Catholic Institute Women remain the sole Munster representatives in the Irish Senior Cup following a demanding weekend of national competition.
Institute secured their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-earned 2–1 victory over UCC at the Mardyke. Goals from Roisin Begley and Seodhna Dervan proved decisive in a closely contested encounter, ensuring the Limerick side’s progression.
Harlequins Women were narrowly denied a similar fate after drawing 1–1 with EY1 outfit Old Alexandra. Julia McCarthy’s well-taken first-half strike had Quins in front, while goalkeeper Joy O’Kelly produced a series of impressive saves to maintain their advantage. A second Quins goal was ruled out, and despite further chances, Old Alex forced an equaliser with the final play of the game before claiming a 3–2 victory in the ensuing shootout.
In the men’s competition, C of I endured a difficult afternoon against high-flying Banbridge, falling to an 8–1 defeat despite taking an early lead. Bandon also exited the competition following a 7–1 loss to Pembroke Wanderers. Harlequins came agonisingly close to the quarter-finals, leading 3–2 against Avoca heading into the final quarter, but a late leveller forced a shootout in which the Dublin side prevailed 3–0.
In the Women’s Munster Division 1, Crescent consolidated third place with a 1–0 away win over Waterford. Bandon’s strong run of form continued with victory over Institute B to climb into mid-table, while UCC recorded an emphatic 6–0 win against Ashton. Perhaps the most dramatic result of the weekend came as C of I battled back from two goals down in the final quarter to secure a 2–2 draw against Harlequins.
Results:
Saturday 21st February
Men’s Irish Senior Cup R1: Monkstown 8 UCD 1; C of I 1 Banbridge 8; Three Rock Rovers 3 QUB 0; Corinthians 4 Instonians 0; Harlequins 3 Avoca 3*; Pembroke Wanderers 7 Bandon 1; South Antrim 6 Cookstown 4; YMCA 1 Lisnagarvey 3.
Women’s Irish Senior Cup R1: QUB 3 Pembroke Wanderers 1; UCC 1 Catholic Institute 2; Portadown 1 UCD 2; Old Alex 1* Harlequins 1; Lisnagarvey 2 Loreto 2*; Lurgan 1 Monkstown 3; Cookstown 0 Pegasus 3.
Men’s Munster Senior Cup: Harlequins B 1 Catholic Institute 4.
Women’s Munster Division 1: Waterford 0 Crescent 1; Bandon 3 Catholic Institute B 1.
Sunday 22nd February
Women’s Munster Division 1: Harlequins 2 C of I 2; UCC 6 Ashton 0.