The combination of March’s Olympic qualifiers and the presence of Hermes and YMCA in the IHL semi-finals has seen the wildcard playoffs moved back a fortnight, creating an unfortunate for UCC, who are both the men’s and women’s representatives from Munster.

With a number of players exam-tied, the women have pulled out of the tournament while the Irish Hockey Association agreed to a request from the men’s side to play both their games tomorrow to ensure their participation. That leaves both competitions to be played out by three sides with two to qualify.

UCC celebrate Roger Gray's goal during the IHT final. Gray will miss the IHL wildcard playoffs this weekend, where College taking on YMCA and Instonians on the same day. Picture: Adrian Boehm

The Cork students, already carrying the underdog tag, are still likely to be left short on firepower up front with Roger Gray and Malcolm Coombes both set to miss out while Fionn O’Leary is only half-fit having been sidelined by a shoulder injury.

They are therefore likely to give their all against Instonians in their first game at Belfield (12pm) and hope to sneak a result before battening down the hatches against YMCA later in the day (4pm).

Inst and YM will then meet on Sunday, albeit at a different venue in Banbridge’s Havelock Park; this could ultimately prove to be a dead rubber however, if both sides prevail against the students on Saturday.

UCC can at least get some insight on the Inst challenge from fellow Munster men Cork Harlequins, who beat the Belfast outfit 4-3 en route to their memorable Irish Senior Cup success last weekend.

Meanwhile, Hermes will be unbackable favourites to win out in the women’s wildcards, which also feature Galway and Ards but no Munster side since UCC pulled out.

This season’s IHL semi-finalists have a side laden with stars but they could only finish fifth domestically as they struggled without their Irish international contingent.

The weekend’s crucial tie is likely to be Galway’s meeting with Ards on Saturday; a Connacht side has never qualified for the IHL but the westerners have a side backboned by players with underage international experience and will be quietly hopeful of shocking the Ulster girls.

Irish Hockey League Wildcards

Men

Saturday, UCD: UCC v Instonians, 12pm; UCC v YMCA, 4pm. Sunday, Banbridge: Instonians v YMCA, 2.30pm.

Women

Friday, UCD: Hermes v Galway, 8pm; Saturday, UCD: Ards v Galway, 2pm; Sunday, Banbridge: Hermes v Ards, 12.30pm

Ireland Masters representative Stuart Egner will be player/coach for the Munster O40 and O45 sides at the Masters Interpros this weekend. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Although the staging of the tournament in Ulster proved prohibitive in terms of player availability, the efforts of manager Mark Stockil and coach Stuart Egner have borne fruit with the province set to compete at the O40 and O45 men’s levels.

Many players are set to double up for the weekend, but players have come from near and far – there are representatives based in Reading, Galway and Athlone in the panels – to don the red shirt this weekend.

The squads participated in two friendly games against the Munster U18 boys in April and May, which finished in a 2-2 draw and a 6-5 victory as both sides attempted different combinations.

The O45s squad is captained by former Irish international Ger Burns of Bandon, while another decorated player, Alan Bateman of Cork Harlequins, will head up the )40 side’s efforts.

MUNSTER Masters Squads for 2012 Masters Interpros, Lisnagarvey, May 19-20

O45s: Stuart Egner (Cork Harlequins), Fergus Stapleton (Reading), Dermot Kelleher (Ashton), Dave Coulter (Cork C of I), Ivan Coombes (Cork C of I), Ollie O’Connor (Catholic Institute), Ger Burns (Bandon, capt), Dermot Judge (Cork C of I), Martin White (GK, Galway), Mark Stockil (Ashton), Brian Rasmussen (Athlone), Dara Crowe (Catholic Institute), Donal Holland (Ashton), Paul Kingston (Bandon).

O40s: Stuart Egner (Cork Harlequins), Dermot Kelleher (Ashton), Ollie O’Connor (Catholic Institute), Ger Burns (Bandon), Mark Stockil (Ashton), Dara Crowe (Catholic Institute), Donal Holland (Ashton), Paul Kingston (Bandon), Ivan Bateman (Cork Harlequins), Richie O’Dell (Belvedere), John Wallace (Catholic Institute), George Blackwell (Limerick), Harry Russell (Cork Harlequins), Allen Wilson (Cork C of I), Ivan Moore (Catholic Institute), Alan Bateman (Cork Harlequins, capt), Dermot Conway (Ashton), John Geary (Catholic Institute).

The girls in green face a daunting task as they share a pool with world number ones the Netherlands and Commonwealth champions Australia.

Anna O'Flanagan: One of four new faces in Ireland squad. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Pritchard said he wishes to give pitch time to less experience players, namely Niamh Atcheler, Hannah Bowe and Anna O’Flanagan, who come in for Emma Smyth, Shirley McCay and Lisa Jacob. 55-ctimes-capped Niamh Small replaces Lizzie Colvin in the fourth change to the squad that contested March’s Olympic qualifiers.

But aside from those changes he appears to have stuck with tried and tested players, though a handful are somewhat short on gametime. Nikki Evans and Michelle Harvey barely featured for Railway Union and Pegasus respectively during their IHL/ISC finals weekends while Pam Smithwick and Cliodhna Sargent haven’t played since the final IHL regular season weekend on April 21.

Ireland meet Australia on June 6 before facing the world number one side, the Netherlands, a day later before potentially playing two classification matches on June 9 and 10 if they finish above third in their three-team pool. Great Britain, South Africa and Germany are on the other side of the draw.

Commenting on the upcoming tournament Pritchard said that the tournament offers the right environment to begin the preparations for next September’s Champion’s Challenge I which is likely to be played in Sardinia.

“This event presents us with an unique occasion to play with freedom, to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the world and to give valuable pitch time to some less experienced players.

“Using well measured performance criteria we can enter every game with a focus for improvement. It’s going to very tough going but we will relish the challenge and embrace the opportunity.”

IRELAND women’s squad for Investec London Cup 5-10): N Atcheler (UCD, 14), H Bowe (Slough, 24), E Clarke (St Albans, 126), A Connery (Hermes, 54), M Crowley (Hermes, 39), N Daly (Loreto, 39), N Evans (Railway Union, 28), E Gray (GK, Hermes, 49), M Harvey (Pegasus, 87), S McCarthy (Hermes, 51), A O’Flanagan (UCD, 16), A O’Flynn (Hermes, 64), C Sargent (Cork Harlequins, 115), N Small (Loreto, 55), P Smithwick (Old Alex, 14), A Speers (Railway Union, 120), N Symmons (Loreto, 175), C Watkins (UCD, 45).

For those who were unable to make it to Belfield, Ronan has sent on his words from the day to SFH to extend his thanks to all who have offered their support:

“Mr President, wonderful friends in Hockey, on behalf of my son Chris, his mother Suzanne and our families, I wish to publicly thank you for the incredible support given to us during Chris’s recent traumatic illness.

“Please pass on our sincere thanks to anyone kind enough to enquire and assure them that their support is very much appreciated.

“Throughout this crisis, the hockey community has overwhelmed us with support through texts, e-mails and enquiries to family and friends. We are particularly bowled over by the response to “The Friends of Chris Pelow Fund” set up by Corinthian HC to help with still indeterminate costs. Our thanks to all for their wonderful generosity, organising and contributing to this initiative.

Chris Pelow: Corinthians man suffered a traumatic illness while in Australia and was forced to have the lower half of one of his legs amputated. Picture: Adrian Boehm

“Today, I can truly say that Hockey Connections saved Chris’s life. From day one his medical care has been in the hands of friends, fellow members of his hockey club, Sydney Uni. His surgeon Sanjeev Gupta, is a past 1st grade player who now plays masters.

“Sydney University HC, together with you the Irish hockey community, prove my long held belief that nothing surpasses hockey as a sport and as a support structure.

“The friendship shown by SUHC has been extraordinary, in particular Moylo, Crenno, Dags, Andy, but so many others too, they’ve all rallied round and have been a fantastic support not only to Chris but to his mother and I. Without this our time in Sydney would have been even more difficult.

“Chris has many really good friends, two happened to be on the ground with him as this crisis unfolded, Ian Slattery and Mark Willis both also past pupils of Wesley College. They stood with him like true friends do giving Chris vital support while he awaited our arrival. At home here Henry Micks, Iain Walker and others who helped drive fundraising efforts, of which we were unaware till much later.

“While in RPA Hospital Chris was granted a four year work visa, having been sponsored by his employers TRC Group, to whom I would like to pay tribute for the support they have shown him. His job is secure and they want him back at his desk when he’s ready. This is of enormous psychological help giving Chris a tangible goal to aim for.

“Through social media ,Facebook and Twitter, Chris kept his friends (and the world) informed of his situation, often without us realising it, the support derived has been a great help.

“During the past few weeks, Chris has enjoyed being back in Dublin amongst family and friends. He delighted in watching Corinthian II win the IJC for the first time, just five days after coming home – a great homecoming party – well done lads.

“Chris returns to Sydney at the end of the month to continue his re-hab to regain full mobility, independence and importantly, to return to work

“I’ve no doubt that he will have much to contend with both physically and mentally, but if these past few months are anything to go by, he’s up for these challenges helped by continuing support from Hockey Connections here, in Sydney and beyond.

“Thank you one and all.”

Few inside or outside Farmer’s Cross would have put the men in black and white down as likely semi-finalists at the start of this campaign, having been missing from the business end of national competition since their breakthrough ISC victory in 2006.

That marvellous 2-1 success over Lisnagarvey got a monkey off their backs, having lost three of the four previous finals, but they haven’t featured at this stage of world hockey’s oldest club tournament since a controversial semi-final defeat to Glenanne in 2007.

Eddie Gash, Lee d'Alton and David Harte celebrate Cork Harlequins' Irish Senior Cup victory over Lisnagarvey in 2006. Picture: Inpho/Donall Farmer

But now, having dispatched Ulster opponents Banbridge and Annadale in home ties to get there, Munster’s double-winners are back where they want to be, locking horns with Instonians  in tomorrow’s semi-final at Belfield (5pm).

Amazingly, there are no shortage of links to the 2006 vintage. Eight of the current Quins panel were involved that day, with two more unused substitutes, highlighting the longevity of the likes of the Black and Lombard brothers but also the shortage of youth injected into the side in recent seasons.

With the ISC now played out in a finals weekend format, that could leave Quins – who are set to welcome back drag-flicker Dan Hobbs after a recent injury – potentially short on legs if they reach Sunday’s decider against either Lisnagarvey or Railway Union.

But when it comes to top-level know-how, Quins have a bank of experience only ‘Garvey can come close to matching, with Brian Waring, Mark Raphael, Timmy Cockram and Stevie Arbuthnot all survivors from six years ago.

Coach Phil Oakley and his players won’t be thinking that far ahead. Oakley has Quins playing smart hockey which relies on speed of passing and off-the-ball movement and has been rewarded with the last two Munster Senior League titles at Cork Church of Ireland’s expense.

Drawing Instonians in the last four will have been met with quiet hope by Quins fans – even those who have memories of Inst’s extra-time victory over Quins in the 2004 ISC final.

The Cork men recorded their sole Irish Hockey League victory this season against the Shaw’s Bridge outfit, who haven’t had to leave Belfast in seeing off North Down, Mossley and NICS – where they required a last-minute Julian Lewis winner – to get this far.

Complacency certainly won’t be on the Quins agenda though. Mark Irwin and Paul Gleghorne offer bags of classy Irish international experience in the spine of the side while William Robinson, Chris Kirk and Irish Unis man James Corry all offer big threats – not to mention Steven Redpath, who hit a memorable IHL goal against Quins a few seasons back.

The meeting of ‘Garvey and Railway in the other semi-final (3pm) is equally intriguing, providing as it does a serious giant-killing opportunity for Railway.

The Park Avenue outfit, backboned by Kenny Carroll, Rob Abbott and Peter and Mark English, are arguably Ireland’s most improved side – and are certainly among the most hard-working.

They were Leinster’s top goalscorers this term, have secured IHL hockey for the first time and have been hugely impressive in hitting 19 goals in three games as they saw off Glenanne, Three Rock and South Antrim en route to the last four.

‘Garvey will nonetheless start as unbackable favourites having annexed a first IHL title last weekend, with tournament MVP Timmy Cockram in ruthless goalscoring form, and they are determined to complete a rare national double.

Cork Harlequins' David Lombard clashes with Mark Irwin of Instonians during the sides' 2004 Irish Senior Cup final meeting. Picture: Inpho/Donall Farmer

Whoever wins that one will also be heavily backed to go on to win Sunday’s decider – not least due to an extra two hours’ rest. But given the ravages of time could see Quins in transition over the next few seasons, few will match the Leesiders for motivation to create another fairytale.

The women’s Irish Senior Cup semi-finals bring the tantalising prospect of a repeat of Sunday’s IHL final between Railway and Loreto, although UCD in particular will hope to have something to say about that.

Railway head into their clash with the Belfielders on a high after securing their second national title in three seasons, and can bring the confidence of having gone unbeaten in normal time throughout this season.

They’ve never won this title and have reached just one final, in 2010 when they went down to – you’ve guessed it – Loreto on penalty strokes.

But UCD have the confidence of having pipped Railway to the Leinster title on goals scored, and although the majority of the side who won a shock ISC crown in 2009 have moved on, they have a phalanx of Irish international talent to call upon.

Loreto will be unbackable favourites to advance against a Queen’s side who have hit the goal trail in a major way as the tournament’s surprise package, despite an average domestic campaign which saw them finish sixth in Ulster’s top tier.

Joanne Orr and Hannah McMillan are the major goal-getters for the Belfast students but Loreto have an axe to grind after seeing a last-gasp IHL final equaliser chalked off, and should have enough class throughout to execute an effective backlash.

Though not involved themselves, Armagh are sure to have an eye on the finals weekend as they have the rare distinction of seeing former members of the club involved in all four semi-final sides.

Irish Senior Cup finals weekend, Belfield

Saturday: Women’s semi-finals: UCD v Railway Union, 10.30am; Loreto v Queen’s University, 12.30pm. Men’s semi-finals: Railway Union v Lisngarvey, 3pm; Cork Harlequins v Instonians, 5pm.

Sunday: Women’s final, 1pm; Men’s final, 3.30pm.

The sides finished the regular season level on 33 points from 12 games, each losing once to the other. And their closeness their year is highlighted further by the fact that they took cups off each other too, with C of I claiming the Peard Cup and Quins the Munster Senior Cup.

With that in mind, the Harlequin Park sand might tip the balance slightly in Quins’ favour if they can keep C of I short corner specialist John Jermyn at bay.

Brian Hayes Curtin (left) will be missing for Cork Harlequins' title showdown with John Jermyn's (right) C of I tonight. Picture: Ondine Roche

Phil Oakley’s men are on something of a high having emerged as the susprise contenders for the Irish Senior Cup, where they’ll meet Instonians in the semi-finals on May 12.

But on the downside for them is the absence of Dan Hobbs, Brian Hayes Curtin and Phil O’Driscoll, although they would have been even lighter on personnel had the game been fixed for the Bank Holiday Saturday.

C of I will hope that the nerves and tetchiness they showed against UCC in their final league game will now be out of their system after they pulled away to a comfortable 4-1 victory in the second half.

Ashton schoolboys Richard Sweetnam and Gary Wilkinson will also bring the confidence and feel-good factor from Wednesday’s cup final win over Midleton College to the mix.

Elsewhere, the momentum is with YMCA as they bid to annex a first Irish Hockey League crown at the finals weekend at Lisnagarvey.

The Dubliners are the form side going into their semi-final clash against local rivals Monkstown at the Lisburn venue, with Cork (Jonny Bruton) and Australian (Marcus Richardson) influences combining to spectacular goal-scoring effect in recent weeks.

Monkstown’s season has faltered somewhat with injuries to key players such as Kyle Good and Gareth Watkins, both of whom will be absent again, but they are rarely short of goal will still be too tough to call.

The other semi-final is an all-Ulster affair, with domestic kingpins Cookstown going toe to toe against hosts ‘Garvey.

Hermes will hope to welcome back set-piece specialist Audrey O’Flynn for their women’s IHL semi-final clash with Railway Union, the Cork-born Irish international drag-flicker having missed six weeks with a broken jaw. Loreto clash with Pegasus in the other last four tie.

Munster Men’s Div 1 title playoff: Cork Harlequins v Cork C of I, Harlequin Park, 7.45pm

Irish Hockey League finals weekend, Lisnagarvey HC, Hillsborough, Co Down

Saturday: Women’s semi-finals: Hermes v Railway Union, 10.30am; Loreto v Pegasus, 12.30pm; Men’s semi-finals: YMCA v Monkstown, 1.15pm; Cookstown v Lisnagarvey, 3.30pm.

Sunday: Women’s final, 1.30pm; Men’s final: 4pm.

Gary Wilkinson (second left), Richard Sweetnam and Richard Lynch in action for Ashton against Midelton during the 2010 final. All three are back for the 2012 decider tomorrow. Picture: Ondine Roche

The Cork City school are defending champions and can boast a squad where nearly everyone has interprovincial experience with Munster, while Simon Wolfe (U16s) and Gary Wilkinson and Richard Lynch (U18s) are current members of the Irish underage setups.

Richard Sweetnam is the side’s heartbeat and he dictates Ashton’s tempo from centre-back, bringing all the experience he has accrued since becoming a starting member of Cork Church of Ireland’s firsts this season, where he was named Young Player of the Year.

He is also one of two survivors of the 2010 final – Wilkinson the other – in which Midleton stunned Ashton 3-2 to end a two-decade drought at this level, which the canaries will surely be keen on exacting some revenge for.

Midleton are missing the kind of star names that dotted their side during that epic campaign, but can also boast an older panel with Colton twins Andrew and Adam, Greg Chambers, Alex Simonin, Stuart O’Sullivan and Ned Hodson all back for a last crack at schools glory having won two season ago. All but Hodson have interpro experience under their belts too.

They also have an Ireland U16 midfielder running the show in Alex Burns, while C of I pair Owen Chambers and Rob Johnston are among the younger leading lights.

Ashton had the tougher task in the last four, seeing off Bandon Grammar 5-3 after a couple of scares, while Midleton dispatched Limerick’s Villiers in the other last four tie.

The final is being played at an unusually late date due to a bereavement in Ashton which cause the postponement of the original fixture in March.

Bann have had a turbulent couple of weeks in the Irish Hockey League,which ultimately ended in them missing out on semi-final qualification.

They retrieved a 5-2, third-quarter deficit to  beat Instonians 6-5 but their dream died seven days later in Tallaght as they were humbled 4-0 by Glenanne, who eked out four crash ball goals despite enjoying minimal possession.

Quins have demons of their own to deal with too; a 5-0 humbling at home to Cookstown was followed by a 4-1 reverse at Monkstown. Furthermore, the Bears have a significant psychological advantage by virtue of a a 4-0 win in the IHL earlier this season.

Jason and Mark Black won an Irish Senior Cup with Quins in 2006 and will be keen to push the side on for another tilt at the title this year. Picture: Adrian Boehm

But given the age profile of the Quins side – many of whom are veterans of the 2006 Irish Senior Cup-winning team – their progression to the last eight this year could  signal one last gargantuan effort on the national stage from some of the side’s more experienced campaigners.

Elsewhere, Railway Union will enjoy home advantage as they aim to reach a first Irish Senior Cup final in the open era after an impressive record in the competition in the pre-World War II period.

They reached the final six times back then but have not done so since 1938. The nearest they have been since was an extra-time loss in 1997, falling to a Paudie Carley penalty to Pembroke at the final four stage, adding to three semi-final defeats between 1977 and 1979.

But with many major contenders like 2011 finalist Cookstown and Monkstown out already and a genuinely even competition at hand, progression could open up the draw yet further.

But opponents Glenanne are arguably the sharper outfit, with Jonathan Kane’s goals filling the void left by Shane O’Donoghue. They’ve had IHL action to keep them up to pace while Railway have had to content themselves with friendlies against the likes of NICS and YMCA in recent times with 28 days passing since their last competitive outing.

For Pembroke, they became the first side to get a result from a trip to face Lisnagarvey on the Comber Road in the IHL this term last weekend and a repeat could keep alive their hopes of a third EHL journey.

NICS – along with Railway – are the other non-IHL side seeking to cause an upset as they take on Instonians at Stormont. Service were beaten to the wildcard spot by Inst in the Ulster Premier though a win and a draw over the Shawsbridge club during the campaign lends a weight of confidence.

Trinity and Queen’s offer the university challenge as Griffeen Valley Park hosts a women’s Irish Senior Cup tie for the very first time as the Dubliners have been forced to give up home advantage.

It comes in the wake of the LHA’s decision to bar the use of Santry Avenue for the senior league games until the hazardly moss growing through the turf is fully cleared.

The students do welcome back Maebh Horan and Jessie Elliott for the biggest game in the club’s recent history, pursuing a first final appearance since 1933.

Maeve Horan will return to play a key role for Trinity in their novel all-university clash with Queen's. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Queen’s are powered by the excellent Hannah McMillan while Joanne Orr’s eye for goal saw the Ulster side dismiss Portadown with minimum of fuss in the last round last November. Their last day in the ISC sun was way back in 1929, finishing off a run of three titles in four years.

Otherwise, the rest of the draw has a more familiar hue with each of the winners from the last five years present and correct. Two of those meet at Belfield as Pegasus meet UCD in a repeat of the 2009 decider, one won in resounding fashion by the students.

But their mojo, of late, has deserted them since completing the league and cup double at the end of March. A frustrating 0-0 draw with Old Alex and a loss in Limerick to Catholic Institute ended their IHL dreams when opportunity presented itself.

Pegs have similarly run up two major trophies this season as well as also coming into the game off the back of a defeat, beaten 3-1 by Hermes.

But the Dublin giants are the biggest name to be missing from the quarter-final line-up, falling to former player Emma Russell’s double in round two to Old Alex.

Alex’s reward for that milestone win is a date with Loreto, hoping they can see home what they could not in the league. In round 17, the Milltown club built a 2-0 lead only for the Beaufort side’s corner routine to reduce the deficit before Jessica McGirr continued her excellent form since breaking into the team to level.

Both sides have their internationals back from that date, making this an intriguing tussle. Reducing breakaway bursts from Emily Beatty, Russell and Hannah McDermott is key while Loreto exude similar pacey qualities to set this one up nicely.

Mick McKinnon’s Railway travel north to his residential home of Armagh to play the side he coached through their meteoric rise through the divisions.

Domestically, there’s one vital men’s tie at the Mardyke (3pm) as Cork Church of Ireland head across town knowing they must beat UCC to stand any chance of ousting Quins for the league title.

It’s the last game of the regular season and the students will see this as a shot to nothing, although it is also a vital link game for them at a quiet time of the season ahead of the IHL wildcard playoffs in three weeks.

They have an axe to grind after feeling they left opportunities behind them in a 3-1 reverse at Garryduff earlier this season, given they haven’t beaten C of I since returning to Division One four seasons ago.

Although it’s win or bust for the visitors, they rediscovered theiir goalscoring mojo away to Annadale last weekend, and encouragingly for the blues, none of them came from John Jermyn’s short corner bullets, which could be a key factor this time around.

Men’s Irish Senior Cup quarter-finals (Saturday): Railway Union v Glenanne, 2pm, Park Avenue; Lisnagarvey v Pembroke, 2.30pm, Comber Road; Cork Harlequins v Banbridge, 2pm, Farmer’s Cross; NICS v Instonians, 2.30pm, Stormont

Electric Ireland Irish Senior Cup quarter-finals (Saturday): UCD v Pegasus, 1pm, Belfield; Old Alex v Loreto, 1pm, Milltown; Armagh v Railway Union, 1pm, Ardmore LC; Trinity v Queen’s University, 1pm, Griffeen Valley Park

Munster Men’s Div 1: UCC v Cork C of I, 3pm, The Mardyke.

** Semi-final draw will take place in the Dropping Well, Milltown at approximately 3.30pm 

Nine of the north Cork side’s players were on the sidelines as Catholic Institute’s Moloney sisters struck all of their side’s goals in a 3-2 win over local rivals Limerick in a tense tie.

Some of Fermoy's players past and present on the sideline to support during their recent league clash with Limerick. Picture: Marie Arnold

Those three points mean that Institute and Fermoy finish level on 38 points. With goal difference not coming into the equation under Munster hockey rules, this necessitates a playoff – as it did in Division One between UCC and Cork Harlequins in 2009 and 2010.

The game is down for decision next Tuesday May 1st at 8pm in Ursulines Thurles but with Institute unable to be promoted, Fermoy are almost certain to go up irrespective of the result next week.

Belvedere’s decision to demote themselves last September left odd numbers in the top two tiers this season, meaning Fermoy are likely to be invited to Division One by the powers that be as the best-placed side in Division Two.

Drag-flicker Trish Fitzpatrick and goalkeeper Ondine Roche of Irish Hockey Photographers fame have both shone for Fermoy at a time when the side is light on experience with a number of senior players missing due to pregnancy.

The likes of  Stacey Hegarty and Niamh Sexton have stepped into the breach however, and the club say they would gladly grasp the nettle should the opportunity of promotion to the top tier come their way.

“We would definitely be happy to be promoted, it would be the first time in the club’s history that we would be in the top division and would be a great boost for the girls who have been in the club for many years, working towards this accolade,” said Fermoy PRO Marie Arnold.

“It would also help to raise the profile of hockey in Fermoy; it’s competing with a lot of different sports from GAA, rugby and soccer to swimming and athletics.  The (potential Division One) status of the club may encourage some players to come and play hockey, especially in the camogie off-season.”

For Limerick, this was a tough way to end an excellent campaign. There was little between them and the top two, as evidenced by John Meyler’s side beating both, including a superb 2-1 success away to Fermoy 11 days ago when victory would have sealed the title there and then for the north Cork girls.

Following a scoreless first half, Limerick took the lead against the run of play through Aoife Williams, but Institute hit back with two short corner bullets from Ciara Moloney.

Moloney sisters Ciara and Clodagh, who scored all of Catholic Institute's goals in their 3-2 win over Limerick that kept their Division 2 title hopes alive. Picture: Courtesy of Catholic Institute Facebook

And sister Clodagh stretched them out to 3-1 from the penalty spot before Jenni Lyttle bagged a last-gasp consolation for the Villiers-based side from a corner.

After a number of successive promotions in recent years, they are unlikely to be ruffled by this setback and with no side due to be relegated from Division 1, will fancy their chances of getting to the promised land next term.

Women’s Div 2

Catholic Institute 3 (Ciara Moloney 2, Clodagh Moloney) Limerick 2 (Aoife Williams, Jenni Lyttle).

Final standings: 1 Catholic Institute 38pts; =1 Fermoy 38pts; 3 Limerick 35pts; 4 Cork C of I 31pts.

Div 2 title playoff: Catholic Institute v Fermoy, Tuesday May 1, 8pm @ Ursulines Thurles.