Munster Hockey Seeks Volunteers for 3 Key Roles

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We are seeking 3 volunteers to fill these positions for the 25/26 season. Without these roles being filled, the season will not commence. The key roles are:
1. Competitions Chairperson: leads the competitions committee in assisting to create and maintain fixtures and the integrity of the competitions we run. Represents the committee on the Munster Branch providing monthly updates.
2. U18 Girl’s Fixtures Secretary: sets up and maintains the fixtures for the U18 girls leagues and cup.
3. Women’s Registrar: works with the other registrars to maintain the integrity of the competitions.

If you are interested in any of these roles please contact secretary@munsterhockey.ie

Munster Hockey AGM

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The Munster Hockey AGM will take place Wednesday the 16th of July at 7:30pm in the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown. All clubs are strongly encouraged to attend on the night. Registration of votes will start from 7pm.

Munster Women’s League Structure for 25/26 Season

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Following completion of the 2024/25 season, the competition’s committee have structured the 2025/26 leagues. This is subject to change based on final team entries submitted by clubs during the off-season.

Any new teams will be entered in Division 7. To make Women’s Division 7 viable we will need 6 or 7 teams entered. Should there be no Division 7, the remaining teams will be placed in Division 6 with other teams being pushed up the league structure to make leagues as equal as possible in terms of quantity.

Women’s Div.1
Ashton
Bandon
Catholic Institute II
C.of.I
Crescent
Harlequins
U.C.C.
Waterford

Women’s Div.2
Ashton II
Belvedere
Blackrock
Clonakilty
Clonmel
Cork Wanderers
Harlequins II
U.C.C. II

Women’s Div.3
Ashton III
Bandon II
C.of.I II
Harlequins III
Limerick
Tipperary
U.C.C. III
U.C.C. IV

Women’s Div.4
Belvedere II
Cashel/New Inn
Clonmel II
Cork Wanderers II
Crescent II
Harlequins IV
Midleton
Waterford II

Women’s Div.5
Bandon III
Blackrock II
C.of.I III
Clonakilty II
Dungarvan
Dungarvan II
Harlequins V
Tipperary II

Women’s Div.6
Ashton IV
Blackrock III
C.of.I IV
C.of I V
Cork Wanderers III
Limerick II
Midleton II
Waterford III

Women’s Div.7
Ashton V
Belvedere III
Crescent III
Midleton III

*Men’s league structure is under review with forums to be held with the men’s clubs in the off-season*

Interpro and Academy Roles

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Munster Hockey would like to hear from coaches who would like to get involved in the Munster Hockey Inter Pro, Academy and Emerging Talent Program. Link to expression of interest with a closing date of 9th May (Link)

Please see attached link to information on the Inter Pro roles. Link

Interested applicants should email their CV to coaching@munsterhockey.ie

Harlequins and C of I Secure Playoff Spots

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In men’s EYHL 1 Lisnagarvey men now have a three point lead at the top of the table after two wins. They were made to work hard for the win on Saturday but pulled through with a 2-1 scoreline against YMCA. On Sunday they had a routine 7-2 win away to local rivals Annadale. Both Three Rock Rovers and Banbridge stayed within touching distance of the leaders. Three Rock blitzed Avoca 5-0, while Banbdrige left it late but won 3-2 over Pembroke.

C of I men secured second place in Pool A of EYHL 2 with a convincing 4-1 win over Railway Union. After a scoreless first half, both teams exchanged goals in the third quarter before C of I romped home with 3 goals in the final quarter to take the points.

In Pool B, another hat trick from Julian Dale – his seventh of the season – put Harlequins through to the playoffs too as they had an impressive 5-0 away win against Clontarf. Adam Young and Sam Dale were also on the scoresheet. This sets them up for a playoff game against Munster rivals Bandon.

In women’s EYHL 1 leaders Loreto scored late to deny Catholic Institute a precious point in their bid to make the top four. Yasmin Pratt got the crucial goal that kept them 2 points clear of local rivals Railway Union. At the other end of the table UCC’s relegation was confirmed as they lost narrowly 2-1 to Pemboke Wanderers.

In women’s EYHL 2 Ashton moved to fourth in pool B after a 2-2 draw with Lurgan. A diving finish from Emily O’Leary put Ashton one up just before the halftime break. Breana O’Gorman doubled the lead in the third quarter after a mix up in the Lurgan defence. However, Lurgan fought back in the final quarter grabbing two late goals before going close to a third.

Harlequins completed the perfect season in Munster Division 1 with a 2-1 win over Catholic Institute B to make it 12 wins in 12 games. They had to come from behind though with Joy Sampson scoring in the third and fourth quarter extending her lead at the top of the goal scoring charts in the process.

Crescent made to their second final this season as they overcame Bandon in a shootout in Bandon Grammar school. With the game ending 1-1 in normal time, Crescent won the run-ins 3-2 setting up a final against UCC B who beat Waterford 1-0.

Saturday 29th March 2025
Men – EYHL Division 1: Avoca 0 Three Rock Rovers 5; Banbridge 3 Pembroke Wanderers 2; Lisnagarvey 2 YMCA 1; University College Dublin 2 Annadale 3.
Men – EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Cork Church of Ireland 4 (D Ruddock, R Sweetnam, I Balding, T Gaffney) Railway Union 1; Kilkenny 1 Cookstown 5
Men – EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: Clontarf 0 Cork Harlequins 5 (J Dale 3, A Young, S Dale); Instonians 1 Portrane 3
Men – Munster Charity Cup – 1/2 Finals: Waterford 6 (I Johnson 2, H Earl, H Lima, H O’Shea, S Johnson) Cork Harlequins B 2 (H O’Byrne, C Bateman).
Women – EYHL Division 1: Ards 0 University College Dublin 2; Loreto 1 Catholic Institute 0; Old Alexandra 0 (BP) Ulster Elks 0; Pegasus 1 Railway Union 5; Pembroke Wanderers 2 University College Cork 1 (M Sanderson).
Women – EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Muckross 0 Monkstown 0.
Women – EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: Ashton 2 (E O’Leary, B O’Gorman) Lurgan 2; University of Galway 0 Queens University 3.
Women – Munster Division 1: Cork Harlequins 2 (J Sampson 2) Catholic Institute B 1 (E Higgins)
Women – Munster Examiner Cup – 1/2 Finals: Bandon 1 (V Burns) Crescent 1 (R O’Leary) (Crescent win 3-2 on shootout); Waterford 0 University College Cork B 1
Sunday 30th March
Men – EYHL1: Annadale 2 Lisnagarvey 7.

Clinical Harlequins Get One Hand on Munster Title

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On Sunday Harlequins men beat title rivals Bandon to put one hand on the Munster Division 1 title with one game to play. Quins started quickly and were ahead within five minutes when Andrew Dale finished a quick break. Bandon then got a foothold in the game and equalised through Ali Smith before the end of the first quarter. And Bandon almost took the lead before the half time break but for a smart save from Iarlaith O’Neill. After the break Julian Dale struck with a drag flick low to the keeper’s left to make 2-1 going into the final quarter. Bandon created a number of chances but Quins proved to have the cutting edge on the day as Julian Dale added a second through a penalty stroke and then Andrew Dale confirmed the win with minutes to go. Quins now play Waterford on the 6th of April knowing a win will guarantee the title.

On Saturday Quins defeated Waterford in the semi final of the Munster Senior Cup. They will play Bandon in the St Patrick’s Day final.

It was a tough weekend for Bandon as they also lost 4-2 to C of I in the EYHL 2 on Saturday. It puts C of I in pole position in pool A as the group stages start to heat up.

Three Rock Rovers climbed to the top of the EYHL 1 table beating title rivals Banbridge 4-2 on Saturday. Lisnagarvey kept pace with a good 2-0 win over Monkstown.

In women’s EYHL 1 Loreto continued their march to the title with a 4-2 win over Pembroke. Catholic Institute kept their top four dreams ahead with a bonus point draw against rivals Old Alex. UCC’s struggles continued as they went down by a single goal to second placed Railway Union.

In EYHL 2 Harlequins have an uphill battle now to make the playoffs after a 3-1 home defeat to Monkstown. Quins started brightly with Michelle Barry putting them ahead in the 9th minute. Monkstown took advantage of some lax defending to equalise in the second quarter. An end to end game was decided in the last ten minutes when Monkstown’s ruthlessness in front of goal proved to be the difference as they scored twice to win 3-1.

Results

Saturday 8th March

Men EYHL Division 1: Annadale 3 (BP) Corinthians 3; Avoca 2 YMCA 0; Lisnagarvey 2 Monkstown 0; Three Rock Rovers 4 Banbridge 2; University College Dublin 1 Pembroke Wanderers 2.

Men EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Bandon 2 (C Kingston 2) Cork Church of Ireland 4 (G Cashman 2, I Balding, R Olden); Kilkenny 5 Railway Union 3.

Men EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: Clontarf 0 Portrane 3; Kilkeel 3 Instonians 4.

Munster Senior Cup S/F: Harlequins 4 (J Dale 2, B Roberts, C Buttimer) Waterford 3 (A O’Shea, B McInerney, I Johnson)

Women EYHL Division 1: Ards 2 Ulster Elks 3; Catholic Institute 0 (BP) Old Alexandra 0; Pegasus 2 University College Dublin 0; Pembroke Wanderers 2 Loreto 4; University College Cork 0 Railway Union 1.

Women EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Cork Harlequins 1 (M Barry) Monkstown 3; Muckross 0 Portadown 5.

Women EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: Corinthians 1 University of Galway 0; Lurgan 0 Queens University 3.

Women Munster Division 1: Crescent 0 Catholic Institute B 1 (R Pratt).

Sunday 9th March

Men Munster Division 1: Bandon 1 (A Smith) Cork Harlequins 4 (J Dale 2, A Dale 2).

Women Munster Division 1: Bandon 2 (O Roycroft, A Barrett) Catholic Institute B 2 (L McGowan, E Mannion).

O’Neill’s Double Penalty Save Secures Quins First Win in EYHL 2

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Kate Harvey got Ashton’s second goal but it wasn’t enough as Corinthians won 3-2. Photo Credit: Andrew Noonan

A point separates Banbridge and Three Rock Rovers at the top of men’s EYHL 1. Ban didn’t have it all their way away to Avoca but eventually pulled through to win 4-2. Three Rock had a more routine 5-0 win over UCD. Monkstown closed the gap on fourth placed YMCA with a 2-0 win against them.

In men’s EYHL 2 a duo of Julian Dale drag flicks was enough to take the points against Clontarf in a 2-1 win. However they have goalkeeper Iarlaith O’Neill to thank as he saved 2 penalty strokes to keep them in the tie early on.

C of I men conceded in the final seconds of the game away to Railway Union to draw 1-1. A Rob Olden drag flick had given C of I the lead at the end of the third quarter.

It was a fruitful double weekend for Bandon men. A brace from captain Fionn O’Leary set them on their way to a 3-1 win away to Waterford to put them a point clear at the top of Munster Division 1. On Sunday they followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 win over C of I in the Munster Senior Cup semi final. Despite going behind twice, they fought back twice and Mark Kingston got the winner with seconds remaining, when he reacted fastest when Sean Bateman had saved well from another Colin Kingston drag flick. They will play either Harlequins or Waterford in the final.

In women’s EYHL 1 Loreto and Railway Union both had 2-0 wins over Pegasus and Ards respectively as they remain the top 2 in the table. Ulster Elks moved to third with a 2-1 win over Catholic Institute. Meanwhile a late equaliser from Emma O’Sullivan gave UCC a point away to Old Alex to close the gap to 9th to six points.
Harlequins women took the points in Galway with a 2-0 win over Greenfields in EYHL 2. Despite a dominant first half Quins failed to convert their chances. However they didn’t have to wait long – two minutes into the second half, a Clíodhna Sargent pass was deflected by Alex Dale over the head of the Greenfields keeper and into the roof of the net. Quins continued to push forward and half way through the final quarter a short corner deflection from Michelle Barry was finished by Anne O’Farrell to secure the points.

Ashton women got off to a strong start against Corinthians putting Leinster’s league leaders under pressure. Despite this, Corinthians struck first with a smart finish. Ashton responded a minute later from a short corner, which was deflected home by Emily O’Leary. Corinthians responded strongly with 2 quick fire goals either side of half time. Ashton continued to pile on the pressure and converted through Kate Harvey on the stroke of 3/4 time. The final quarter was end to end but Corinthians managed to hold on to win 3-2.

Results
Saturday 8th of February
Men’s EYHL Division 1: Three Rock Rovers 5 University College Dublin 0; Avoca 2 Banbridge 4; Corinthians 1 Pembroke Wanderers 2; YMCA 0 Monkstown 2.
Men’s EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Railway Union 1 Church of Ireland 1 (R Olden); Cookstown 12 Kilkenny 1
Men’s EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: Portrane 3 Instonians 1; Cork Harlequins 2 (J Dale 2) Clontarf 1.
Men’s Munster Division 1: Waterford 1 (A O’Shea) Bandon 3 (F O’Leary 2, K Smith)
Women’s EYHL Division 1: University College Dublin 1 (BP) Pembroke Wanderers 1; Ulster Elks 2 Catholic Institute (R Begley); Old Alexandra 1 (BP) University College Cork 1 (E O’Sullivan); Loreto 2 Pegasus 0; Railway Union 2 Ards 0.
Women’s EYHL Division 2 – Pool A: Greenfields 0 Cork Harlequins 2 (A Dale, A O’Farrell); Portadown 2 Monkstown 0.
Women’s EYHL Division 2 – Pool B: University of Galway 0 Lurgan 4; Ashton 2 (E O’Leary, K Harvey) Corinthians 3.
Women’s Munster Division 1: Catholic Institute B 2 (R Pratt, H O’Byrne) Bandon 1.
Women’s Munster Division 1 Cup – Semi-finals: Cork Church of Ireland 3 (C Dring 2, J Barry) Waterford 1 (K Maher)
Sunday 9th of February
Men’s Munster Senior Cup – Semi-final: Bandon 3 (M Kingston 2, C Kingston) Cork Church of Ireland 2 (I Balding, J Spillane).

Munster Hockey Merchandise Now Available!!

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We are delighted to announce that Munster Hockey supporters gear is now available across two suppliers.  The range is split across two shops with our GoSport shop offering some great branded clothing for both supporters and players.  Our Etsy shop offers hats and cups. All products are made to order by our producers.

Hats and cups: https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/MunsterHockeyShop

Clothing:

Munster Hockey

Church of Ireland Women Defeat Ashton in Irish Hockey Trophy

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In an exciting Irish Hockey Trophy first-round match, Church of Ireland edged out Ashton with a 3-2 victory. The game was open from the start, with Ashton missing a penalty stroke in the second quarter, thanks to a smart save from Sarah Wrixon. Church of Ireland took the lead in the third quarter when Julie Coyne scored from a well-executed short corner.

In the fourth quarter, a flurry of goals ensued, starting with Ashton equalising through Emma Nagle’s strike off a short corner. Church of Ireland quickly regained the lead with Sarah Murray’s breakaway goal, followed by Ciara Sexton’s close-range finish, making it 3-1. Despite Kate Harvey’s late goal for Ashton, Church of Ireland held on to secure their place in the second round. They will be the sole Munster side on round 2 as Bandon lost to Glenanne 2-0 in Bandon Grammar School.

In the men’s competition both Munster sides lost out in round one. Waterford lost 5-2 away to Portadown while Bandon lost out to South Antrim 3-1.

It was a double weekend in the men’s EYHL 1. Defending champions Banbridge had a perfect start to their campaign with wins over UCD and Monkstown. Three Rock Rovers, YMCA and Lisnagarvey also had six point weekends and these four sides now look like the ones to beat this season.

In the women’s EYHL 1 UCC suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Loreto meaning they remain bottom of the table, while this win brings Loreto to the top by virtue of Catholic Institutes 0-0 draw with UCD. Institite did however manage to grab the shootout bonus point meaning the gap at the top is only 1 point.

Results

Saturday 12th of October

Men’s EYHL 1: Annadale 2 YMCA 6; Lisnagarvey 9 Pembroke Wanderers 3; Monkstown 4 Avoca 3 ; Three Rock Rovers 5 Corinthians 0; UCD 0 Banbridge 7.

Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Clontarf 2 North Down 1; NICS 0 Railway Union 7; Portadown 5 Waterford 2; Portrane 9 Dublin University 1; Queens University 5 Kilkenny 1; South Antrim 3 Bandon 1 (C Kingston); Weston 4 Wicklow 1.

Women’s EYHL 1: Ards 2 Pembroke Wanderers 0; Loreto 3 UCC 0; Railway Union 1 Old Alex 2; Ulster Elks 3 (BP) Pegasus 3; UCD 0 Catholic Institute 0 (BP).

Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy: Avoca 3 Lisnagarvey 1; Ballymoney 2 Banbridge 0; Bandon 0 Glenanne 2; Clontarf 0 Trinity 2; Church of Ireland 3 (J Coyne, C Sexton, S Murray) Ashton 2 (K Harvey, E Nagle) Greenfields 0 Portrane 1; NUIG 4 Mossley 4; Omagh 2 Three Rock Rovers 1.

Institute Have Too Much for UCC in League Opener

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Catholic Institute women got their EY Hockey League Division 1 underway with a convincing 3-0 win over newcomers UCC on Saturday. This was UCC’s first game back at this level in nearly a decade, while Institute have been competing at the top end of the table for a few seasons now. The first half was a cagey affair with the majority of the best chances falling to Institute but the scoreline remained 0-0. In the third quarter, Institute upped the tempo and were rewarded in the second minute when Irish international Naomi Carroll rifled home. Aoibheann Collins doubled the lead within minutes before Ciara Moloney put the game to bed with a well worked short corner at the end of quarter 3.

Speaking after the game Institute coach Eimear Cregan said she was “delighted to get off to a good start with a 3-0 win. UCC were a good side and were aggressive in their pressing. They have been well organised by their coach Darren.”

Cregan added – “ There is lots to work on going forward but we are pleased with the performance and to score 2 field goals and a PC in the opening game of the season with 3 different goal scorers is a great start.” Looking ahead, Institute will face Railway Union, who recorded a significant 4-0 victory over Pembroke Wanderers, while UCC is set to host Ulster Elks.

In women’s Munster Division 1, Bandon and Church of Ireland played out a 1-1 draw On Friday night and the points were shared in Ashton School too as Catholic Institute B took a point in a 2-2 draw with Ashton. The final game saw Waterford hold their own against defending champions Harlequins for long periods but Quins had too much for them winning out 4-1.

In men’s Munster Division 1 Bandon took an early lead over Church of Ireland with a well worked move finished by the evergreen David Smith at the back post. C of I soon settled into the game and their pressure told just before the half time break as Rob Olden scored from a short corner. The second half remained competitive, with both teams exchanging good chances, but it was the Church of Ireland that found the next breakthrough with a goal from Gearoid Cashman. Bandon pressed hard for an equaliser in the fourth quarter, creating multiple entries into the circle but failing to convert any chances. In the other fixture Catholic Institute snatched all three points from their trip to Waterford. Jack Stockil and Luca Novakovic on target for Institute while Ben McInerney kept his scoring run going with Waterford’s response.

Results
Men’s Munster Division 1: Bandon 1 (D Smith) Church of Ireland 2 (R Olden, G Cashman); Waterford 1 (B McInerney) Catholic Institute 2 (J Stockil, L Novakovic).

Women’s EY Hockey League 1: Catholic Institute 3 (N Carroll, C Moloney, A Collins) UCC 0; UCD 1 Old Alex 2; Railway Union 4 Pembroke Wanderers 0; Pegasus 2 Ards; Ulster Elks 0 Loreto 2.

Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton 2 (K Toomey 2) Catholic Institute 2 (L McGowan, N O’Keeffe); Bandon 1 (M McCourt) Church of Ireland 1 (J Coyne); Harlequins 4 (M Barry 2, M Dullea, Y O’Byrne) Waterford 1 (J Barasich).

Boys Interpros: Munster u16 0 Ulster u16 3; Munster u18 1 Ulster u18 4.