Sunday, May 4: In a thrilling EY Champions Final in Havelock Park, two early Railway Union goals made the difference as the Leinster side secured a second competition win in a row.
A physical opening quarter saw Loreto dominate possession but Railway Union produce two eventually vital moments. A Railway Union penalty corner in the fourteenth minute was dispatched by Railway Union to open the scoring. Just two minutes later, Katie Mullan stung the palms of fellow Ireland compatriot Elizabeth Murphy with a powerful reverse shot, the resulting lose ball falling to Emma Smyth to volley into the net on her reverse stick to double the lead.
Loreto got a foothold in the game in the second quarter, but Railway’s high press kept them pinned back. A penalty corner for Railway almost saw the side add a third but the goal mouth scramble was well dealt with.
The second half continued in the same vein, with Loreto trying to find a way back into the tie. A stroke in the fourth quarter eventually provided that lifeline, with Caitlin Sherin finding the net to make it two one, setting up a tense final ten minutes.
Loreto withdrew keeper Elizabeth Murphy in favour of an extra outfielder in an effort to draw level in the final five minutes, with the league winners throwing everything they had at Railway, but the Railway defensive unit held firm to secure back-to-back EY Champions Trophy Finals.
After making history at this year’s Euro Hockey League by becoming the first Irish Women’s side to secure a win in the competition, Railway Union will return to the EHL for 2025/26 with hopes of securing more victories.
Women’s EY Champions Trophy Results
Final
Loreto 1 – 2 Railway Union
Loreto Scorers: Caitlin Sherin 58’ (PS).
Railway Union Scorers: Roisin Upton 14’ (PC), Emma Smyth 16’ (FG).