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Hockey News 06/02/2025
Busy Weekend for UCC Hockey as All Five Teams Take to the Field
It was a full-on weekend for UCC Hockey, with all five teams in action on Saturday, delivering a mix of hard-fought battles, crucial league points, and the long-awaited return of the Coffey Cup.
Division 4 – Munster League
The Division 4 side had an early start, facing Tipperary in the Munster League at Rockwell with a 10:30 am pushback. UCC dominated much of the game but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Despite this, they remain top of the table with six matches left to play. With just a few points separating the top three teams, every win will be crucial in their bid for league victory and promotion next season.
Division 2 – Examiner Cup
The Division 2 team took on Bandon in the Examiner Cup, which is being played in a round-robin format with two groups of four teams. The students battled hard to secure a 1-1 draw, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive. Their next fixture against Belvedere on March 1st will be key in determining their path to the semi-finals.
EYHL1 & The Return of the Coffey Cup
A big day at the Mardyke saw UCC take on UCD in EYHL1, following a successful Pre-Match Lunch fundraiser at the Pavilion, sponsored by RDJ and Bank of Ireland Global Markets. The event featured guest speaker Anne McCormack, CEO of Hockey Ireland, who captivated attendees with insights into her journey to leadership.
On the pitch, UCC controlled much of the possession, but clinical finishing from UCD proved the difference as they secured a 2-0 victory.
The game also marked the return of the historic Coffey Cup. First introduced in 1918 and contested between UCC, UCD, and UCG (now NUIG), the cup had been missing since 1988—until it was rediscovered in the Mardyke Arena trophy cabinet in 2023. As a reintroduction, UCC and UCD battled for the cup, with hopes that it will return to the full intervarsity competition next season when all three universities take part.
Division 3 – League Leaders Stay on Track
The Division 3 side put in a dominant performance on the road, securing a 4-0 win against Waterford. Sitting at the top of the table with six games left, every point will be vital as they fend off a strong challenge from Clonmel, who trail by just two points with a game in hand.
Men’s Team – Cork Cup
The men’s team wrapped up the day with a 5:15 pm face-off against Midleton in the Cork Cup. Despite a strong start and relentless pressure throughout, they were unlucky to concede against the run of play. UCC fought until the final whistle, hitting the post in the dying seconds, but couldn’t quite take the game to shuttles.
A weekend of mixed results, but plenty of promise as UCC teams continue their campaigns across league and cup competitions.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday
EYHL1 Old Alex v UCC 1.30pm
Div 2 M UCC v Bandon 2.30pm
Div 2 W Cork Wanderers v UCC 3pm
Div 3 UCC v Limerick 12pm
Sunday
Div 4 UCC v Midleton 12pm
The Annual Hockey Ball took place on Wednesday evening at the Cork International Hotel, with all teams out in force. Off-pitch, it was almost a challenge to recognise familiar faces!
Each team presented Player of the Year and Fresher of the Year awards, celebrating outstanding performances. The Club awards were as follows:
* The Alan Martin Clubman of the Year – Karl Dillon
* The Elmer Morrissey Personality of the Year – Callum Griffin
* The Maeve Hyland Clubperson of the Year – Sophia O’Shea
Division 1
- Player of Year: Micaela Sanderson
- Fresher of Year: Aine Power
Division 2
- Player of Year: Siri Forde
- Fresher of Year: Isabelle Martin
Division 3
- Player of Year: Marianna Gallagher
- Fresher of Year: Giselle Keogh
Division 4:
- Fresher of Year: Emer Bradley
- Player of Year: Oonagh Grimley
Men’s
- M2 Player of Year - Karl Dillon
- M2 Fresher of Year - Rory Conway
Social
- Social Fresher of Year - Jillian Kenny
- Social Player of Year - Colum O’Keeffe
All were very deserving recipients. It was a fantastic night, and a huge thank you goes to the Cork International Hotel, the club committee and Club Captains, Ali and Cian, for their hard work in making it such a success.
(Photos include Anne McCormack, Sharon Hutchinson and Deirdre Deasy, Coffey Cup, Sponsors RDJ)
