Connery set to play through pain barrier as UCC seek three-in-a-row

Defending champions University College Cork (UCC) are set to gamble on the fitness of Irish international Áine Connery as they aim for their third consecutive Irish Universities Hockey Association (IUHA) intervarsity title in Kilkenny this weekend. Connery broke a finger in training three weeks ago, but is hoping to play a part on home turf at the tournament, particularly given the tough draw College have received. The Cork students are otherwise at full strength for the three-day competition, which begins on Sunday and will be hosted by Dublin City University at the dual venues of Loreto Kilkenny and Kilkenny College.

They have fellow internationals Julia O’Halloran – who has taken a sabbatical from the Ireland duties to concentrate on the final year of her law degree – and Hollie Moffett available, while the drag-flicking abilities of Audrey O’Flynn, who was recently called into the Irish squad but has yet to be capped, will be vital to their cause. The lack of seedings for the competition has thrown up some unusual pool combinations, particularly in the women’s event, where College won’t have been pleased to find themselves pitted against last year’s beaten finalists University College Dublin (UCD). The presence of Cork Institute of Technology – whose side is set to be anchored by Cork Harlequins defender Cliodhna Sargent – and University of Limerick does throw up a couple of intriguing Munster derbies however, with the group completed by NUI Galway. On the downside for Munster hockey, having the province’s three teams in one pool reduces the chances of progression. In addition, the other pool – which features Trinity, Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), Queens University, UUJ and hosts DCU – looks a lot more negotiable on paper. UCC and UUJ – now known as the Ulster Elks – will start as favourites to top their respective groups, largely thanks to the successful scholarship programmes which see them boast four internationals each. The Elks have significantly bolstered their squad over the summer, adding a wealth of international flair and experience in the process. Irish international regulars Shirley McCay and Emma Clarke made the move from Randalstown, Phillippine Berly joined from Stade Francais and Frances Kreft has arrived from New Zealand. Despite the loss of Irish stars Christine Quinlan, who returned to Hermes, and Roisin Flinn, who is travelling abroad, UCD will still represent a formidable challenge.

Under the tutelage of former Irish international Mary Logue, the Belfield students have high hopes of breaking into the top four in Leinster, and goalkeeper Pamela Smithwick looks to be an inspired signing. In the men’s competition, CIT once more look strong on paper, as their lack of senior club status means they can call on a wealth of players from Cork Church of Ireland, Cork Harlequins and Bandon. John Hobbs is again in situ for the Bishopstown side, alongside former Ireland U18 stars Alastair Smith and Roger Gray and Dutch erasmus student Greeth Fromme, but Bandon’s Gavin Beamish is out with a knee injury. CIT’s chances of progressing to the last four have been boosted by the fact that just nine men’s teams are competing. They are in the pool of four alongside UL, Queens and last year’s winners Ulster Elks. UCC’s men, who have been boosted by the signing of David Gash from Cork Harlequins, have a far tougher assignment on the other side of the draw. The Marydke outfit are in with DCU – who boast Irish internationals in twins Conor and David Harte, as well as Monkstown’s Gareth Watkins – Trinity, the RCSI and UCD, who are hoping to sign a few new players in time for the tournament. Meanwhile, Cork Harlequins stretched their lead at the top of the Munster women’s league to six points thanks to a 5-0 win over Belvedere in Ballincollig. Karen Bateman struck a brace while Hilary Chapple, Cliodhna Sargent and Rachel McSharry also getting on the scoresheet. Aside from that game, there is no senior club action this weekend, due to UCC and UL’s intervarsity involvement and the number of players from other clubs in action for CIT. Irish Universities Hockey Association Intervarsities, Kilkenny Sunday Men Pool A: CIT vs Ulster Elks (Loreto Kilkenny, 9am);  UL vs Ulster Elks (Kilkenny College, 11.30am); CIT vs Queens (Kilkenny College, 3.15pm). Pool B: UCD vs UCC (Kilkenny College, 9am); Trinity vs RCSI (Kilkenny College, 10.15am); Trinity vs UCC (Loreto Kilkenny, 12.45pm); RCSI vs UCD (Kilkenny College, 12.45pm); DCU vs RCSI (Kilkenny College, 3.15pm). Women Pool A: CIT vs UL (Kilkenny College, 10.15am); NUIG vs UCC (Kilkenny College, 11.30am); CIT vs UCD (Kilkenny College, 12.45pm); CIT vs NUIG (Kilkenny College, 4.30pm); UL vs UCC (Kilkenny College, 4.30pm). Pool B: Ulster Elks vs Queens (Kilkenny College, 9am); DCU vs RCSI (Loreto Kilkenny, 10.15am); Trinity vs Ulster Elks (Loreto Kilkenny, 11.30am); Trinity vs RCSI (Loreto Kilkenny, 3.15pm); DCU vs Queens (Loreto Kilkenny, 4.30pm).