Cliodhna Sargent targeting Ireland hockey recall

Cliodhna Sargent is set to return to action for the first time since January following the birth of her first son, Dylan, in August with a World Cup spot very much the long-term aim.

She is included in the Cork Harlequins’ squad for their double-header weekend, facing Hermes-Monkstown and Belfast Harlequins on Sunday with the gritty defender likely to play in one of the ties.

It is part of a planned schedule with London 2018 central in her thinking. The 209-capped Corkonian last played at World League Round 2 in Malaysia at the turn of the year, competing a week after she found out she was expecting.