UCC face tough test as they return to the top flight of the EY Hockey League

The college will be aiming to secure survival as they make the step up. 

New UCC recruit Beth Anne O'Farrell races past Enya O'Donoghue during a game between the college and Harlequins at Garryduff Sports Centre last season.  Picture: David Keane.

UCC make their long-awaited return to the Women's EY Hockey League Division 1 after nearly a decade on Saturday.

The first target for the team this season will be survival, as the top division presents a significant step up and challenge.

College hockey teams face turnover with players coming and going, but UCC has strengthened its squad with key recruits, including Irish underage internationals Áine Power (from Harlequins) and Éabha Curran (from Ashton), along with Munster’s top goalscorer for the past two seasons, Beth Anne O'Farrell (also from Harlequins).

In addition to bolstering the squad, UCC has a new management team, led by experienced head coach Darren Collins.

Aware of the tough road ahead, Collins acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed optimism and readiness: "It's going to be a big challenge stepping up and playing in EY1, but it's a challenge we are looking forward to."

He emphasised the team's strong preseason, focusing on conditioning and integrating the new players into the setup.

UCC’s first assignment is an away trip to Munster’s other club in the women’s top division, Catholic Institute.

Led by former Irish international Eimear Cregan, Institute will look to build on their strong form from previous seasons and are no doubt aiming for the playoffs again.

The presence of current international Naomi Carroll should provide them with a dangerous attacking edge.

In Men’s Munster Division 1, Bandon will host Church of Ireland in what promises to be a key match.

Bandon will be aiming to capitalise on the momentum from last week’s victory over Catholic Institute, while Church of Ireland, buoyed by a late equaliser against Harlequins, will be eager to grab a win to go top of the table.

In the women’s Division One Bandon and Church of Ireland face off on Friday night, with Harlequins and Waterford in action on Saturday.

In a busy weekend for Catholic Institute their B side face Ashton in Division One of the Munster league, on Saturday.

FIXTURES 

FRIDAY 

Women’s Munster Division 1: Bandon v Church of Ireland, Bandon Grammar School, 7.45pm.

SATURDAY 

Men’s Munster Division 1: Bandon v Church of Ireland, Bandon Grammar School, 12pm; Waterford v Catholic Institute, Newtown School, 12pm.

Women’s EYHL Division 1: Catholic Institute v UCC, Rosbrien, 12.30pm; Pegasus v Ards, Queen’s University, 2.30pm; Railway Union v Pembroke Wanderers, Park Avenue, 1.30pm; Ulster Elks v Loreto, University of Ulster, 2.30pm; UCD v Old Alex, Belfield, 1pm.

Women’s Munster Division 1: Ashton v Catholic Institute B, Ashton School, 2.30pm; Cork Harlequins v Waterford, Farmers’ Cross, 2.45pm.

SUNDAY 

Boys Interpros: Ulster U18 v Munster U18, Abbotstown, 1pm; Ulster U16 v Munster U16, Abbotstown, 3pm.