Much support for flood-hit UCC

MUNSTER’S hockey community has rallied around the University College Cork (UCC) club after the students’ pitch was left unplayable for “the foreseeable future” following the catastrophic floods that hit Cork last week.

With the entire Mardyke Sports Grounds under up to four feet of water last week, the all-weather pitch that is home to UCC’s eight hockey teams and the Mardyke Arena were the worst affected areas.

Inspectors and insurers have been assessing the damage this week, though it is not yet known whether the pitch requires repair or a full replacement, or what the timeframe for getting it back in use will be.

UCC hockey’s development officer Páidí Hartnett yesterday adopted a philosophical approach and praised those who have helped the club make alternative arrangements for training and matches.

“There is structural damage to the pitch, and it will be out of action for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“We have made other arrangements, Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig (home to Belvedere HC) in particular have been superb in this regard, while Cork Church of Ireland will host our women’s Irish Hockey League match against Pegasus on December 5.”

Meanwhile, attention stays focused on the national stage for eight women’s clubs this weekend as the quarter-finals of the Irish Senior Cup get underway.

Cork Harlequins’ visit to holders UCD is the tie of the round, and also the trickiest to call.

Quins recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory on home turf when the sides met last season in the Irish Hockey League, and the students could also be in for a backlash after Quins’ 3-0 loss to Railway Union in the same competition last weekend. But the likes of Lisa Jacob, Fiona Bradish and Catríona McGilp won’t want to give up their title without a fight.

Railway Union – the form team – go to Ards having already beaten them 4-1 at home in the IHL last month, but the northerners are a much different proposition at home.

The other ties are local affairs, with Loreto favourite to defeat Pembroke Wanderers at home while Pegasus go to Ballymoney in an all-Ulster clash.

Domestically, Catholic Institute should make it six wins from six as they host Waterford, UCC will be hoping to keep up the pressure with a win at UL while Bandon’s clash with Ashton will be a pointer as to who is better equipped to move away from the drop zone. The first meeting of C of I and Quins is the primary focus of the Munster men’s league, with Garryduff the venue on Sunday..

Skipper Paul Lombard and Eddie Dore make welcome returns from injury for Quins.

Both clubs have Irish Junior Cup assignments to negotiate first; Quins head north to face their Belfast namesakes, with holders C of I facing a tough opening assignment at Banbridge. Bandon host NICS, while Catholic Institute visit Fingal.