News
UCC Hockey Club Kicks Off Munster Senior League Campaign
This weekend marks the beginning of competitive action for UCC Hockey Club in the Munster Senior League, with both the Women's 1st XI and Men's 1st XI taking to the pitch.
🔵 Women’s 1st XI: New Faces, New Goals
The Women’s 1st team open their season on Saturday at 2pm in Garryduff, facing Church of Ireland (C of I). After the departure of five squad members, the team welcomes exciting new talent:
- Ella Lehane
- Isabelle Martin
- Susie Nolan
- Lucy Nixon (GK)
Leading the team this season is Captain Lauren Cripps, supported by Vice Captain Micaela Sanderson, who was named Sportstar of the Year last season.
The team will compete in the Munster Senior League until January, before turning their focus to the EY2 campaign, which begins in late January/early February. After a competitive run in EY1 last season, the team is determined to bounce back following relegation.
🔴 Men’s 1st XI: Fresh Energy and New Leadership
The Men’s 1st team begin their season on Sunday at 1pm away to Midleton. With strong attendance at training and a successful recruitment drive, the squad is energized and ready.
They welcome Ken Forde as head coach for the season. Ken brings a wealth of experience from his time with Belvedere and Kinsale Hockey Club.
This season introduces a new league format in Munster, with Division 1 and Division 2 running until Christmas. UCC will play 11 games, and a top 4 finish will secure their place in Division 2 for the remainder of the season. A lower finish will mean competing in Division 3 after Christmas.
🏆 Looking Ahead: Intervarsities & Social Hockey
Both teams are gearing up for the Intervarsities at Queen’s University Belfast in late October:
- Women will compete for the Chilean Cup
- Men will play for the Mauritius Plate
On the club side, Clubs Day on Thursday was a huge success, especially for the men’s team who saw strong interest. The women’s side continues to thrive, with an additional team introduced this season to accommodate growing numbers.
Social hockey begins next Wednesday from 6:30–7:30pm, open to all who want to enjoy the sport in a relaxed setting.
Best of luck to all UCC teams for the season ahead! 🏑💙❤️
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