Paul Gleghorne is the only surprise selection in Ireland’s squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, while on the women’s side of things, Cathy McKean has brought the curtain down on a glittering international career.
The draws for each of the national competitions – with the exception of the men’s Irish Senior Cup – have been made, with IJC champions Cork C of I’s trip to Banbridge the pick of the bunch.
Audrey O’Flynn’s treble of drag-flicks helped UCC to a flattering 4-0 victory over Randalstown, while Quins saw off C of I 4-1 to also gain maximum points in their opening Irish Hockey League clash. Read on also for a round-up of action from the Examiner Cup and women’s Divisions 2-6
Catholic Institute and Cork C of I progress to the semi-finals of the Peard Cup, Quins and Bandon hit back in Division Two while Division Three is blown wide open by some eyebrow-raising results.
The women’s IHL gets underway this weekend with a tasty-looking derby between Quins and C of I, while UCC will make their competition debut at home to Randalstown without Aine Connery, who has completed a move to Hermes and is set to make her debut against Pegasus.
David Herbert and Ivan Bateman have been the key men as their respective C of I C and Quins D sides top their leagues, while Quins are the early front-runners in what looks set to be a very competitive women’s Division Two campaign.