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UCC Hockey - Weekend Round-up

Last weekend saw a hugely demanding and eventful schedule for UCC Hockey, with fixtures across multiple competitions and divisions, including two major senior games and several decisive end-of-season encounters.

EYHL2 – Ards v UCC

The EYHL2 team faced an exceptionally challenging weekend, travelling north to play Ards amid fuel shortages and road blockades. Forced onto back roads, the journey took between seven and eight hours each way, making it a gruelling experience for players and staff.

Unsurprisingly, it took time for the team to settle, and UCC found themselves 2–0 down at half time. However, the students showed real character in the second half, producing a much sharper display. Goals from Micaela Sanderson and Eabha Curran brought UCC level at 2–2 by full time.

The match went to a shootout for the bonus point, where Ards showed their sharpness, winning 3–0 to claim the extra point. The result was a bitter disappointment, as a win was needed to keep EYHL1 promotion fully in UCC’s control.

With one game remaining against University of Galway next Saturday, UCC must secure a win and rely on other results going their way. It has been a highly competitive EYHL2 season, and while promotion is now a tall order, the team will give everything in the final fixture.

Munster Division 2 – Examiner Cup Semi-Final

UCC’s Division 2 side contested the Examiner Cup semi-final against Church of Ireland, in what was a high-quality senior encounter. Despite being the better side for long periods, UCC trailed 1–0 entering the final quarter.

The response was outstanding, with goals from Emer Conroy and Bethanne O’Farrell sealing a deserved 2–1 comeback victory. The win confirms another cup final appearance for this squad.

The team now turns its attention to the Munster Division 2 Cup Final, where they face Cork Harlequins next Saturday at 12.00pm in Garryduff.

Munster Division 7

The Division 7 team finished their league campaign in style with a 2–0 away win against Belvedere. Goals from Hayley Giltinan and Sophie Guiney secured the points and confirmed a third-place league finish.

The group now looks ahead to their Cup Final later this month against Nenagh, rounding off an excellent season.

Munster Division 3A

Division 3A played their final league game at home to Limerick, who needed a win to keep their promotion play-off hopes alive. The match was tightly contested, remaining scoreless at half time.

Three goals in the third quarter proved decisive, with UCC running out 2–1 winners thanks to goals from Eve O’Shea and Sophie Pomeroy. The victory capped a superb league campaign, with 13 wins from 14 matches.

The team now prepares for their Cup Final against Church of Ireland later this month.

Munster Division 3B

Division 3B hosted Bandon on Sunday knowing that a result (win or draw) was essential to avoid relegation. With Tipperary four points ahead, and the sides due to meet next weekend, the pressure was high.

Bandon started strongly, racing into a 2–0 first-quarter lead. Despite the challenges of the academic calendar and examination pressures, UCC responded well in the second quarter, pulling a goal back from a penalty corner through Emily McCarthy.

However, Bandon added a third goal, and a 3–1 defeat confirmed that UCC 3B will be relegated to Division 4 next season. While a disappointing outcome, the team showed resilience in difficult circumstances and remain positive for their final game of the season.

Fixtures – Next Weekend

Saturday 18 April