Lisnagarvey Hockey Club
Home Venue: Comber Road
Season 2024/25 League Record: 16W, 0D, 2L
Coaching Staff: Erroll Lutton, Steven Arbuthnot, Neal McKnight
Players In: Mackenzie Connor (FC Barcelona)
Players Out: James Lorimer (Stepped Down)
The eventual league champions were a force to be reckoned with in 2024/25 as they came out on top of a nail-biting title race. Garvey scored the most goals of any side, scoring 22 more than next closest Banbridge, while also conceding the second fewest, displaying their ability to attack and defend with ruthless precision.
The side sees little change with Erroll Lutton leading the team once again. Garvey still boast a lineup packed with internationals such as Jonny Lynch, Peter McKibbin, the Nelson Brothers, as well as a host of Pathway and Provincial players, giving them an exceptionally deep squad.
The aim will be to retain their title and go one further with an EY Champions Trophy title for the first time since 2021/22.
“As with the last number of years it will be an exciting campaign with many close games.” -Erroll Lutton.
First Match: Avoca (Away)
Three Rock Rovers
Home Venue: Grange Road
Season 2024/25 League Record: 15W, 2D, 1L
Coaching Staff: Jody Hoskins, Niall Denham, Aidan Khares, Andrew Walker.
Players In: Ian Balding (Cork C of I), Rob Olden (Cork C of I), Sam Walker (UCD), Josh Gill (UCD), Conor Walsh (UCD).
Players Out: Luke Madeley (Hamstead & Westminster), Kevin O’Dea (Hampstead & Westminster), Matteo Romoli (Abroad), Zach Silverman (Pembroke Wanderers).
Having come agonisingly close to a first EY Hockey League title last season, Three Rock Rovers return with restored determination to compete once again. Jody Hoskins takes the reins, making the transition from captain of the side during the clubs most successful spell to head coach, replacing Ashlinn Freddy.
TRR have had some notable exits this summer, with Ireland Internationals Luke Madeley & Kevin O’Dea swapping Grange Road for Hamstead & Westminster. However, the addition of Cork C of I duo Rob Olden and Ian Blading will go a long way in helping bolster the side, as well as the returns of Sam Walker, Josh Gill, and Conor Walsh following their time with UCD. In addition to that, they retain the services of league top scorer Ben Johnson and Golden Glove recipient James Coffey to name just two of the talent players amongst their ranks.
“We’re really excited for the season ahead. The squad have put in a huge amount of work during pre-season, and the energy within the group is fantastic. Our focus is on building from last season, building consistency, while pushing our standards every week, and giving our supporters performances they can be proud of. There is a great mix of youth and experience in the team, and if we keep challenging ourselves, we believe we can compete at the highest level this season!”
First Match: Banbridge (Away)
Banbridge Hockey Club
Home Venue: Havelock Park
Season 2024/25 League Record: 12W, 2D, 1L
Coaching Staff: Scott McCandless, John Clarke, Colin Walker
Players In: Charlie Rowe (Returns), Allen Lyons (Annadale HC), Callum Robson (Annadale HC), Adam McAllister (Annadale HC), Riley Marney (Instonians HC).
Players Out: Josh Moffett (Stepped Down), Philip Brown (Stepped Down), Owen Magee (Stepped Down), Hugh McShane (Stepped Down).
Despite a turbulent end to the league campaign last year, Banbridge once again showed why they can never be ruled out as they secured a third successive EY Champions Trophy title with wins over Avoca, Three Rock and Lisnagarvey.
As they enter the 2025/26 season, Ban will be without a number of very influential players who have made the decision to step away from their first team squad. Chief among these is Philip Brown, with the penalty corner specialist netting 17 times last season, the joint fourth highest tally in the league.
The side have a number of incoming recruits to help plug the vacated positions, with Adam McAllister, Allen Lyons, and Callum Robson joining from Annadale, Riley Marney making the switch from Instonians, and Charlie Rowe back fighting fit after a season on the sidelines.
“We are very happy with our squad which has shown some transition during the close season. Looking forward to the restart of the league and having the opportunity to prove ourselves against the best teams in the country.” – Scott McCandless
First Match: Three Rock Rovers (Home)
Monkstown Hockey Club
Home Venue: Rathdown School
Season 2024/25 League Record: 9W, 3D, 6L
Coaching Staff: Peter Caruth, Graham Harris, Roddy Allen
Players In: Daniel O’Daly (Corinthian), Callum Hewitt (UCD), Mark Smyth (UCD), Max Collis (Dublin University), Dylan Evans (Bray).
Players Out: Will Knachbull (UCD)
Peter Caruth returns to Monkstown, this time as Head Coach, as he looks to steer the Sky Blues to another season of title contention. Another EY Champions Trophy Play-Offs appearance for Monkstown last year marked another positive season, but the side will be eager to come closer to the league title that has evaded them since their three-in-a-row from 2013-2015.
Caruth is joined by fellow COrinthian teammate Daniel O’Daly, with UCD duo Mark Smyth and Callum Hewitt also making the switch. In addition, Monkstown still boast Lee Cole who was responsible for the majority of their goals last year, along with a fully fit Jeremy Duncan who will be available to contribute from gameweek 1, having missed half of last season through injury.
“I back my team to perform week in week out. We have a strong set of players, and we are up for the challenge this season.”
First Match: Cookstown (Away)
YMCA Hockey Club
Home Venue: Wesley College
Season 2024/25 League Record: 9W, 2D, 7L
Coaching Staff: Arul Anthoni, Paul O’Grady
Players In: Anthony Glutz (Portrane), Nic Pio (Portrane), Aaron Bailey (Return), Ben Stewart (UCD), Andrew Fox (UCD), Louis Murphy (Railway Union), Ben McInerney (Waterford HC).
Players Out: Ben O’Grady (Abroad), Ed Collins (Dublin University)
A now well-established name among the top four in the EYHL, YMCA return once again looking as strong as ever as they look to challenge the likes of Lisnagarvey, Banbridge and Three Rock for the title this year.
It’s all eyes on silverware this season for YM as they look to go one better than their EY Champions Trophy Semi-Final appearance last year. Players like Adam Walker, Peabo Lembethe and Sam Hyland will all be key to these ambitions once again, with the likes of Anthony Glutz joining his brother Grant in Black and Red, along with former Portrane teammate Nic Pio and Aaron Bailey also returning after some time abroad.
“We want to build on the progress we made last season having improved the depth of our squad significantly. Competition for a place in the 16 should be intense with a good blend of seasoned internationals like Peabo Lembethe, Adam Walker and Sam Hyland and talented schoolboy players. I am hoping the boys mature through the season and demonstrate the attitude to win difficult games and push themselves as hard as possible. With the right attitude we should be winning silverware this season.” – Arul Anthoni.
First Match: Cork C of I (Away)
Avoca Hockey Club
Home Venue: Newpark School
Season 2024/25 League Record: 6W, 3D, 9L
Coaching Staff: Trevor Dagg, Shane O’Donoghue, Nigel Caroll
Players In: Andrew Ramsay (Return), Ziggy De Boe Agnew (Return), Jay Menelaou (UCD).
Players Out: N/A
Despite a slower start to life i the EYHL than expected, Avoca grew into their first EYHL season to amass the points needed to secure an EY Champions Trophy Play-Off place, becoming the first promoted Men’s team to do so.
With a year’s experience now under their belt and last season’s arrivals well integrated, Avoca are looking to push on this season and fend off the sides around them in pursuit of a second top six finish in a row. The return of Andrew Ramsay to the side will add fresh energy to their attack, along with the return of both Ziggy De Boe Agnew and Jay Menelaou helping their squad depth.
What is almost more important is the side have retained the services of their key players from last season with players Harry Dagg, Shane O’Donoghue, Jakim Berndsen and Captain Guy Sarratt all ready to drive the side on once again.
“Really excited about the coming season and our second year in the national league. We’ve loved every minute of it and the high standard of oppositon. It’s great to test ourselves against the best players in the country and exciting to kick off the season against last years champions Lisnagarvey!” – Trevor Dagg.
First Match: Lisnagarvey (Home)
Corinthian Hockey Club
Home Venue: St Columba’s College
Season 2024/25 League Record: 6W, 3D, 9L
Coaching Staff: Brinsley Powell, Eddie O’Malley, Sean Stewart
Players In: Matthew Sweetnam (Weston HC), Hilton Lima (Waterford HC), Jacob Batch (Australia), Max Mackley (Australia).
Players Out: Peter Caruth (Monkstown HC), Daniel O’Daly (Monkstown HC).
Goal difference stood between Corinthian and a first EY Champions Trophy appearance last season despite the Leinster side taking their fair share of scalps in 2024/25.
The new season gives Brinsley Powell and his Corinthian side another opportunity to fight their way into that top six. Despite the exit of ex-Ireland International Peter Caruth and Daniel O’Daly, Corinthian look poised to be well in that mix with key players like Greg Williams, Max Neill and David Howard all still at the club, and set to be joined by some fresh faces.
An test against fellow top-six hopeful Pembroke Wanderers in Gameweek 1 will give an early insight into how they may fair.
“We look forward to a competitive league, and I am especially excited by the continuous growth of individuals and the team over the last few years, and I am naturally hoping we can push ourselves to take the next step as a group and club.
The margins this season will be small with everyone looking like they have put in serious time and effort, but I am confident in the group that we can continue to play attractive hockey whilst continuing to improve our defensive side of our game.” – Brinsley Powell
First Match: Pembroke Wanderers (Home)
Pembroke Wanderers
Home Venue: Serpentine Avenue
Season 2024/25 League Record: 3W, 4D, 11L
Coaching Staff: Kristian Mansfield, Alan Sothern, Jack Cherry
Players In: Toby Slye O’Connell (Railway Union), Ross Clarke (UCD), Zach Silverman (Three Rock Rovers), Dylan Ronan (Three Rock Rovers).
Players Out: N/A
Having maintained their status in the EY Hockey League for the 2025/26 season, Pembroke Wanderers have set their sights on a top six finish as they look to re-establish themselves as one of Ireland’s top men’s teams.
To aid in their ambitions, the Dublin side have had a busy summer. The arrival of a handful of top young talents such as Toby Slye O’Connell, Ross Clarke, Zach Silverman, and Dylan Ronan will bulk out a squad that is already packed with both experienced and young talent, with Alan Sothern, Ross Breytenbach, Tevin Kok, Fawaz Kahder, and Dechlan Bennet all expected to continue to contribute considerably.
“Myself and my co-coach Alan are extremely excited for this season. We have added quality Irish youth to the ranks, while retaining everyone else in the high-performance program. After a really successful pre-season we believe this group is ready to start delivering at the top level of Irish hockey. This is all a result of our sustainable growth plans which have been embedded across the club, not just in the men’s high-performance program.”
First Match: Corinthian Hockey Club (Away)
Cork Church of Ireland
Home Venue: Garryduff Sports Ground
Season 2024/25 League Record: 8W, 2D, 1L (EYHL2 & EYHL 2 Play-Offs)
Coaching Staff: Jonny Bruton, Eddie Kirwan, Clive Seale
Players In: Alex Burns (Return), Santiago Gimenez (Argentina), German Gonzalez (Argentina), Leandro Carvalho (South Africa).
Players Out: Ian Balding (Three Rock), Rob Olden (Three Rock).
The six-year wait to return to the topflight has finally ended for Cork C of I. The Munster side stormed through the Play-Offs to gain promotion, edging Portrane in an enthralling Semi-Final and overcoming Cookstown to take home the silverware as a bonus.
C of I have targets far beyond just maintaining their place in the EYHL at the end of the season. The Munster side have a top six finish as their target for the season. To help them achieve this they have enlisted the services of Argentinian duo Santiago Gimenez and German Gonzalez, and South African Leandro Carvalho, with Alex Burns also returning. C of I will hope these players will help plug the gaps left by duo Ian Balding and Rob Olden.
First Match: YMCA Hockey Club (Home)
Cookstown Hockey Club
Home Venue: Cookstown High School
Season 2024/25 League Record: 8W, 1D, 1L
Coaching Staff: Michael Haycock, Greg Allen, Neil Barnes
Players In: Kent Irwin (Annadale), James Evans (Banbridge), Josh Tracey (Australia)
Players Out: N/A
It was a near flawless season in league action for Cookstow as they stormed to an unbeaten Ulster Premier League Title, topped their EYHL2 Pool with seven wins and one draw, and won their Semi-Final to secure promotion, guaranteeing their return to the EYHL.
For Cookstown the goal is simple: stay in the topflight and build on a strong 2025/26 season as they look to become a mainstay in the league. The side have retained all of their key players, with the likes of Jack Haycock, Greg Allen and Scott McCabe all primed for a big season, and are joined by some very exciting young talent like Kent Irwin and James Evans who are ready to make a name for themselves in a Cookstown shirt.
“Reaching the top division of Irish men’s hockey is a proud moment for our club and a testament to the commitment, hard work, and belief of every player and staff member involved. We know the standard at this level is incredibly high, but we welcome that challenge. Our focus is on representing the club with pride, competing with intensity, and continuing to develop as a team. We’re excited to test ourselves against the best sides in the country and to show that we belong on this stage.” – Michael Haycock.
First Match: Monkstown (Home)
