Wednesday, February 18: The AIG Irish Senior Cup returns this weekend, with another campaign in the World’s Oldest Club Hockey Cup primed to provide even more magical moments. This weekend will see sixteen Men’s and Women’s clubs take their first steps towards writing themselves into the annals of Irish Hockey History.
In the Men’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, Lisnagarvey will begin the defence of their record-extending 27th AIG Irish Senior Cup title away from home in a repeat of last season’s final when they face YMCA. South Antrim and Cookstown will meet in an all-Ulster clash, while Leinster sides Monkstown and UCD also meet in an in-province matchup. Two Munster sides will face Leinster sides as Cork Harlequins host familiar foe Avoca, while Bandon make the trip to Dublin to face Pembroke Wanderers. Two Ulster sides will also be on the road, with Instonians and Queen’s University set for away classes against Corinthian and Three Rock Rovers.
In the Women’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, reigning champions Railway Union host Ulster Elks in their first tie of the campaign. UCC welcome Catholic Institute to The Mardyke for a Munster derby. Queen’s University Belfast & Pembroke Wanderers, and Portadown & UCD will meet in two topflight clashes in what are likely to be the toughest ties of the round. Corinthian and Cork Harlequins will both look to cause major upsets when they face Pegasus and Old Alex, respectively. Lurgan and Monkstown also meet in another thrilling tie, with the latter looking to replicate their historic 2019 title. And Lisnagarvey host 2025 finalists Loreto at Comber Road.
Elsewhere, the Irish Hockey Challenge reaches its Quarter Finals stage with 22 men’s and women’s teams in action across the weekend.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday, February 21
AIG Irish Senior Cup KO16 – Women
12:20 – Queen’s University vs Pembroke Wanderers – The Dub
12:45 – UCC vs Catholic Institute
13:00 – Portadown vs University College Dublin – Edenvilla
13:30 – Old Alex vs Cork Harlequins – Alexandra College
14:30 – Lisnagarvey vs Loreto – Comber Road
14:45 – Lurgan vs Monkstown – Craigavon
15:15 – Corinthian vs Pegasus – St Columba’s
AIG Irish Senior Cup KO16 – Men
12:00 – Cork C of I vs Lisnagarvey – Garryduff
12:20 – Monkstown vs UCD – Rathdown School
13:00 – Three Rock Rovers vs Queen’s University – Grange Road
13:15 – Corinthian vs Instonians – St Columba’s
14:30 – Cork Harlequins vs Avoca – Harlequin Park
14:30 – Pembroke Wanderers vs Bandon – Serpentine Avenue
14:45 – South Antrim vs Cookstown – Friend’s School
15:00 – YMCA vs Lisnagarvey – Wesley College
Irish Hockey Challenge 1 KO8 – Women
12:00 – Genesis vs Greenfields – St Raphaela’s
13:00 – Instonians vs Dublin North – Shaw’s Bridge
13:00 – YMCA vs Dungannon – Wesley College
14:30 – Randalstown vs Clontarf – Randalstown
Irish Hockey Challenge 2 KO8 – Women
13:30 – Clonakity vs North Kildare – Clonakilty
14:30 – CI Ladies vs South Antrim – CIYMS Sports Ground
14:30 – Dromore Ladies’ vs Enniscorthy – Ferris Park
14:30 – North Down vs Skerries – Comber Leisure Centre
Irish Hockey Challenge KO8 – Men
14:30 – Mossley vs Newry Olympic – Mossley
14:30 – Rathgar vs Midleton – The High School
14:30 – Raphoe vs South Antrim – Royal & Prior