A sizeable proportion of the Munster hockey community is decamping to Belfield this weekend as four of the province’s teams go chasing Irish cup glory.

Bandon and Cork Church of Ireland brought Munster’s national cup final representation to four with stunning Irish Hockey Trophy semi-final wins on Saturday.

Cork Church of Ireland’s men and Cork Harlequins’ women both got their Irish Hockey League campaigns back on track with vital wins on Saturday.

The first round of the Irish Hockey League quickly descended into a nightmare for the majority of Munster sides, with Catholic Institute’s 3-1 win over Greenfields the sole bright spot.

Bandon’s incredible recovery at Belfast Harlequins in the women’s Irish Junior Cup highlighted a busy weekend of cup shocks.

It wasn’t a game for the ages but UCC won’t care as they finally broke their duck against Cork Harlequins by grinding out a 2-1 Peard Cup semi-final win at Farmer’s Cross on Saturday.

Conor O’Kelly, outgoing president Munster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association (MBIHA), has warned the province cannot afford to neglect the running of the game after it took two meetings to elect new management.

Anna O’Flanagan’s stylish hat-trick left Pegasus reeling as UCD made a serious statement of intent with a 5-2 Irish Senior Cup quarter-final victory at Belfield.

Ireland were left thankful for what one wag termed “The 50 Saves of Gray” as they claimed a brilliant bronze at the Champions Challenge I tournament in Dublin yesterday.

Ireland’s Champions Challenge I campaign is up and running but not without some controversy as Belfield witnessed plenty of drama yesterday.

Brothers Andrew and Roger Gray once again saved their best for Belfield as UCC won their first ever national senior club title in men’s hockey with a rousing 3-1 Irish Hockey Trophy final victory over Raphoe yesterday.

FAST becoming Munster hockey’s answer to Everton — and not just because they wear blue — Ashton are a fine example of how to make the best of their resources.

THE daughter of legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean was guest of honour yesterday at the passing-out parade at the Irish naval headquarters.

CORK Harlequins came out on top in their clash with Church of Ireland in the ladies hockey’s Munster Senior Cup on Saturday. A Karen Bateman goal with five minutes to go saw them win 3-2 in a close and physical game.