Their stunning 4-3 win over Railway Union in the decider at Belfield matched the scoreline of their semi-final defeat of Instonians less than 24 hours earlier, completing one of the unlikeliest hockey success stories in recent years.

Back in the 2000s, Quins lost three ISC finals in four years before finally breaking their duck with victory over Lisnagarvey in the 2006 decider, the first title in their history.

Mark Black is surrounded by his Cork Harlequins team-mates after their Irish Senior Cup victory over Railway Union. Picture: Adrian Boehm

But since reaching the semis in 2007, the Leesiders seemed to be in a major decline, relinquishing their stranglehold in Munster to Cork C of I while failing to make any impression in either of the showpiece national competitions.

With half the squad in their 30s and little in the way of youth emerging, to replace them, it seemed like their goose was cooked. But Phil Oakley came on board as coach and masterminded the return of the Munster title to Farmer’s Cross over the past two seasons. Yesterday, though, was the coup de grace.

Quins wouldn’t have been in anyone’s reckoning for a spot at the finals weekend, let alone to win it outright. But consecutive home victories over Annadale and Banbridge in the earlier rounds got them there, still considered rank outsiders but with a relatively favourable draw against Instonians.

The Belfast side led three times on Saturday, but Paul Gleghorne’s pair of drag-flicks were matched by two from John Hobbs, while Quins’ David Egner and Inst’s Mark Irwin swapped tap-ins.

But Dan Hobbs won it five minutes from time to send Quins into a decider against Railway Union, who had shocked Irish Hockey League winners Lisnagarvey 3-2 in the other semi.

Nine of the Quins panel were survivors of the 2006 win, a marked contrast to a Railway side fielding four teenagers and renowned for the speed of their counter-attack.

Quins had privately feared they wouldn’t have the legs to survive two high-octane games in 24 hours but, somehow, they did it. Rob Abbott gave Railway an early lead but David Egner swept in for 1-1 after Paul Lombard capitalised on an error. When Karl Chapple picked up a rebound off Chris Daunt’s pads for 2-1, it seemed like Railway would pull away.

But while the Dubliners – gunning for a first title since 1938 – continued a crash ball tactic that Quins dealt brilliantly with, the Cork side mugged them at the other end as Dan Hobbs slung two penalty corners in as many minutes through Stephen O’Keeffe’s defences in for 3-2.

It got even better as Colin Ross volleyed home a third-phase rebound after Egner had hit the bar. Although Peter English nailed a penalty stroke with three minutes to go for a grandstand finish, Quins showed their experience to wind the clock down for a famous victory.

Having seen brother Jason life the trophy in 2006, it was Mark Black’s turn this time. The former Irish international duo are among a phalanx of Quins players rumoured to be retiring, but with a first appearance in the EuroHockey League on the horizon in the autumn, Mark admitted he may need to reconsider.

“I was planning on retiring, but we’ll have to revisit that one. Another year in us? The EHL should be interesting!” he said.

“I can’t believe it. It’s amazing for the club, for lads like David Eakins who has been playing 14 years, in his fourth Irish Senior Cup final and had never won one. It’s been a long journey for some of us, but this is the prize.

“I never expected us to be back in this arena. If you said at the start of the year we’d be winning the Irish Senior Cup, I wouldn’t have put money on it.”

He also paid tribute to coach Oakley: “Phil’s dedication with us has been massive. It’s been a learning curve for him, too, it being the first men’s side he has coached. We’ve worked well as a team together. A couple of the older heads have been helping Phil along, too, and he has a big future ahead of him.”

It was also a day to remember for UCD, who beat Loreto 3-2 in the women’s final.

Just one player — captain Laura Wilson — remains from their breakthrough success in 2009, but Johnny Harte has some serious young Irish international talent at his disposal, including Anna O’Flanagan, who hit the winner five minutes from time.

For Loreto, it was yet more heartbreak just eight days after they lost the IHL final to Railway Union, where they saw a last-minute equaliser contentiously chalked off.

Irish Senior Cup finals weekend

Men

Final: Cork Harlequins 4 (Dan Hobbs 2, David Egner, Colin Ross) Railway Union 3 (Rob Abbott, Karl Chapple, Peter English); Semi-finals: Cork Harlequins 4 (John Hobbs 2, Dan Hobbs, David Egner) Instonians 3 (Paul Gleghorne 2, Mark Irwin); Railway Union 3 (Peter English, Karl Chapple, Mark English) Lisnagarvey 2 (Andy Forrest, Timmy Cockram).

Women

Final: UCD 3 (Niamh Atcheler, Rachel O’Reilly, Anna O’Flanagan) Loreto 2 (Hannah Matthews, Nicci Daly). Semi-finals: Loreto 4 (Niamh Small, Sarah Clarke, Nikki Keegan, Hayley Mulcahy) Queen’s University 1 (Claire Allison); Railway Union 1 (Cecila Joyce) UCD 2 (Nicola Gray, Chloe Watkins).

See The Hook for more detailed, first-hand reports of the men’s semi-finals, women’s semi-finals and women’s final. 

Julia O'Halloran celebrates scoring the winner for Railway Union against Loreto in yesterday's Irish Hockey League final at Lisnagarvey. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Munster may not have had a team at the business end of the Irish Hockey League  but some of the province’s exiles made key contributions to a dramatic finals weekend at Comber Road in Lisburn.

Cork native Julia O’Halloran, previously of Harlequins and UCC, hit the decisive strike for Railway Union in their 1-0 victory over Loreto in yesterday’s women’s final.

The 24-year-old former Irish international latched onto a Cecilia Joyce long ball that was mistrapped by the Loreto defence to first-time the ball past Louisa Healy in the 52nd minute.

That preceded a crazy final minute in which Nicci Daly — who had also struck the only goal in the semi-final victory over Pegasus 24 hours earlier — had seemingly equalised with a stunning roofed effort with 13 seconds remaining, only to be a victim of interpretation as it was ruled as dangerous play by the umpires.

Loreto still managed to win a short corner on the final hooter, but Grace O’Flanagan held her nerve in the Railway goal to keep the effort out and make it two titles in three years for Mick McKinnon’s girls.

Railway had overcome fellow Leinster rivals Hermes 1-0 in Saturday’s semi-final with Zara Delany bagging the vital strike, and will now be Ireland’s first representatives in the new EuroHockey Club Champions Cup next season.

Meanwhile, Timmy Cockram was Lisnagarvey’s inevitable hero as they final laid their Irish Hockey League hoodoo to rest with a 3-1 win over YMCA in the decider.

The Lisburn men have twice fallen at the final hurdle in recent years but their experienced Irish international talisman Cockram did most of the damage as they romped home this time.

He hit a hat-trick and setup Mark Raphael’s gorgeous winner in the 4-3 success over Cookstown in the semi-finals, before notching two more in the decider.

YMCA’s Cork exile Stephen Parker, formerly of Church of Ireland, had scored the winning penalty one-on-one after his new side had drawn 2-2 with Monkstown in their semi-final.

Graham Woods, deputising for Irish international Iain Walker, was a revelation in goal for the Y in that game and brought his stunning form to the final as he denied ‘Garvey time and time again amid a big defensive effort from the Dubliners.

But Cockram eventually broke through in dispatching a drag-flick to the roof of the net on 48 minutes, before ‘Garvey worked a corner switch for Stevie Arbuthnot to double that advantage four minutes later.

YM hit back instantly with a memorable counter-attack goal, finished off by Jamie Tobin, but Cockram forced home from a goalmouth scramble to give the hosts the necessary breathing space.

YM could still join ‘Garvey in European competition next season, should the latter complete a national double by winning the Irish Senior Cup next weekend. They face Railway Union in the semi-finals with Cork Harlequins — who completed a Munster league and cup double thanks to a 2-0 title playoff win over Cork C of I on Friday night — meeting Instonians in the other last four tie.

Irish Hockey League finals weekend, Lisnagarvey HC

Men
Final: Lisnagarvey 3 (T Cockram 2, S Arbuthnot) YMCA 1 (J Tobin);
Semi-finals: Lisnagarvey 4 (T Cockram 3, M Raphael) Cookstown 3 (I Sloan 2, G Allen);
IHL MVP: Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey); Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Graham Woods (YMCA); Top scorer: Timmy Cockram (Lisnagarvey)/Ian Sloan (Cookstown).

Women
Final: Railway Union 1 (J O’Halloran) Loreto 0;
Semi-finals: Railway Union 1 (Z Delany) Hermes 0; Loreto 1 (N Daly) Pegasus 0;
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Louisa Healy (Loreto); Top scorer: Suzanne Beaney (Pegasus).

Cork Harlequins celebrate their Munster Senior League title success after a 2-0 playoff victory over Cork Church of Ireland at a drenched Farmer's Cross last night. PIcture: Andrew Gray

With the sides locked on 33 points from 12 games after the regular season — after each side lost once to the other — a playoff was required to determine a winner, though the  miserable conditions at a drenched Farmer’s Cross helped neither’s ambitions.

David Egner had put the hosts into a fifth-minute lead from a corner rebound, but the rest of the half  belonged to C of I without the Blues getting any tangible reward as Chris Daunt made a quartet of saves from John Jermyn.

John Hobbs blocked down a Stephen Sweetnam reverse as it was all hands to the pump for Quins, although Irish international hitman Jermyn was a busy man at both ends of the pitch, blocking down John Sweetnam and effectively pressuring David Eakins as they looked set to score from Quins  breakaways.

Jermyn was the key architect of opportunities for C of I, first reverse crashing for Philip Sweetnam who miscued his deflection before flashing an inviting cross-shot wide of the far post with no man in blue there to connect.

But there was little he could do about the 64th-minute copper-fastener from Eakins. Phil McLaughlin’s killer pass played in John Sweetnam and although C of I keeper Billy Lynch saved his effort, he was powerless to stop Eakins finishing accurately from the loose ball at the top of the circle.

Daunt denied David Hobbs from point-blank range to keep his clean sheet intact and ensure the final minutes were comfortable ones for Phil Oakley’s side, who will now head into next Saturday’s Irish Senior Cup final against Instonians looking to add to their league and Munster Senior Cup crowns.

As they had done against Annadale in the previous round five months ago, the 2006 champions reprised the spirit of that success as their veterans gear up for one last tilt at an Irish crown.

David Eakins played in David Lombard to reverse home the opener against Bann, only for Peter Brown to collect Scott Forbes’ cross and slam home for a half-time stalemate.

Sean Nicholson, back in Quins colours after a series of injury absence, steals the ball against Banbridge. Picture: Courtesy Cork Harlequins

But Colin Ross blasted one in from the top of the circle off a lightning counter-attack to win it, a victory that could have been more comfortable had Bann netminder Gareth Lennox not twice denied Paul Lombard in one-on-ones.

Encouraginly for Quins, the semi-final draw pits them against the tournament’s other surprise package, Instonians. They saw off NICS 1-0 thanks to Julian Lewis’ winner 45 seconds from time, and will hold no fears for Quins given the Cork side beat them 3-2 in the Irish Hockey League this term.

That was on the Farmer’s Cross sand however, whereas the sides will meet on neutral territory at Belfield this time around as the world’s oldest hockey tournament has now reverted to a “finals weekend” format.

Railway Union will play Lisnagarvey in the other last four tie after they removed Leinster’s big two. Railway were short on possession but had a clinical edge as Rob Abbott, Peter English and Eoin MacArthur propelled Ireland’s most improved side to a 3-0 win over Glenanne.

That gives them a first semi-final berth in 15 seasons, but cup specialists ‘Garvey will be tough opponents. They overcame a scoreless first half as Timmy Cockram and Greg Thompson struck to see off Pembroke Wanderers 3-0.

Anna O’Flanagan’s winner saw UCD undo women’s Irish Senior Cup favourites Pegasus once more — as the students had in the 2009 final — on a 2-1 scoreline. They’ll now meet Railway in the semis, a daunting task after the Dubliners stunned Armagh with a 9-0 away victory, Zara Delany hitting four of those.

Loreto made it three Leinster sides in the semis with another emphatic victory, racing past Old Alex 5-0 with Nicci Daly and Cathy McKean contributing to a 3-0 half-time lead. They will play Queen’s University in the semi-finals after Julie Allison trickled home the only goal of the tie with Trinity at Griffeen Valley Park.

Colin Ross (left) celebrates scoring the winner with Paul Lombard. Picture: Courtesy Cork Harlequins

Meanwhile, Cork C of I have forced a Munster men’s league title playoff against Cork Harlequins after overcoming a stout UCC defensive effort to win 4-1 at the Mardyke.

Knowing only a win would do, the blues were in tetchy form from the off, although Stephen Sweetnam eased any early nerves when slinging home a high drag-flick from his side’s first corner.

But it didn’t take College long to cancel it out. Their first set-piece saw a neatly-disguised switch-right to Roger Gray – captaining the side on what may be his last home game for the club – and he  carried past the second runner before flicking home at the near post.

1-1 was how it stayed until the break, with C of I having the better chances but finding Kieran Healy in inspired form between the sticks for UCC, though John Jermyn did ding the post after turning over Adam O’Callaghan while the Irish international also took an Andy Gray drag-flick off the line at the other end.

Despite the absence of shoulder injury victim Fionn O’Leary, UCC were happy to play the aerial counter-attack game with what little possession they had. But it was mostly backs-to-the-wall stuff as  C of I – for whom Andrew Daunt and Phil Smith played little part due to to injury – went for the jugular.

They finally got the breakthrough midway through the half when Jermyn rattled a drag-flick to the bottom corner, and he performed more heroics at the other end too when directing another Andy Gray drag over the bar.

Gray then mistrapped an aerial to let David Harvey in behind the UCC rearguard, and he picked out the unmarked Gary Wilkinson who controlled and bashed to the bottom corner for 3-1.

With the result now safe and the students tiring from having to defend for so long, Clinton Sweetnam bagged the goal of the game in the final minutes, swerving past two tacklers on the left endline, before rounding Healy and tapping in.

The three points means C of I and Quins finish level at the top of the standings with UCC in third, necessitating a league title playoff. That fixture has yet to be decided but with neither side in action at the IHL finals, they could yet be set for a May bank holiday weekend showdown.

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.

Ashton's Ross Welch gets a reverse-stick pass away under pressure from Bandon's David Jennings. Picture: Alan Good

Having been crowned the country’s best side at this grade by claiming national glory at the John Waring Super Sixes at Lisnagarvey – including a 2-0 win over Bandon – Ashton were obvious favourites going into this encounter.

And they began like they meant business as Bandon struggled to get out of their own half, but having broken away to win their first corner, Will Bartley’s charges took a surprise lead in the sixth minute.

It was a well-worked set-piece, drawing the runners away from the castle with a shortened push to the left, preceding a long switch right for David Jennings. He calmly controlled and pushed hard and accurate to the far bottom corner.

The work-rate of Jennings and his twin brother Matthew was vital to Bandon’s cause in midfield as they won most of the 50-50 tackles thereafter. Ross Welch and Simon Dring in particular were proving to be Ashton’s main dangermen but they were shut down by a series of vital defensive interventions from Bandon’s Luke Kingston and Ben Shanahan.

Bar a series of shorts at the tail end of the first half, which didn’t yield a goal, clear-cut chances were at a premium until after the break, when the game exploded into life.

Another Bandon corner was switched left then right to Sean Nyhan outside the back post. He squared for David Jennings whose volley dinged the post, but the rebound fell kindly for him and he did well to once again have the composure to place it to the far corner.

Bandon Grammar pose with the Munster Minor Schoolboys Cup.

And when Ashton failed to clear a couple of minutes later, Bandon’s inspirational captain Ben Kingston – their greatest threat on the ball – picked up a loose ball and flicked to the far top corner from a tight angle.

That double blow left Ashton, spurred on from the back byuskipper Harry Whitaker, needing to chase the game. But their sole penalty corner was well cleared by the Bandon defence and other forays into the visitors’ 25 went unrewarded.

That left Bandon to put the icing on the cake late on, when David Jennings picked up turnover ball 40 metres out and played in Scott Deane, who was retreating from the previous attack. He waited for the pass to enter the D and coolly swept home first-time.

It was Bandon’s first title at this level since 2006, and denied Ashton a fourth crown in five attempts. Both schools have enjoyed periods of dominance at this level – Ashton won eight straight cups in the 1990s while Bandon matched that feat from 1998-2006.

To view the full set of pictures from this game, check out the Schools Cups album on the Southern Fried Hockey Facebook page.

Munster Minor Schoolboys Cup final

Ashton 0 Bandon Grammar 4 (D Jennings 2, B Kingston, S Deane)

Having been ousted from the Irish Senior Cup by the Belfielders, Insta had revenge on their minds but they also carried a burning desire to show they belong at Irish hockey’s top table after a chastening 3-0 defeat by Hermes.

To that end, a bullish post on their club Facebook page in midweek claimed a win over Leinster’s double-winners would prove they were one of the country’s top teams.

Quins goalkeeper Vanessa Sargent denies Railway Union's Kate Lloyd a goal at Farmer's Cross. Picture: Denis Minhane/Irish Examiner

And despite going behind twice in a drama-filled encounter, an instinctive finish from birthday girl Kym Daly helped them prevail by the odd goal in five. It wasn’t enough for the Limerick girls to progress, but it meant UCD crashed out of the competition.

The students had the lead despite early Insta pressure when Deirdre Duke won a corner which Nicola Gray swept home.

But the lead did not last to quarter-time as Cregan rounded Stella Davis and slotted home an equaliser in the 17th minute. UCD were on top but were frustrated once again as Caroline Hill saw Christine O’Shea take her effort off the line but they had a lead once more when Leah Ewart finished off Anna O’Flanagan’s cross.

Cregan created the second equaliser for Carroll in the third period to set up a frenetic closing quarter. And UCD were stung at the death when Carroll’s speed created room down the left and she crossed it to Cregan. Davis turned that effort onto the post and Daly – initially believing Cregan has scored – reacted to push the ball in despite having her back to goal to score.

Belfast kingpins Pegasus were the side to benefit despite losing 3-1 at home to Pool A pace-setters Hermes, as they edged out the students by a point.

The margins were similarly fine in Pool B, where Loreto leapfrogged Railway Union into top spot despite blowing a 3-1 lead away to Ballymoney, for whom Jessica Lynch’s hat-trick earned the Antrim side a 3-3 draw.

With Railway drawing a blank on Leeside in a 0-0 draw at Cork Harlequins, they go through in second and will now play competition favourites Hermes in the last four, though Loreto won’t have it easy against recent European title winners Pegasus.

The remaining clashes were dead rubbers, with UCC going down 2-1 at home to Lurgan while Old Alex won 2-0 at Armagh.

In the men’s competition, Glenanne proved that for all hockey’s advancements in recent years, the simple tactic of a crash ball can still yield powerful dividends.

The hosts saw very little of the ball against semi-final hopefuls Banbridge in Tallaght, but Jonathan Kane’s hat-trick of deflections and an own goal helped them romp home 4-0.

That torpedoed Bann’s chance of progression although with Monkstown comfortable 4-1 winners over Cork Harlequins, the Down men would have had a mountain to climb anyway in Pool A. ‘Town progress in second place with Cookstown topping the pool by a point by virtue of their 3-3 draw with Instonians.

In Pool B, Lisnagarvey will be cursing themselves for taking their eye off the ball and allowing Pembroke Wanderers take a 3-3 draw from Hillsborough.

With YMCA romping to a 5-1 victory over Three Rock Rovers, the bonus point and boost to their goal difference proved enough for them to leapfrog ‘Garvey and take top spot.

Given Garvey went unbeaten through the pool stages while YM lost twice but still went through as top seeds, it’s little wonder there has been a recommendation to alter the points collation system for next season.

That now pits Garvey against Cookstown — who came from a long way behind to overhaul them for Ulster league honours this term — in the last four while it’s an all-Dublin clash between YM and Monkstown.

Cork C of I finished their campaign on a high by snatching third place in Pool B with a 5-3 victory away to Annadale, Stephen Sweetnam’s quick-fire second-half double turning the clash decisively in their favour.

Peter Caruth had twice cancelled out go-ahead goals for the Duff men – an own goal and one from David Hobbs – but Gary Wilkinson put them in front again before Sweetnam’s double stretched them out to 5-2.

With C of I having just one substitute, ‘Dale were banking on a final quarter resurgence but they could only manage one late consolation strike from Chris Campbell.

Irish Hockey League Round 5
Men’s Pool A: Cookstown 3 (D Best, I Sloan, A Barbour) Instonians 3 (M Irwin, W Robinson, J Corry); Glenanne 4 (J Kane 3, own goal) Banbridge 0; Monkstown 4 (R Sykes, R O’Moore, A Ward) Cork Harlequins 1 (D Eakins);
Final standings (goal difference): 1 Cookstown 15pts (10); 2 Monkstown 14pts (7); 3 Banbridge 10pts (0); 4 Glenanne 8pts (-1); 5 Instonians 5 pts (-5); 6 Cork Harlequins 5pts (-11).

Men’s Pool B: YMCA 5 (J Bruton 2, M Richardson 2, own goal) Three Rock Rovers 1 (P Blakeney); Annadale 3 (P Caruth 2, C Campbell) Cork C of I 5 (S Sweetnam 2, D Hobbs, G Wilkinson, own goal); Lisnagarvey 3 (D Buser, S Arbuthnot, T Cockram) Pembroke Wanderers 3 (M Elliott 2, T Lewis);
Final standings (goal difference): 1 YMCA 14pts (9); 2 Lisnagarvey 14pts (6); 3 Cork C of I 9pts (0); 4 Pembroke Wanderers 7pts (-4); 5 Annadale 6pts (-4); 6 Three Rock Rovers 4pts (-7).

Women’s Pool A: Pegasus 1 (S Beaney) Hermes 3 (L Jacob 2, A Connery); Catholic Institute 3 (E Cregan, N Carroll, K Daly) UCD 2 (N Gray, L Ewart); Armagh 0 Old Alex 2 (H McDermott, E Russell);
Final standings (goal difference): 1 Hermes 18pts (12); 2 Pegasus 11pts (3); 3 UCD 10pts (2); 4 Catholic Institute 10pts (-1); 5 Old Alex 6pts (-4); 6 Armagh 1pt (-12).

Women’s Pool B: UCC 1 (S Bowe) Lurgan 2 (S Hull, Z McNally); Ballymoney 3 (J Lynch 3) Loreto 3 (C McKean, H Matthews, S McGirr); Cork Harlequins 0 Railway Union 0;
Final standings (goal difference): 1 Loreto 16pts (13); 2 Railway Union 15pts (13); Ballymoney 14pts (8); 4 Cork Harlequins 9pts (-1); 5 Lurgan 5pts (-13); 6 UCC 1pt (-20).

Finals weekend (Lisnagarvey HC, May 5-6): Men’s semi-finals: Lisnagarvey v Cookstown; Monkstown v YMCA; Women’s semi-finals: Loreto v Pegasus; Hermes v Railway Union.

Qualified for IHL 2012/13
Men: Cookstown, Lisnagarvey, Annadale, Banbridge (Ulster); Glenanne, Monkstown, Pembroke Wanderers, Railway Union (Leinster); Cork Harlequins, Cork Church of Ireland (Munster). Women: Pegasus, Ballymoney, Lurgan, Ulster Elks (Ulster); UCD, Railway Union, Loreto, Old Alex (Leinster); Catholic Institute, Cork Harlequins (Munster).

Wildcard playoffs (UCD, May 18-20)
Men: YMCA (Leinster), Instonians (Ulster), UCC (Munster); Women: Hermes (Leinster), Ards (Ulster), UCC (Munster), Galway or Greenfields (Connacht).

Following a scoreless first half in which Quins had plenty of possession but found Ian Hosford in unforgiving mood, the Bandon goalkeeper repelling all of Dan Hobbs’ drag-flicks.

Fred McElroy spurned Bandon’s best chance from a breakaway but Quins eventually made a breakthrough after half-time when Rob Hobbs and David Eakins went down the right. The latter rode three tackles and slid the ball under Hosford for David Egner to tap in at the back post.

David Egner's two goals against Bandon helped David Doherty's UCC reach the IHL widlcard playoffs. Picture: Ondine Roche

The second goal was somewhat similar, David Lombard doing the donkey work to get to the baseline before finding Egner, who controlled before flicking high to the net.

And Eakins put the result beyond doubt with a drag-flick to the bottom right corner, meaning a late yellow card for David Lombard for dissent mattered little.

The pressure is now firmly on Cork Church of Ireland, who have their final game against UCC on April 28 at the Mardyke. The blues must win against the students to tie Quins at the top and force a title playoff.

The pressure is off College for that game, as Bandon’s loss tonight guarantees them third place and a place in the IHL wildcards. But further difficulties could lie ahead for them as they await a decision from the IHA regarding the date of that competition.

Should YMCA seal a place in the IHL semis next weekend, the triangular tournament – which also includes Ulster’s Instonians – is set to be moved to May 18-20 at Lisnagarvey from its current slot alongside the IHL finals weekend on May 6-8.

That would be problematic for the Cork side, coming right in the middle of UCC’s exam season.

Men’s Div 1: Cork Harlequins 3 (David Egner 2, David Eakins) Bandon 0.

Fixture: UCC v Cork Church of Ireland, Saturday April 28, Mardyke, 1pm.

Jody Hosking’s angled drive gave them a lead and although Rovers spent most of the game camped in their own 25, Stephen West was in inspired form between the sticks and Alan White hit a breakaway goal to give them a shock victory.

Lisnagarvey booked their place in the last four by shrugging off a resolute Annadale 4-2, continuing a 100% record that sees them top Pool B. With YMCA notching a bonus point in their stunning 4-0 dismissal of Dublin rivals Pembroke Wanderers, they need just a point from their final clash at home to Rovers next weekend to join ‘Garvey in the last four.

Catholic Institute's Eimear Cregan throws herself across goal to prevent Miriam Crowley scoring for Hermes during the sides' IHL clash at St Andrew's. Picture: Deryck Vincent

YM’s potential presence in the semis could see the wildcard playoffs — due to be run off alongside the finals weekend on May 5 and 6 at Lisnagarvey — moved back a fortnight, as the Milltown side are Leinster’s representatives in that competition too.

That could create major headaches for UCC, favourites to qualify as Munster’s representative for the wildcards — which decide the final two qualifiers for next season’s IHL — due to clashes with exams.

Ulster champions Cookstown showed little signs of heavy legs from the long journey south as they dismantled Cork Harlequins 5-0 at Farmer’s Cross to storm into the semis, Ian Sloan and Greg Allen hitting a brace each. They sit atop Pool A but aren’t guaranteed to finish first as both Banbridge and Monkstown can overhaul them.

Bann saved their IHL season in miraculous style, overturning a 5-2 third quarter deficit at home to basement side Instonians to somehow eke out a 6-5 victory, Stephen Dowds dragging home his hat-trick goal with five minutes to go to seal an unlikely success.

They’re locked on 10 points with Monkstown, who mugged Glenanne 4-3 in bizarre style in Tallaght. Leading 3-2, Glens pulled their goalkeeper in the final quarter as they chased a fourth goal that would give them a bonus point and a better shot at semi-final qualification next week.

But the move backfired spectacularly, as Ross Watkins smacked home into an unguarded net to equalise for Monkstown. And though Glens re-established their GK to the field at that stage, Stephen Cole hit a winner for the Town to add insult to injury.

Hermes became the first side to qualify for the women’s semi-finals, their 3-0 win over Catholic Institute dashing the Limerick side’s faint dreams of a last four berth.

Institute's Clodagh Moloney gets a high ball under control against Hermes. Picture: Deryck Vincent

Pegasus are best-placed to join them after a 3-0 win over Armagh, leapfrogging UCD who stumbled with a scoreless draw against Old Alex. The students go to Institute next week chasing down a one-point deficit, with Pegasus hosting Hermes.

Pool B is a three-horse race after the top two, Loreto and Railway Union, drew 1-1 at Beaufort, with Ballymoney the main beneficiaries as Megan Frazer celebrated her return to her home side’s colours after three seasons in America with two in a 5-0 rout of Lurgan.

Two points now separate the top three, with Railway heading to Cork to take on Harlequins next weekend while Loreto and Ballymoney lock horns at the latter’s Joey Dunlop Centre home.

Quins are winning the battle of ‘best of the rest’ in Pool B, after Cliodhna Sargent’s brace and one from Kay Gaffney against her old club helped them see off local rivals UCC 3-0.

The full set of Deryck Vincent’s superb pictures from Catholic Institute vs Hermes can be viewed and downloaded here.

Men

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Irish Hockey League Rd 4: Pool A: C of I 0 TRR 2 (J Hosking, A White); YMCA 4 (M Richardson, I McHugh, R Pedreshi, P Powderly) Pembroke Wanderers 0; Lisnagarvey 4 (T Cockram 2, A Forrest, M Raphael) Annadale 2 (A Williamson 2);
Standings: 1. Lisnagarvey 12pts (+6) 2. YMCA 10pts (+1) 3. Annadale 6pts (-2) 4. C of I 6pts (-2) 5. Pembroke 5pts (-4) 6. TRR 4pts (-3).

Pool B: Cork Harlequins 0 Cookstown 5 (G Allen, T Smyth, I Sloan 2); Glenanne 3 (J Kane, E O’Malley, D Keogh) Monkstown 4 (N Dee, R O’Moore, A Ward, S Cole); Banbridge 6 (S Dowds 3, O Magee 2, J Moffett) Instonians 5 (W Robinson 2, P Gleghorne, J Watson, M Irwin);
Standings: 1. Cookstown 13pts (+10) 2. Monkstown 10pts (+2) 3. Banbridge 10pts (+1) 4. Harlequins 5pts (-8) 5. Glenanne 4pts (-5) 6. Instonians 3pts (-5).

Irish Junior Cup semi-finals: Cookstown 3 (G Black, M Wilson) Banbridge 2 (D Anderson, N Kelly)(aet, Cookstown win 4-2 on penalty strokes); Corinthian 3 (C Hennessy 2, A Missen) Lisnagarvey 2 (S McNeice, AN Other);

Women

Irish Hockey League Rd 4: Pool A: Hermes 3 (C Quinlan, A Connery, L Jacob) Catholic Institute 0; Pegasus 3 (S Beaney 2, V Surgeoner) Armagh 0; UCD 0 Old Alex 0; Standings: 1. Hermes 15pts (+10) 2. Pegasus 11pts (+5) 3. UCD 10pts (+3) 4. Catholic Institute 7pts (-2) 5. Old Alex 3pts (-6) 6. Armagh 1pt (-10).

Pool B: Loreto 1 (A Meeke) Railway Union 1 (J O’Halloran); Cork Harlequins 3 (C Sargent 2, K Gaffney) UCC 0; Ballymoney 5 (K Mullan 2, M Frazer 2, N Parke) Lurgan 0.Standings: 1 Loreto 14pts (+13) 2 Railway Union 13pts (+13) 3 Ballymoney 12pts (+8) 4 Cork Harlequins 7pts (-1) 5 Lurgan 2pts (-14) 6 UCC 0pts (-19).