Saturday, March 7: The magic of the cups was in full affect in the Quarter Finals of the AIG Irish Senior Cup as sides fought to progress to the semi-finals, while the margins at the top of the EY Hockey League Division 2 table narrowed following an exciting fourth round.
In the Women’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, 2025 finalists Loreto bested Dublin rivals Old Alex to progress, Yasmin Pratt and Anna Horan scoring in their 3-0 win. Railway Union made no mistake in their quest for a third successive Senior Cup title, beating Queen’s University 3-0. UCD dug deep to edge a tense tie in Rosbrien with a goal from Isobel Field in the final quarter the difference-maker in their clash with Catholic Institute. Monkstown and Pegasus will close out the Quarter FInals with a meeting on Sunday, March 8 at Rathdown School.
In the Men’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, Monkstown pulled off the most sensational of comebacks, winning 5-4 thanks to a David Vincent goal on the final whistle after trailing 4-1. Lisnagarvey fought back from behind on two occasions against Pembroke Wanderers to force a shootout which the reigning champions went on to win. Banbridge also came back from a goal down to beat Corinthian 2-1 in Havelock Park, Matthew McKee scoring the decisive goal from a penalty corner. And Three Rock Rovers overcame South Antrim, with six different scorers helping them progress to the semi-finals.
In the Women’s EY Hockey League Division 2, Monkstown grabbed a drawing bonus point away to Ards, while UCC took the drawing bonus point against Avoca to narrow the gap between the top four. University of Galway got their second win of the season, beating Lisnagarvey by a single goal in Dangan. And Belfast Harlequins picked up an all-important first win, putting in a comprehensive performance at home to Cork Harlequins.
In the Men’s EY Hockey League Division 2, Portrane became the only side to maintain their perfect record, beating Queen’s University at home to grab a third straight win. Cork harlequins and Instonians shared the points at Shaw’s Bridge, with the Munster side returning home with a potentially crucial bonus point in their bid for promotion. Bray picked up their first ever points in the EYHL2, drawing away from home with Bandon in a thrilling six goal contest. Hosts Bandon secured the bonus point in the shootout. And Catholic Institute grabbed a sensational win at home to CI Annadale, captain Jack Stockil scoring in the final five minutes to record a historic victory for the Munster club.
AIG Irish Senior Cup Quarter Finals – Results
AIG Irish Senior Cup – Women
Railway Union 3 – 0 Queen’s University
Old Alex 0 – 3 Loreto
Catholic Institute 0 – 1 UCD
AIG Irish Senior Cup – Men
Monkstown 5 – 4 Avoca
Banbridge 2 – 1 Corinthian
Lisnagarvey 3 [2 – 1] 3 Pembroke Wanderers
Three Rock Rovers 6 – 1 South Antrim
EY Hockey League – Results
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women
UCC 1 [3 – 2] 1 Avoca
University of Galway 1 – 0 Lisnagarvey
Belfast Harlequins 4 – 1 Cork Harlequins
Ards 1 [1 – 2] 1 Monkstown
Women’s EYHL2 Standings
- Ards – 10pts
- UCC – 8pts
- Avoca – 7pts
- Monkstown – 7pts
- University of Galway – 6pts
- Belfast Harlequins – 3pts
- Cork Harlequins – 3pts
- Trinity Ladies’ – 1pt
- Lisnagarvey – 0pts
EY Hockey League Division 2 – Men
Portrane 3 – 0 Queen’s University
Bandon 3 [3 – 2] 3 Bray
Instonians 1 [7 – 8] 1 Cork Harlequins
Catholic Institute 1 – 0 CI Annadale
Men’s EYHL2 Standings
- Cork Harlequins – 11pts
- Portrane – 9pts
- Instonians – 7pts
- Clontarf – 6pts
- Queen’s University – 6pts
- South Antrim – 3pts
- CI Annadale – 3pts
- Catholic Institute – 3pts
- Bandon – 2pts
- Bray – 1pts