Munster Hockey Seeks Coaches and Managers

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Munster Hockey is seeking to appoint qualified coaches to work with the Munster Hockey Performance Groups in the girls and boys programs:

Appointments to include

  • Manager
  • Head Coach
  • Assistant Coach/es
  • Goalkeeper coach

Roles operating within the Munster Hockey Player Pathway are appointed by the Munster Branch Coach & Development committee.

The coaching role will be for an initial 12 months, with the possibility of the offer being extended for a further 12 month period. Further details around the programme commitment are available on request.

Munster Hockey will provide appointed Coaches & Managers with the opportunity to undertake associated CPD courses or seminars.  Successful candidates will be expected to commit to adhering to all policies, procedures and codes of ethics as implemented by Munster Hockey.

If you wish to apply for one of these appointments:

Click here for Coaches

Click here for Managers

Closing Deadline is Friday April 14th 2023.

We expect all applicants to have minimum Level 1 Coaching Qualification with a preference for Level 2.  All applicants will be expected to have attended Safeguarding Level 1 training and appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.

If you any queries regarding the roles please email munsterhockeyinterpros@gmail.com

Munster Hockey Respect Campaign

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The Munster Branch have launched a respect campaign to raise awareness of how people should behave on and off the hockey pitch.  The campaign has been launched by the branch with a series of posters which both clubs and schools are being encouraged to make visible at venues.

 

Respect 1.1 (2)

Umpire 1.2 (2)

7. Please Remember 1.1 (Amateur BW)

8. Please Remember 1.1 (Amateur BW Plain)

9. Please Remember 1.1 (Amateur Colour)

10. Please Remember 1.1 (Kids Colour)

11. Please Remember 1.1 (Kids BW Plain)

12. Please Remember 1.1 (Kids BW)

Munster U16 Boys Land the Interpro Title

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Munster U16 boys squad won the Interpro title on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Ulster. Munster stood top of the table by 1 point over Ulster going into the fixture knowing a result would give them their first u16 title since 2004.

Ulster started very strong and went into the lead early in the first quarter. Ulster went close again only for a goal to be disallowed. This seemed to kick the Munster side into gear and soon after they equalised through Antonius Buddenburg. With the momentum in their favour now Munster kicked on and took the lead before half-time. A swift counter attack found an unmarked Sean Landers in the D and he finished emphatically to make it 2-1 at the break.

Ulster came out on the front foot in the second half and equalised through a well worked penalty corner. This set up a grandstand finish with Munster knowing a draw would be enough to take the title. In the dying embers of the third quarter Munster launched another attack resulting in a penalty corner. After a re-award Munster captain Rob Olden stepped up to rifle home an unstoppable drag-flick.

As expected the last quarter was always going to be a tense affair but Munster’s resolute defense held strong to bring the Frank Green Memorial Interprovincial U16 Cup back to Munster for the first time in 18 years.

Munster’s under 21s pushed Ulster all the way but ended up losing 2-1 to the eventual Interpro winners. The under 18’s also lost to Ulster on a 3-1 scoreline with Leinster taking the U18 title.

Rob Olden being presented with the Cup from John Dennis, President, Hockey Ireland

 

Munster U18 Squad for Ulster Match

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The Munster U18 Girls Squad has been announced for their Interprovincial match against Ulster this Sunday 27th November 2022 in Abbotstown, Dublin, tip off 1.45pm.

1 Aine Power St Angelas Cork Harlequins
2 Ali Clein Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
3 Anna Campbell Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
4 Aoife Kavanagh Ursuline Thurles Cashel/New Inn
5 Beth Anne O’Farrell St Angelas Cork Harlequins
6 Beatrice O’Hare Mount Mercy College Cork Harlequins
7 Daire Healy Mount Mercy College Cork C of I
8 Eabha Curran Regina Mundi Ashton HC
9 Ella Lehane St Angelas Cork C of I
10 Emer Conroy Laurel Hill Secondary School Limerick HC
11 Faye Luby Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
12 Hannah O’Byrne Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
13 Isabelle Martin Scoil Mhuire Cork C of I
14 Lucy Nixon Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
15 Rachel O’Shea Mount Mercy College Cork Harlequins
16 Ruby Walsh Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
17 Sarah Fitzgerald Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
18 Susie Nolan Scoil Mhuire Ashton HC
Reserve Players
19 Bronagh O’Shaughnessy St Angelas Ashton HC
20 Katie O’Keeffe Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
21 Lara O’Callaghan Mount Mercy College Belvedere HC

Munster U18 Boys Squad for Ulster Match

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Coaches Mervyn Young and Ian Balding are delighted to announce the U18 Boys selection for the upcoming Inter-Provincial game against Ulster on Sunday the 20th of November 2022 in Dublin. Congratulations to all the players selected.
Buttimer  Alan Bandon GS  Bandon 
Cashman  Gearoid  CBC C of I 
Cullinane Ewan Bandon GS  Bandon 
Dale (C) Sam Bandon GS  Harlequins
Edmondson Toby Newtown Waterford
Callum  Griffin CBC Harlequins
Hamilton Josh Bandon GS  Bandon 
Jackson Harry Ashton C of I 
Landy (GK) Sean Bandon GS  Harlequins
Kobe  Moritz Bandon GS Bandon
Moloney  Zac Villiers  C of I
Murphy Andrew CBS Midleton
McInerney William Newtown Waterford
OShea Harry Newtown Waterford
Persse (GK) David Villiers   
Taylor James Ashton C of I 
Young (VC) James Ashton Harlequins
Garate Peio Newtown  Waterford 
Reserves
Freddie  McDaid Ashton C of I
Spencer TJ Bandon GS  Bandon
Joe Glossop Ashton Harlequins

Munster U18 Girls Squad Announced

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The Munster U18 Girls Squad has been announced for their Interprovincial match against Connacht this Sunday 6th November 2022 in Catholic Institute, Rosbrien,Limerick  tip off 1.45pm.

1 Aine Power – St Angelas – Cork Harlequins
2 Ali Clein Crescent – College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
3 Anna Campbell – Crescent College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
4 Aoife Kavanagh – Ursuline Thurles – Cashel/New Inn
5 Beth Anne O’Farrell – St Angelas – Cork Harlequins
6 Daire Healy – Mount Mercy College – Cork C of I
7 Eabha Curran – Regina Mundi – Ashton HC
8 Ella Lehane  -St Angelas – Cork C of I
9 Emer Conroy – Laurel Hill Secondary School – Limerick HC
10 Faye Luby – Crescent College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
11 Hannah O’Byrne – Crescent College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
12 Ingrid Cussen – Crescent College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
13 Katie O’Keeffe – Scoil Mhuire – Cork Harlequins
14 Lucy Nixon – Scoil Mhuire – Cork Harlequins
15 Rachel O’Shea – Mount Mercy College – Cork Harlequins
16 Ruby Walsh – Scoil Mhuire – Cork Harlequins
17 Sarah Fitzgerald – Crescent College Comprehensive – Catholic Institute
18 Susie Nolan – Scoil Mhuire – Ashton HC
Reserve Players
19 Bronagh O’Shaughnessy – St Angelas – Ashton HC
20 Isabelle Martin – Scoil Mhuire – Cork C of I
21 Lara O’Callaghan – Mount Mercy College – Belvedere HC

Munster Hockey and UCC Partner to Develop Next Generation of Irish Hockey Stars

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University College Cork will become the primary sponsor of Munster Hockey’s InterProvincial teams after signing a three-year partnership agreement.

The announcement represents a massive coup for Munster Hockey and comes after the province’s under 16 and under 18 Girls teams kicked off their InterProvincial campaigns against Leinster South at the Mardyke Arena.

As part of the partnership, Munster Hockey’s InterProvincial players and management will have access to UCC’s world-class facilities at the Mardyke Arena, along with the University’s cutting-edge expertise in sports science, high-performance, nutrition, and sports psychology.

The partnership will help give the province’s senior and underage sides an edge, as well as acting as a platform to grow the game.

“This new partnership demonstrates the importance and benefits of having a partner who truly shares in our vision of nurturing talented Munster Hockey players”, commented Cliona Fergey, Chairperson of Munster Hockey.

“When playing against the best hockey players in Ireland you need a partner who not only knows the game, but one who can provide top-notch high-performance support to your players, support that will give our team’s an edge over their rivals. This is a very exciting time for Munster Hockey as we look to take the sport to the next level with UCC”.

Morgan Buckley, Head of UCC Sport, said that the partnership will help both Munster Hockey and UCC to develop the next generation of Irish Hockey internationals.

“The popularity of hockey in Ireland is rapidly growing, and we are excited to be part of Munster’s continued rise within the game”.

“By providing them with the very best facilities to both current and rising Munster Hockey stars, we hope to play a key role in the success of Munster hockey players on the International stage.”

His sentiment was shared by the Munster Hockey President, Michael Houghton, who praised UCC’s ambition to help elevate the sport and its desire to contribute to the success of its players, both on and off the field.

“UCC is an innovative, athlete-centered educator and supporter of hockey. In addition to its pitch facilities, the partnership ensures access to a wide range of high-performance services that will contribute greatly to the overall success of our Munster Hockey players on, and off the pitch”.

The partnership will also see Munster Hockey and UCC Sport collaborate on joint marketing initiatives to promote the sport across the province.

Munster Hockey’s InterProvincial sides will be next in action on October 2nd, when the U16, U18 & U21’s Girls take on Leinster.

 

https://www.ucc.ie/en/sport/news/ucc-and-munster-hockey-partner-to-develop-next-generation-of-irish-hockey-stars–.html

U18 Girls Squad Announced

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The Munster U18 Girls match day squad has been announced for their Interprovincial match against Leinster this Sunday 2nd October 2022 in Trinity College, Santry, tip off 1.45pm.

1 Aine Power – St Angelas Cork Harlequins
2 Ali Clein – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
3 Anna Campbell – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
4 Aoife Kavanagh – Ursuline Thurles Cashel / New Inn
5 Bronagh O’Shaughnessy – St Angelas Ashton HC
6 Beth Anne O’Farrell  -St Angelas Cork Harlequins
7 Daire Healy Mount – Mercy College Cork C of I
8 Ella Lehane – St. Angelas Cork C of I
9 Emer Conroy – Laurel Hill Secondary School Limerick HC
10 Faye Luby – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
11 Hannah O’Byrne – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
12 Ingrid Cussen – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
13 Isabelle Martin – Scoil Mhuire Cork C of I
14 Lucy Nixon – Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
15 Rachel O’Shea – Mount Mercy College Cork Harlequins
16 Ruby Walsh – Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
17 Sarah Fitzgerald – Crescent College Comprehensive Catholic Institute
18 Susie Nolan – Scoil Mhuire Ashton HC

Reserve Players
19 Lara O’Callaghan – Mount Mercy College Belvedere HC
20 Katie O’Keeffe – Scoil Mhuire Cork Harlequins
21 Éabha Curran – Regina Mundi Ashton HC

Season Preview – Men

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Cork Church of Ireland

C of I will again be favourites to retain their Munster Division 1 title but may face tougher opposition than the last few season with Quins and Bandon strengthening.  The loss of Irish underage international Mark Collins is a blow and together with Jason Lynch and Andrew Daunt C of I will have to rebuild their midfield entirely.  The addition of Evin McClure from UCC should go some way to helping fill that void along with the addition of young talent in Tiarnan Gaffney, Rob Olden and Gearoid Cashman.  A lot will ride on how the quickly the squad settles early in the season and this will no doubt be helped by the presence of experience in the form of the likes of Alec Moffett, Simon Wolfe and Phil Byrne.

Head coach: Jonny Bruton

Manager: Phil Lecane

Players in: Tiarnan Gaffney (Catholic Institute), Rob Olden (Midleton), Gearoid Cashman (Midleton), Evin McClure (UCC)

Players out: Jason Lynch (Dublin), Phil Sweetnam (break from hockey), Andrew Daunt (break from hockey), Mark Collins (Dublin),  Rory Treacy (Dublin).

Captain: to be announced

Vice Captain: to be announced

Ambitions this season: Looking to compete for trophies both Provincially and Nationally.

Key Player(s):

Eoin Finnegan: Eoin brings an unselfishness  to the attack that is key for any team. Always putting in the hard yards to create space and support his teammates, while getting in great positions to score.

Simon Wolfe: A throwback player if there ever was one. Plays direct and at pace, while bringing others along with him.

Rising Stars:

Gearoid Cashman: A new signing with a great attitude and desire to learn. Gearoid along with the other new additions to the squad will look to hit the ground running, as they get up to speed with a new system.

As with all rising stars and new players in the club, embracing the high training standards and the demands that go into a winning culture will be key in how far they can go in the upcoming season and beyond.

Jonny Bruton:

“Starting later than normal this year to give the international players extra time to recover means shorter time to gel together as a team but we’re confident we can do this with the experience and quality we have.

Embedding the new younger players has been important and they have all shown a great attitude so far. The focus will be on our playing philosophy and how that transpires on the pitch. Looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

 

Bandon Hockey Club

Bandon pushed C of I all the way last season and it looks like they could do it again this year.  The loss of Fionn O’Leary to bad injury in preseason is a blow along with the loss of Irish underage international Ian Perrott to YMCA.  They have however recruited well bringing in Brian Stockil, Tristen Walsh and the return of Iarlaith O’Neill from abroad.  This additional depth should help them compete at the top end of the table and maybe push one step further in EY2.  In Denis Pritchard and Will Bartley they have a brilliant team off the pitch too making them a real title threat this season.

Head coach: Denis Pritchard

Manager: Will Bartley

Assistant Coach: Fionn O’Leary

Video: Ashley Smyth

Players in: Brian Stockil (Ashton), Tristen Walsh (UCC), Iarlaith O’Neill (Xenios)

Players out:  Ian Perrott (YMCA)

Captain: Colin Kingston

Vice Captain: Dave Jennings

Ambitions this season: 

This year in Munster will be one of the most competitive we’ve seen with several teams fighting for silverware. With that being said though we have a talented squad with good depth and feel we should be challenging for all domestic titles. We had an unfortunate run-out as well in EYHL2 last year and the general consensus is that we would like to push on this year and at least be in contention for promotion by the end of the season.

Key Player(s):

Dave Smith:

Consistently improving with age, Dave will certainly have a key role this year. Fresh off a summer of hockey with the Irish masters he undoubtedly has the ability and fitness to be a major thorn for opponents regardless of what position he is needed to play.

Ethan Hamilton:

With losing Ian Perrot it leaves a gap in midfield that Ethan is more than capable of filling. He has been growing in confidence each year and will look to really make a mark for the coming season with his stick work and fitness really looking good already.

Ali Smith:

Over the past two seasons Ali has opted to play more of a playmaker role in the team. This looks to have changed this year as he seeks to replace the goals of the injured Fionn O’Leary. Ali has started pre season strongly and will be more clinical than ever come the start of the season.

Rising Stars:

Calum McCourt:

Calum has come on in leaps and bounds in the past 12 months and has all the tools necessary to be an excellent player. His technical ability was always very good and he has come in to the group this year looking stronger and more confident than ever. We imagine Calum will feature prominently this year.

Denis Pritchard:

“This new season , teams have lost and gained key players so to predict the season ahead is impossible. The teams that adapt appropriately and quickly should maintain or surpass their performance of last year. Our pre season is going well, confidence is good, fitness levels are adequate and training is progressing at a good level. Our aim is to improve on last season within the province and to be much more competitive at the concluding stages of EY2.”

 

Cork Harlequins

The return of Julian Dale has no doubt sent a shiver down the spines of many a goalkeeper in Munster.  He will now link up with his 2 brothers in what could be a frontline of Dales.  Ronnie Willis steps in as coach this year and it ably assisted by Cathy Minehane.  The addition of Sean Curtain also means, like Bandon, Harlequins now have a bigger panel to work with for their campaign.  At the back they remain a solid unit with the ever present John Hobbs partnered by the Munster Player of the Year last season Jack O’Meara.  Definite title contenders and maybe more this season.

Head coach: Aaron (Ronnie) Willis

Manager: Cathy Minehane

Assistant Coach: Cathy Minehane

Players in: Julian Dale (Pembroke), Sean Curtin (Midleton)

Players out: None

Captain: Jack O’Meara

Vice Captain: John Hobbs

Ambitions this season: Win the Munster League and achieve at least the play-offs for Promotion to IHL.

Key Player(s):

Julian Dale – Having moved back to his home club, Julian’s goal scoring prowess is first class.  This I’m sure will be a massive benefit to the team achieving its targets for the season, as well as causing no end of difficulties for our opposition.

Jack O’Meara – team Captain and the talisman for the current group of players.  Jacks distribution throughout the pitch is spectacular.

John Hobbs –  The evergreen defender has been a stalwart in the team for over 20 years.  John continues to be the defensive rock for the team and is very difficult to beat.

Rising Stars:

Sam Dale – Sam is getting stronger and stronger with each season, Sam will play a much bigger part in this seasons campaign.  I’m sure his skills will be causing our opposition significant problems week in week out.  One to watch.

Sean Curtin – Quins welcome Sean into the squad this season, and with every session his ability and capability grows.  A real asset to the squad and certainly one to watch for the future.

Aaron (Ronnie) Willis:

Having taken on the coaching role for Quins M1 this season, we have engaged in a new way of doing things, which has the whole squad enthused.  We will continue to develop both individually and as a group and I am sure with the ongoing commitment of all this will be a successful period for the squad.

 

Catholic Institute Men

For Institute it looks like season of consolidation and rebuild as they saw some of their best young talent move on over the Summer.  This however creates good opportunity for the younger members of the squad pushing through the ranks.  Last season they played an attractive passing game and caused a few upsets along the way.  A top 4 place will be the goal this season and maybe a run in the cups.

Head coach: John Geary
Manager:
Assistant Coach:
Other:
Players in:
Players out: Bryan Smyth, Tiarnan Gaffney (C of I), Christopher Ryan (Avoca), Zac Moloney (C of I)
Captain: Simon Brickenden
Vice Captain: Ed Gleeson
Ambitions this season: Retain the Charity Cup & top 4 in Munster Division 1 League.
Key Player(s): Nick Lampp, Ed Gleeson, Cathal Duggan
Rising Stars: Luka Novakovic, William O’Leary, Jack Stockil
John Geary:
“We have lost some players from last year’s squad as they’ve moved away for college, so we need to do some rebuilding of the squad. We have a tough start to the league campaign, but hopefully a good pre-season will stand to us. Looking forward to seeing some of our young players like Jack Stockil and Luka Novakovic over the course of the season. A realistic target for us is to finish top 4 after seeing some of the recruitment of the other teams in the division.”

Ashton Hockey Club

Ashton has added a number of players to a squad that was a little light on numbers last season.  The additions of Henry Brophy and Jack Marlborough bring youth to the midfield areas.  Stephen Jermyn continues his return from injury and will play a role later in the year while Adam O’Callaghan has had an immediate impact in the backline.  Graham Catchpole moves from UCC women and will be keen to organise the group quickly with C of I first up in the league.  A push for 4th and a cup run would show good progress this season.

Head coach: Graham Catchpole
Manager: Malcolm Coombes
Players in: Henry Brophy (Cork Harlequins), Rodrigo Casal (Atlantico de Vigo), Stephen Jermyn (U.C.C.), Jack Marlborough (U.C.C.), Colin Moriarty (U.C.C.), Adam O’Callaghan (Cork C.of.I)
Players out: Brian Stockil (Bandon)
Captain: Stuart O’Grady
Vice Captain: TBC
Ambitions this season:  The club is aiming for a top half finish in Munster Division 1 and to cause an upset or two on the way to achieving this.  With a home draw in the first round of the Irish Hockey Trophy we will be hoping to progress against a strong Belfast Harlequins side.
Key Player(s): The club has managed to attract some strong talent to the squad over the Summer period.  The return of the versatile Jack Marlborough to the club gives options in defence and midfield.  Adam O’Callaghan’s arrival will give a real anchor to the heart of the defence with his distribution and reading of the game about to play a key role.  Henry Brophy has also impressed after joining from Quins with his seemingly tireless running in midfield and up front.  A bigger squad will hopefully lead to more consistency over the course of the season.
Rising Stars: Rory Conway continues his development with a strong preseason doing the right things on and off the pitch.  It was also great to see a few more players trickle in from the youth system in Paul Scanlan and Eoghan O’Brien.  James Allen continues to improve also and will no doubt be looking to push for double figures on the scoring charts this season.
Graham Catchpole:
“I’m looking forward to the new season and seeing if this group can compete in what looks like a close run league.  I feel there are a few upsets available this year whereas previously this may not have been the case.  The group have been training well in preseason with a good level of commitment.  We are under no illusions how hard we are going to have to work to catch the top 3 but we will make every effort to close the gap and remain competitive throughout the campaign.”

UCC MHC

UCC have had a turbulent Summer with a number of key players either finishing up or leaving the club.  They have however managed to attract 3 talents from Midleton Hockey Club to stabilise things.  A draw with Trinity in preseason suggests College won’t be far off the pace again this season.  A strong recruitment drive could add to a squad that was a little light on numbers last term.

Head coach: TBC
Players in: Hugh Jeffery (Midleton) , Art Moore (Midleton), Paul Curtin (Midleton)
Players Out: Evin McClure(C of I), Conor Beck (finished college), Harry Deane (finished college)
Captain: Sam Lilburn
Vice Captain: John Deane

Ambitions this season: Win the league.
Key Players:
Sam Lilburn – back after a year out due to Injury, the gifted centre back has leaned up and is looking forward to eating up any possible attacking threats thrown at him.
John Costello – UCC’s player of the season last year and the man with the best backstick in Munster is looking to continue his run of form from last season and help UCC improve their goalscoring.
Art Moore and Liam Hennigan – This newly found forward partnership is looking to embarrass the aging defences of the Munster division. The mouth-watering dribbling and agility of these two will be keeping every opposing defender unsettled.
John Deane and James Feely – John and James are big. Being the two most physically dominant men in Munster hockey comes with a reputation that has to be lived up to. And it will.

 

Waterford Hockey Club

Waterford make the step up to the top division again this year and have again managed to recruit well.  The return of Ben McInerney was a major boost towards the end of last season and they will again be looking to him as a driving force this season.  David Quinn steps into the hot-seat as coach and he has started to bring through some of the young talent coming through from Newtown school.

Head coach: David Quinn
Players in: James Kyriakides (Three Rock Rovers), Peio Garate (Real Club Jolaseta)
Players out: Brad Rouhana (Worcester HC), Sam Johnson (Pembroke Wanders), Gatien Lerinckx (Royal Oree HC), Jan Trejbal (HC 1972 Rakovník), Sergio Montalvo (Junior FC)
Captain: Ben McInerney
Vice Captain: Dave Ghan & Jono McConnell

Ambitions this season:

Like the last number of years we have had a few key departures from the club as our young members leave for University. We will strive to put in good performances week in week out and look to secure a top half finish in the Munster League and to go as far as we can in the cups.

Key Player(s):

Ben McInerney, Dave Ghan and James Kyriakides will be key to Waterford’s attacking and defensive play this season with their ability to break from deep but also control the middle of the pitch.

Malachy Shute, Peter Keappock, Thomas Musgrave, Peio Garate and Ivan Kennedy are our defensive unit. We are looking forward to see how they grow and develop over the season.

Neil Quinn and Peter Yaciuk-O’Connor will bring their experience and organisational skill into play in a young forward line. Jono McConnell will bring his attacking pace and ability to beat players one on one and has an exceptional eye for goal. The return of Harry Belton is also a welcome addition to the midfield/ forward line – he will bring work rate and experience to the squad.

Rising Stars:

Harry O’Shea, Toby Edmondson, Peio Garate, William McInerney and Harry O’Brien (all Munster U18 players)will add depth to the Waterford camp this season.

David Quinn:

“I am really looking forward to this season with this very promising squad in Munster Div 1. I want this team to build on Waterford’s talent and success to date and see the team finish top 3 in Div 1 and have a good cup run in the Charity Cup and IHT. On a personal note I feel very lucky to be coaching the Mens team this year. I feel very passionate about what this team can be and the success that we can create together. I’m really looking forward to pushing our boundaries and motivating the team to show up with their best every week.”

 

Season Preview – Women

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Catholic Institute Ladies Hockey Club

Catholic Institute women are now the last remaining team from Munster in Ireland’s premier league.  The loss of head coach Dave Passmore to the US women will no doubt mean a period of adjustment but the bulk of the squad has remained intact for the 2022/23 season.  This stability should help new head coach and former Irish international Eimear Cregan as she looks to hit the ground running this season.  She will be hoping ‘Insta’ start the season like last year to keep them in contention at the business end of the season.  The squad can also look forward to European competition later in the year as winners of last year’s Irish Senior Cup.  They will of course again be looking to their Irish Internationals and leaders Roisin Upton and Naomi Carroll.  That is not to take away from what is a very established and talented squad with a number of Munster U18 players no doubt vying for pitch time also.

Head Coach: Eimear Cregan

Manager: Brenda Moloney

Assistant Coach: Ger O’Carroll

Players in: Becky Anderson (NUIG), Lauren Ryan (UCC)

Players out: Hannah Kelly (NUIG) , Aebhfhinn Bourke (Dublin)

Captain: Roisin Upton

Vice Captain: Laura Foley

Ambitions this season: Our aim is to push on from the success of last season by retaining the Irish Senior Cup and reaching the playoff stages of the EYHL. We will aim to be competitive in every game and are looking forward to representing Ireland in the club Europeans.

Key Players: Home grown Olympians & World Cup players Roisin Upton and Naomi Carroll will again be key players but the spine of the team is bound through the experience of Goalkeeper Pam Smithwick as well as long standing club members Michelle Barrett, Eimear Ryan, Christine O’Shea and Ciara Moloney. World Cup U20 team member & Irish Development player Anna Horan has also a wealth of experience in club hockey with Catholic Institute.

Rising Stars: Institute have a number of good young players who have featured in pre-season friendlies including former Crescent school & Munster U18 player Aoibheann Collins.

Eimear Cregan:

“I am excited & looking forward to coaching in Catholic Institute this year. The group have shown a strong desire to back up the success of last season through hard work and grit. I have no doubt we will be hard to play against once again this year, we will be aiming to retain the Irish Senior Cup & are looking forward to the new challenge of representing the club in Europe.”

Cork Harlequins

After a tough season last year, Harlequins will be looking to re-establish themselves this year at the top of the Munster League.  While they have lost a lot of their up and coming stars to UCC, they have also managed to attract back some top talent in Emma Cripps and Aoibheann Martin.  With a number of the squad involved in the Munster U18 side, they will no doubt welcome the on the pitch guidance of their coach Yvonne O’Byrne.  Getting back to EY1 will be the ultimate goal this year but they will no doubt be pushed all the way.

Head coach: Edward Gash

Manager: Vanessa Sargent

Assistant Coaches: Harry O’Byrne, Cliodhna Sargent

Players in: Aoibheann Martin, Emma Cripps (UCC)

Players out: Lauren Cripps, Isobel Kingston, Amy O’Shea, Lorna Bateman, Leah O’Shea

Co-Captains: Michelle Barry, Niamh Sexton

Ambitions this season: Continue to build on the good work done last season and go well in all Munster competitions and the EYHL2.

Key Player(s): Julia McCarthy returns to full fitness after an injury curtailed season last year and will be an important attacking presence this season.  She will be joined by former Quins underage star Aoibheann Martin in attack, while Emma Cripps will look to take her sister’s place at the back.

Rising Stars: Rachel O’Shea was the young player of the year 21/22 and will feature in midfield and in attack.  Aine Power has been showing great form preseason and with the Munster U18 side.

Edward Gash:

“Really looking forward to the season ahead; last year was a challenging one in EYHL1, but the experience and knowledge gained should stand to the players this year.”

UCC LHC

A Summer much like any other for college with plenty going out the door, but also plenty of talent coming in.  David Hobbs takes over at the helm moving over from the men’s club and will be ably assisted by the experience Paidi Hartnett and manager Colette Coomey.  A new backline will be the first order of play and the addition of Lauren Cripps will help fill the void left by her sister Emma.  Current Irish International Caoimhe Perdue will be the driving force in the group after an incredible Summer with the Irish team.  The new Irish centre mid will be looking for fellow Irish youth internationals Nikki Barry and the returning Sarah Murphy to provide the firepower for college as they look to retain the Munster Senior League.

Head coach: David Hobbs

Manager: Colette Coomey

Assistant Coach: Paidi Hartnett (Sports Development Officer)

Other: Patrick Ryan (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

Players in: Saoirse Griffin (back from studying abroad), Lauren Cripps, Isobel Kingston, Suzi Uniacke-Lowe, Joy O’Kelly  (Cork Harlequins) Isabel Janssen Cahill, Alex Kenny, Elizabeth Tuohy, Jill Roberts (Ashton) Micaela Sanderson (Kilkenny Hockey Club), Anna Collins (UCC)

Players out:  Emma Cripps (Harlequins), Lauren Ryan(Catholic Institute), Christina Dring (C of I), Roisin O’Dea (Abroad), Hilary Balding (Abroad), Aoibhinn Martin (Harlequins)

Ambitions this season: Win the Munster Senior League, Munster Senior Cup with promotion to EY1

Key Player(s): With a young squad the eldest being 22, we will be looking at the more experienced players like Caoimhe Perdue, Rebecca Kingston, Laurna McHugh, Jane Murphy, Elva Kerr, Enya O’Donoghue, Abi O’Mahony and Saoirse Griffin, to settle the incoming freshers and bring a lot a skill and energy to our squad from top clubs around Munster and Leinster.

Rising Stars: Lauren Cripps joins Nikki Barry and Caoimhe Perdue as Quercus Sports Scholars. Jane Murphy has brought another level to preseason , with Emma O’Sullivan excelling along with Isobel Lyons. We are exited to see what all the freshers will bring to the team this coming season. Micaela Sanderson joins the squad as an exciting new talent from Kilkenny adding further skill and pace to the squad.

David Hobbs: 

“We are very excited about the season ahead, we have a very young group, bringing a lot of talent and competition to the squad. Preseason is going very well. As with all college sides, exam results and CAO offers being out so late is not ideal but thankfully all are happy.”

C of I Women

After pushing UCC all the way last year, C of I will be looking to go one further this season in Munster and EY2.  The return of Christina Dring is a huge coup and add to Phil Oakley’s already impressive attacking line.  The loss of Emma Barber and Mel Ryan at the back will however mean a bit of a reorg in the team.  The experience of the likes of Hollie Moffett and Nicola Kerr in midfield will provide good cover here and also going forward.

Head coach: Phil Oakley
Players in: Christina Dring (UCC)
Players out: Emma Barber (Dubai); Emma Rumley (New Zealand); Mel Ryan, Claire Bergin; Anna Collins (UCC)
Ambitions this season: Looking to rebuild a team that was competitive last season with some returning and some younger players, while anchoring the team with more experienced players. We have lost some key players between retirements and players leaving the club, so there should be some new faces in the team as we look to develop the squad further.  A solid league campaign and try to put a run together in one of the domestic cup competitions.
Key Player(s): Hannah Honner – A player with a huge amount of pace in both midfield and up front, she will continue to be a key player in the team, as she has been for some time.
Nicola Kerr – a permanent fixture in the CI midfield, Nicola’s experience, alongside the likes of Hollie Moffett, will be important in driving the team forward.
Rising Stars: Isabelle Martin – broke into the first team last year and enjoyed an excellent first season, scoring some important goals. She is also in the Munster U18 squad.
Phil Oakley:
“I expect a challenging season ahead, with significant changes being made within the squad. While we will remain competitive, players leaving from last year will open the door for some younger players and it will be a case of balancing youth and experience.”

Ashton Hockey Club

Ashton will be keen to close the gap to the top 3 this season having run UCC and C of I close in recent seasons.  Coach Darren Wilkinson has added a few more established players to the panel with the return of former Irish U21 goalkeeper Hannah Humphreys a major boost.  On the other side Ashton have seen the exit of a number of their young starlets to UCC meaning the squad may be a little thinner than last year.  The club will again be targeting a strong run in the Irish Hockey Trophy after an excellent run last season.

Head Coach: Darren Wilkinson

Manager: Aoife Murphy

Assistant Coach: Reece Hawtrey

Players In: Breana O’Gorman (UCC), Hannah Humphreys (year out), Rachel Atkinson (UCC)

Players Out: Alex Kenny (UCC), Ali Purcell (moving abroad), Elizabeth Tuohy (UCC), Isabel Janssen Cahill (UCC), Jill Roberts (UCC), Laura Lynch (Pembroke Wanderers)

Captain: Kate Harvey

Vice Captains: Ailse Holland & Robyn Murphy

Ambitions this season: We are aiming to compete at the top end of the league table and to get as far as we can in Munster and Irish cup competitions.

Key Players: Emily O’Leary will be key to Ashton’s attacking play this season and will be aiming to build on her impressive goalscoring record for the club. In midfield, Robyn Murphy will be looking to make an impact through her ball control, speed and work rate. Emma Nagle will be crucial at the back with her excellent distribution and defending.

Rising Stars: Munster U18 players Susie Nolan and Éabha Curran will both be aiming to make a big impact this season. During preseason, they clearly showed that they have stepped up their games from last year and they will definitely be exciting players to watch over the course of the season.

Darren Wilkinson:

“Last season was extremely positive for the team and we’re hoping to build on this going into the 2022/2023 season. Despite losing several players, the squad is still in a really strong position with a good blend of youth and experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this year.”

 

Bandon Hockey Club

Pat Healy takes charge of Bandon this year after a number of successful seasons with Blackrock.  This Bandon side is probably one of the most settled in the league and this could work to their advantage early in the season as other squads try to settle.  Ingrid Burns and Olivia Roycroft will again lead the line with a number of younger players emerging towards the end of last season in particular.  Bandon will be quietly confident of causing a few upsets this year on the way to competing in a number of the cup competitions also.

Head coach: Pat Healy
Players in:
Players out: Rachel Desmond (New Zealand)
Captain: Ingrid Burns
Vice Captain: Olivia Roycroft
Ambitions this season: We’re looking forward to the new season ahead and are delighted to welcome our new coach Pat Healy.We have a few new players who will add exciting and new types of play to the game, which will be of huge benefit for our team. We hope to dust off the cobwebs and get back to our fighting ways and are a team to contend with at the top.
Key Player(s):  Rachel Barry (GK) Solid and proactive keeper, has great vision of  the game, a talent to be watched this season, Olivia Roycroft- Her silky skills and pinpoint accuracy in her shot makes her one of our key players to watch.
Rising Stars: Maia McCourt – She’s a player beyond her years, her eye for the game and quick decision making, will defiantly cause concern for any opposition she will come up against.
Pat Healy:
“We have a settled squad to work with in Bandon this year with a good mix of youth and experience. The aim for the season is to focus on improving week to week, to give everything in training and games, to be as competitive as possible, to develop as a squad and enjoy the season ahead.”

Waterford Hockey Club

New coach Allan Dale will lead Waterford this year after an impressive season last year.  Waterford caused a number of upsets and will be looking to do this again.  They will again be looking to the likes of Katie Leslie to provide the firepower up front and Elaine Breen to be the engine in the middle of the park.  A run in the domestic cups might be their best hope of silverware this season as they look to continue their progress and avoid being involved at the wrong end of the table.


Head Coach:  Allan Dale
Manager and Assistant Coach: Billy Leslie
Captain: Vicky Moretti
Vice Captain: Katie Earl
Players in:  Ruth Breen (Travel), Kate McErlan (Pembroke)
Players out: Anna May Whelan (Kilkenny)

Incoming coach Australian Allan Dale has been encouraged by the attitude and performance of his players during pre season. Dale has a young group of players to work with this year. Captained by Argentinian Vicky Moretti the squad has experience in Elaine Breen, Ruth Breen, Barbara Johnson and Sue Ryan. The playing group also includes current and former JAG players Zara Notley, Ruby Madden, Katie Earl and goalie Sarah O’Donovan. Should Dale, a very accomplished player in his own right be able to put his stamp on this group and bring some of his own playing nous then Waterford should prove to be difficult opponents for all teams this season.

Key Players: Vicky Moretti, Elaine Breen, Sarah O’Donovan, Katie Earl

Rising Stars: Zara Notley, Alice Mulligan, Ruby Madden, Emma Beadle

 

Belvedere Hockey Club

Belvedere narrowly avoided the drop last year in a playoff and will be looking to avoid a similar situation this year.  The Ballincollig club have installed the very experienced taskmaster Brian ‘Ozzy’ Attridge as head coach and he will no doubt have this side well structured and disciplined.  He also won’t be afraid to introduce some of the youth players to 1st team hockey having worked with many of them over the years.  The return of Sarah Rickey also adds a bit more experience and knowhow to a young side.

Head Coach: Brian Attridge

Players in: Sarah Rickey (returning from a year out)

Players out: Cliona Barrett (Blackrock HC)

Ambitions this season: To compete consistently and competitively in the top league in Munster. We are  looking to build on the experience and work done with the young players last year.

Key Player(s):  The reintroduction of Sarah Rickey to the team adds experience and depth. Siobhan O’Regan is also key to adding pace and stability around the centre of the pitch.

Rising Stars: Lara O Callaghan – Munster U18 panellist who adds another dimension and versatility to the team. Many young players rising through the underage ranks include Alice Whelton and Isobel Dooley

Brian Attridge:

Aiming to improve on last years performances while integrating a number of our up and coming youths to the panel”

 

Blackrock Hockey Club

The newly promoted Blackrock have had a busy Summer with the addition of 7 new faces to the panel.  Eddie Kirwin also joins the charges as head coach and will doubt be looking to implement his ideas as soon as possible on this experienced group.  As an established group they will no doubt look to impose themselves on some of the less experienced sides they will come up against this season.  A mid-table finish is the ambition but don’t be a bit surprised if Blackrock end up closer to the top than the bottom.

Head Coach: Eddie Kirwan
Players in: Rebecca Trevor, Cliona Barrett, Jennifer Murphy Laura Breen; Jess Higginbotham, Maeve O’ Connor, Marina O’ Dwyer
Players out: None
Ambitions this season: To finish in the top half of the league and to win a cup.
Key Players: The squad
Rising stars: Meadhbh Lynch(Goalkeeper)
Eddie Kirwin:
“With a strong blend of experience and youth this Blackrock team are looking to consolidate their position as a consistent division 1 side. All cup competitions will be targeted with the ambition to win one of them. There will also be a huge emphasis on the social aspect of the club ensuring that all the hard work can be rewarded.  It is hoped that their “auld” coach will stay injury free for the season 🙂