Holders UL open Ashbourne Cup defence against Garda

THE Ashbourne and Purcell Cup draws took place in Croke Park yesterday.

Last year’s winners, UL, take on the Garda College in the first round while UCD, last year’s beaten finalists, will meet WIT on their home ground.

Association president Liz Howard said: “The third level competitions are extremely important in the promotion of our game as the young women playing at this level are the future leaders and shapers of society in Ireland. Both the Ashbourne and Purcell are prestigious competitions and all players competing will want to win a coveted medal.”