Bandon set to take Belfield by storm in amazing double bid

Bandon are seeking an unusual Irish cup double this weekend as they descend on Belfield for the women’s Irish Junior Cup and men’s Irish Hockey Trophy finals.

John Dennis’ girls have been Munster’s top dogs at national level in recent seasons, with Roisin O’Mahony and Ali Deane guiding younger talent such as sisters Jenny and Amy Butttimer and Rachel and Katie Desmond.

Nonetheless, they will run into a Pembroke Wanderers side who have a lot of pedigree at this level under Patrick Good, although they have been without much meaningful competitive action since the end of the Leinster season in February so may be rusty.

Denis Pritchard’s men have unfinished business with the Irish Hockey Trophy, having been defeated 4-2 by North Down in last season’s final. It’s Clontarf standing in their way of emulating UCC’s 2012 success this time, but last season’s experience should stand to their younger players in particular.

Cork C of I’s ladies are looking to retain their Irish Hockey Trophy title against Galway, having had an eventful run to the final once more. Kate Humphreys is a big loss from last year’s side but her absence has been offset by the rise of Humphreys’ own St Angela’s protege Aoife Collins, while Louise Egan is another skilful teenager who has thumped in the goals for Eddie Kirwan’s side.

Domestically, Limerick and Clonakilty play off in Fermoy for the women’s Division 1 Challenge title. Limerick will be slight favourites thanks to their greater top-tier experience, but Clon are a dangerous proposition having won the league game between the sides.

Saturday

Women’s Irish Junior Cup final: Bandon v Pembroke Wanderers, Belfield, 3pm; Men’s Irish Hockey Trophy final: Bandon v Clontarf, Belfield, 5pm.

Sunday

Women’s Irish Hockey Trophy final: Cork C of I v Galway, Belfield, 3pm; Women’s Div 1 Challenge Title Playoff: Clonakilty v Limerick, Loreto Fermoy, 1pm.