Catholic Institute get off to a flyer
Strikes from Kym Daly - back after missing last season through injury - Naomi Carroll and Rosie Pratt did the damage for Brian Downes’ side, as Irish Hockey Trophy champions C of I struggled to find any rhythm at Rosbrien.
Champions Cork Harlequins overcame a resolute defensive effort from Bandon to win 3-0, as memorable goals from Laurene Buckley and Yvonne O’Byrne were complemented by a Cliodhna Sargent bullet.
Emma Harrington’s wondrous solo goal six minutes from time - finished with a diving reverse - settled a tense affair as Ashton won 1-0 away to Limerick.
Cashel/New Inn began life in Division 1 with a 2-1 success away to an under-performing Fermoy.
Kelly Hackett’s blast was just reward for a superior first-half performance from the Tipperary girls, who lost just a single game in Division 2 last season, but Fermoy woke up for the second period and earned a deserved equaliser from Maeve Murphy.
But as they pressed hard for a winner - Aine O’Brien just being beaten by the bounce after getting on the end of a fine team move - Fermoy got caught on the break. Cheryl Heath arrowed the ball home after being criminally let through one-on-one against Ireland U16 goalkeeper Kathryn Buckley, who replaces the retired Ondine Roche and had a fine game.
In the newly-formed Division 1B, Clonakilty laid down a marker with an 8-0 away demolition of Cork Wanderers while Clonmel were also winners on the road, edging Belvedere 2-1 in Ballincollig. Tipperary won by the odd goal in five against Waterford.
Newly-promoted Limerick gave UCC a major fright in the men’s league, before ultimately falling to a 5-2 loss.
David Cardy’s strike had the hosts ahead at half-time in Villiers, before Adam O’Callaghan’s short corner bullet levelled it and Gary Wilkinson put the students in front.
A further O’Callaghan strike and one for skipper Fionn O’Leary pushed the lead out to 4-1 before Tom Clarke pulled one back, but College debutant Andrew McGregor made the game safe for his side.
Ashton returned to the top tier of senior men’s hockey for the first time in 15 years and found out just how difficult life will be as they were mauled 11-0 by champions Cork Church of Ireland at Garryduff on Friday night.
The Blackrock outfit had their moments on the break and occasionally frustrated C of I from structured play, but were their own worst enemies with turnovers in midfield which the hosts ruthlessly took advantage of. Ireland’s record goalscorer John Jermyn netted a hat-trick while Stephen Parker and Philip Sweetnam managed a brace apiece.
