Cliodhna Sargent’s penalty corner strike powered Cork Harlequins into the Irish Senior Cup semi-finals as they snatched a late 2-1 win over Muckross.

Ahead of their historic World Cup finals weekend, Stephen Findlater looked at some things you may not know about our hockey heroes.

A heavily-deflected Giselle Ansley goal took some of the wind out of the Irish women’s sails but the upshot of their 1-0 loss to England at Lee Valley has probably provided the perfect scenario for Thursday’s World Cup quarter-final.

London’s Lee Valley is fast becoming a mecca for Irish hockey as it once again witnessed one of the greatest ever moments in Irish hockey history.

Megan Frazer has been included in Graham Shaw’s squad of 18 players for next month’s World Cup in London despite concerns over her fitness.

Cork Harlequins found national glory out of reach for the second season running as Loreto’s corner efficiency saw the Dubliners come from behind to land the EY Champions Trophy.

When Des Cahill called on potential benefactors to “#coughup”, circling the Green Army’s “actively seeking sponsorship” biography line, it gave the sport one of its rare moments in the spotlight.

Women’s hockey international: Germany 3 ( Keibel, Huse, Schroder) - Ireland 1 (Russell)

Pegasus were surprise winners of the women’s Irish Hockey League after edging out Leinster powerhouses UCD and Loreto at Grange Road.

Ireland senior women’s coach Darren Smith praised his side’s improvement over a short space of time despite going down 3-0 to New Zealand in the Electric Ireland Four Nations final in Dublin this week.

A four-goal burst in nine first-half minutes saw Ireland U21s cruise to a 7-0 victory and assure themselves of a EuroHockey Junior Championships III final berth in Lisbon, barring a goal difference miracle.

A British student can only wear clothes with zips due to a phobia of buttons.