Bandon and C of I clinch Trophy final spots

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.

Irish-capped forward Alastair Smith bagged a treble for Bandon in their 3-1 defeat of Clontarf in west Cork, setting up a date with either holders Portadown or Newry, whose game was postponed due to a bereavement.

Cork C of I’s women spread the goals around as they cruised to a 5-0 win at NUIG in their semi-final, Sinead James, Ali O’Regan, Amy Roberts, Pam Wolfe and Emma Rumley all on target. North Down will be their final opponents.