O’Grady and O’Leary help get UCC off to a flyer

UCC’s ladies and Cork C of I’s men made emphatic opening day statements in the new-look EY Hockey League, with big wins over Greenfields and Cookstown. Alex O’Grady and Niamh O’Leary were among the new faces on target for College in a 4-0 success in Galway that puts them top of the pile after the first round.

Cork Harlequins, without skipper Cliodhna Sargent and goalkeeper Emma Buckley, were unable to trouble Railway Union too much as Emer Lucey and Niamh Carey’s first-half goals saw the Dubliners win 2-0.

Anna O’Flanagan’s hat-trick helped Hermes defeat her former club UCD 3-2, while two final quarter goals from Sara Alexander saw Ards produce a famous comeback to draw 3-3 against Ulster rivals Pegasus. Shirley McCay’s brace helped Ulster Elks come from behind to beat Pembroke 3-1.