After the devastation of October’s Olympic qualifiers, John Jackson is grateful for a quick return to an Irish shirt and attempt to heal some of the wounds from Vancouver.

Ireland’s Under-21 women and men’s team salvaged upbeat wins to their European campaigns though the ultimate feeling will be of missed opportunities for both.

Hermes were the weekend’s big movers in the women’s EY Hockey League with impressive wins over challengers Ulster Elks and Cork Harlequins.