Eva Gaston, a product of Dalriada, the same school as Ireland senior captain Katie Mullan, was controlling midfield and linking well for Ulster with forwards Kidd and Gabriella Scott. Attacking endeavour, however, was countered by robust defending from both sides. The best opportunity of the first half fell to Ulster. After winning the ball in midfield, Gaston’s pass found Kidd and the Ards forward stepped into a reverse stick shot that caused Faye Luby to make a great save. From the resulting penalty corner the Catholic Institute goalkeeper stuck out a right boot to deny Alex Byrne’s goal bound effort. With the last play of the half, O’Farrell forced another penalty corner for Munster but Fitzgerald’s reverse stick shot was wide of the mark. Aine Power was becoming more of a factor with her stick handling ability cutting in from the right wing and she set Cork Harlequins team mate O’Farrell up for a shooting chance that went wide. Ulster began the final quarter strongly and turned their pressure into the opening goal with eight minutes left in the game. Gaston found Scott and after her powerful run into the circle, she picked out Kidd and her effort looped up and over the sprawling Lucy Nixon, now in goal for Munster. Nixon then stopped Kidd doubling Ulster’s advantage from a penalty corner and it proved crucial. As time expired Munster won a penalty corner and with the final play of the game, they slipped the ball to Fitzgerald and her shot took a couple of deflections but found it’s way into the goal to equalise. It was on to a shootout and two saves from Aoife Doyle and conversions for Gaston and Kidd had Ulster ahead 2-1 after three shuttles but Campbell scored for Munster and Nixon produced a vital stop setting the stage for O’Farrell to score. When Edwards missed it was Munster who celebrated a victory at the end of an entertaining game. O’Byrne added, “I think it’s fairly exciting for Irish hockey. The level of skill and technical ability at under-18 level is so much higher than when I was coming through. The game is getting faster and being played at a higher level which is great to see.” Her opposite number, Ulster’s Suzanne Evans agreed, “It was a great game of hockey and we are disappointed but I hope there will be some big opportunities moving forward for these girls. This is an important age group with decisions being made about their futures but I hope they keep hockey as a priority and that their game progresses at club and maybe international level as well.” |
Congratulations to Christine Coulter Reilly, Gary O’Connor, Sarah Craig and Oli Brown who have all been accepted onto the European Umpire Development Programmes.
Christine and Gary will join the EuroHockey Umpires for Europe (U4E) programme. This focuses on improving the performance of umpires who are at an advanced stage of development and have shown the potential to become international umpires. Meanwhile, Sarah and Oli will have the opportunity to learn skills to progress in their national leagues via the EuroHockey Umpires for Nations (U4N) programme.
Many thanks to Sport Ireland’s support of our Umpire Academy, via the Women in Sport Programme, where Sarah and Christine started out on their national and international pathway.
For Funeral times see https://www.funeraltimes.com/ronald-william-ronniesmyth-bem375159028
RONNIE SMYTH BEM
It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of ANNADALE President, Hockey Ireland Honorary Member and dear friend Ronnie.
Ronnie’s zest for hockey was limitless. He pursued his passion and love for his Club with the intensity of a perfectionist, always striving to improve the character, sportsmanship, performance and enjoyment of the players.
Ronnie cared deeply about all those around him whilst asking little in return. He had a unique mix of generosity with his time, supreme coaching and management skills, humour, and directness but always patient with an instinctive understanding of players of all abilities. A combination of talents from which his Club, Ulster and Ireland benefitted greatly.
Ronnie’s coaching talents were recognised with appointments as Ulster Senior Coach and coach of Ireland at U16, U18 and U21 levels. In addition to achieving the top Irish coaching levels Ronnie also gained the prestigious FIH badge which is the most senior coaching accolade in World Hockey.
Hockey Ireland recognised Ronnie’s immense contribution to the Sport by awarding Ronnie with Honorary Life Membership. This was followed by Her Majesty The Queen awarding a well-deserved British Empire Medal to Ronnie in 2022.
In paying tribute to Ronnie we cannot overlook the loves of his life in wife Liz, sons Andrew and David and daughter Alison to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ronnie Smyth – an inspiration to us all.
In November, Sport Ireland opened the application process for €35 million of funding in response to the rising energy costs crisis. The purpose of the funding, secured as part of Budget 2023, was to support National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport throughout the winter period.
Hockey Ireland subsequently engaged all our Clubs with the application process, and we are pleased to announce that thirty (30) successful Clubs have met the eligibility criteria. These eligible Clubs will be contacted in the coming days with details of how they can draw down the allocated funding.
We would like to thank Sport Ireland and the Government for this vital support mechanism on behalf of all our Clubs.
Any questions on the funding can be submitted to info@hockey.ie
Sport Ireland has announced an increased general spending package of €5.5m in Dormant Accounts Funding for a wide range of sport and physical activity areas, including Diversity, Inclusion & Equality Fund activities and Disability Sports measures.
The funding will impact communities across Ireland through the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their affiliated Clubs, as well as the extensive network of funded bodies and Local Sports Partnerships.
The investment builds on Sport Ireland’s work in this area to date and aims to expand and enhance the delivery of the Government’s ‘Sport for All’ initiatives along with Sport Ireland’s Diversity & Inclusion, Disability and Women in Sport Policies.
This funding will support Hockey Ireland with the following specific programmes in 2023:
- Young Hockey Leaders and Young Umpire Award
- Outreach for refugees and asylum seekers
- Research aiming to engage female teens (aged 12-15) with hockey in harder to reach areas without hockey facilities.
Twenty-one (21) Hockey Clubs have also been awarded funding via the Disability Sports Fund as outlined in the following document: Dormant Account Funding.
After going in front twice, Ireland lost to Japan by the odd goal in five to finish in fourth position at the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup this afternoon. Sean Dancer’s young side played an attractive brand of hockey all week, going toe-to-toe with some of the best sides in the world, but Japan’s cutting edge in front of goal made the difference in the end.
Despite a goalless first half, this bronze medal match was anything but cagey. Japan put pressure on the Ireland defence in the outlet, winning plenty of ball in their attacking half but tending to waste possession. Ireland, by contrast, looked dangerous on the counter, Carey twins Michelle and Niamh particularly dangerous using their speed and skill on the wings.
The third quarter was one for the neutral, four goals being scored as Ireland went in front twice, only for Japan to come back almost immediately on both occasions.
The Japan defence proved difficult to break down, so it was always going to take some magic to break the deadlock, and it was captain Katie Mullan who, with the deftest of touches, found a way through five minutes into the second half. Sarah McAuley hit a hopeful cross from the left side. Her bouncing ball went goalward and Mullan glanced the ball past her defender, slightly changing the line of the ball and wrongfooting the Japan goalkeeper.
The umpire referred to the video umpire, asking for confirmation that it did touch an Ireland stick. There was no advice possible and so the decision went with the on-field umpire – the goal stood and Ireland went one in front. Japan won their first penalty corner four minutes later, however, and though the initial shot was saved by Liz Murphy in goal, it fell kindly to the unmarked Mai Toriyama who didn’t need a second invitation to bring her side level.
The scores didn’t remain level for long, though, as Ireland went straight back down the pitch to win their first corner of the game, and an incredible team passing move saw Niamh Carey tap in a brilliantly executed routine to give Ireland the lead again in the 40th minute.
But not even a minute later, Ireland conceded yet another corner, and Japan showed their own precision with a roofed backhand deflection to draw level again.
In the end, it was, perhaps, indiscipline that cost Ireland, two green cards in the final quarter giving Japan the edge for four minutes of the toughest part of the game. With under five minutes to go, a beautifully struck ball from the right bounced through to a Japan player on the post who, under pressure from her defender, put the ball across goal in the air, and Japan captain Yuri Nagai tapped a difficult chance in to give her team the deciding goal.
Ireland withdrew their goalkeeper to play with 11 outfield for the last four minutes of the match, and the girls in green pushed hard for an equaliser with chances for Zara Malseed and Naomi Carroll, as well as a couple of penalty corners, but the Japan defence stood strong to hold out for the bronze medal.
Coach Sean Dancer is pleased with his team’s progress, if not today’s result. “Obviously we’re very disappointed not to get the third place today,” he admitted. “We felt we played some really good hockey over the last few days and we were up for the game today but credit to Japan, they were pretty good and they took their opportunities. So, we’re disappointed with today but overall, really pleased with what we’re doing.”
He is full of praise for the new tournament for nations just outside the top level. “I think Nations Cup is a great innovation by the FIH,” he said. “It allows teams just outside the top 10, like us, to play some quality games and it’s really important for us to play these games under pressure.
“Next year is a really big year for us. It’s all about preparation for Olympic qualifying and that’s going to be the next step. We need to go home from here, have a break, review the things that worked well and work really hard on those little details to get to the next step,” he finished.
Captain Katie Mullan can already see the bigger picture. “It’s been a fantastic week in terms of learning for this group,” she asserts. “We have come away finished higher than our ranking based off the teams that are here. We are disappointed today not to come away with the bronze medal, and we were disappointed not to get more out of the semi-final, but we are putting it up to some of the best teams in the world – India [whom Ireland lost to in a penalty shootout] finished third in the Pro League last year which tells you a lot about where we are right now. We have some clear things to work on now going into 2023, but I think when we reflect, we can take a lot of positives from the tournament, especially with such a young group that’s coming together really well and I think the fact that we’re disappointed says a lot about the group as well.”
As always, Ireland’s supporters have added to the players’ experience. “We’ve had some fantastic support over here in Valencia but also from home in Ireland,” said Mullan. “So just on a personal note, we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has continued to support us on our journey. Huge thanks have to go to Park Developments, Softco and Sport Ireland for their continued support as well.
“We have a big year coming up next year and we just want to continue to drive on and inspire the next generation of kids. Playing three major tournaments this year was a really tough ask after losing so many players to retirement but we’ve filled the gap exceptionally, and special mention to our staff and the commitment that they’ve shown in guiding us to be better,” she added.
At the award ceremony in Valencia Ireland picked up two trophies. Best Junior Player: Sarah Mcauley (IRL) and Hero Top Scorer: Katie Mullan (IRL).
Sean Dancer’s Ireland lost by the finest of margins in a classic against India in their semi-final of the Women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup. After 60 minutes of nail-biting drama, it took a penalty shootout to separate the two sides and decide who would go into the gold medal match against Spain.
The girls in green defended for much of the match but were impressive in attack, causing the Indian defence plenty of problems. Charlotte Beggs and Sarah Hawkshaw marshalled the midfield well, with Hannah McLoughlin and Sarah McAuley creative out of defence. Indeed, it was underdogs Ireland who went in front through a sublime Naomi Carroll shot in the closing stages of the first quarter. Captain Katie Mullan had made a gut-busting run down the right sideline before a diving pass found Carroll, who used her first touch to lift the ball over her defender’s stick. She then dribbled the ball in the air into the attacking circle and hit sweetly off her right foot in between the goalkeeper’s legs to put Ireland a goal in front.
India won 12 penalty corners in the match, four of them in the first half, but Liz Murphy was in electric form between the posts and kept the Indian threat at bay. In fact, it was Ireland who looked like they had scored the second goal of the match when Christina Hamill found Siofra O’Brien, who crossed on the reverse for Carroll. The ball found its way into the goal off a combination of Carroll and her defender, but India referred and the video umpire adjudged that O’Brien had used the back of her stick and so the goal was disallowed.
It was a reprieve for India who went in at half-time looking dejected, unsure of how they would unlock the Ireland defence.
As they so often do, Ireland began the second half brightly – a reverse shot from Mullan that was touched over by Carroll the best chance of the quarter for the girls in green. But then India piled on sustained pressure, winning no less than seven corners in the third quarter, and the pressure finally told. The 11th Indian attacking penalty corner was one too many for the Irish defence as Udita swept a bobbly shot into the bottom left corner, and it was India who went in at the last break the happier of the two sides.
Both teams showed supreme fitness in the final quarter as the tempo of the game never let up. India will feel they had the chances to put Ireland away as they were handed some golden opportunities by Ireland defenders, but Murphy’s incredible performance continued as she pulled off save after save to keep the scores level.
With just a minute left in the game, India reviewed for a penalty corner, and it was awarded by the video referee. Once again, it was Mullan in the big moment, and she ran down the shot, getting a touch on the swept shot to deflect onto an Indian foot.
Neither team was willing to give away too much in that final minute, and the game went to a penalty shootout. The last time these teams met in a shootout was the 2018 World Cup when Ireland won 3-1 to go into the semi-final of that competition. But India goalkeeper, Savita, has a reputation in shootouts that will only grow after today.
Both keepers made saves, Savita impressively saving a stroke when she had fouled Ellen Curran during her shuttle, but it came down to the last shuttle with India 2-1 in front and Katie Mullan had the chance to make the scores level. Savita, though, stood tall as Mullan dummied a shot, and when the Ireland captain shot wide on her reverse, it was ecstasy for India and heartbreak for Ireland.
Ireland goalkeeper Liz Murphy said her team can still improve in their last match: “I think we can take a lot of positives from today, we played really, really well. But I think we do have an extra 10 percent defensively. We gave away too many corners and let India come back into the game. We’re not going to do that tomorrow and I think we’ll come out even stronger tomorrow,” she said.
Head coach Sean Dancer said his team executed their plans: “India are a very attacking team, so we wanted to control the way that they attacked and we did that really well. We probably gave away too many penalty corners,” he admitted, “but we did well for most of it. And then we wanted to bring out our speed and skill which you saw with the goal that we scored and the goal we had disallowed,” he added.
“Standout performance for us today was Lizzy Murphy in goal,” said Dancer. “Even though we conceded a lot of penalty corners, she saved almost all of them.”
It’s been a growing experience for this young squad. “We have done a lot of good things over the tournament and have improved game on game,” said a proud Dancer. “So today was a very good performance that’s been building for the past couple of days. We hope that we can finish off tomorrow against Japan. There is a bronze medal on the line and that’s something that we need to be good at – finishing off tournaments. I’m really happy with how the girls have improved and I hope we can keep improving tomorrow,” he finished.
Ireland play their final match at 12.30 pm tomorrow (Saturday) against Japan in the bronze medal match.
The U18 Interpro final is on this weekend, 15th January, 2023 in UCD. Click on the links below to view on the Hockey Ireland YouTube Channel and view the programme
All games on the front pitch will be live-streamed on Hockey Ireland youtube channel.
The full program can be found here; U18 Inter-provincial Final Programme
