New-look UCC face testing double

UCC’s new-look women’s outfit will be given the sternest of early tests as they reacquaint themselves with Munster hockey.

Paidi Hartnett is back in the dugout to replace Phil Oakley and has to plan for an extremely tough league start, visiting fellow title favourites Catholic Institute and Cork C of I in the first weekend.

Seven first-team players including goalkeeper Sarah Wrixon and captain Nicola Kerr departed in the wake of the side’s relegation from the EY Hockey League, but there is quality coming in too.