Hockey: Top four showdown in Men’s EYHL 1
OPEN INVITE: Some of the participants in a mixed ability hockey session at Garryduff Sports Centre. The sessions take place every Tuesday night from 8 to 9pm.
Northern powerhouses Lisnagarvey and Banbridge meet for the first time this season on Saturday in a game that promises plenty of needle.
Both sides have made positive starts to the season with Garvey top of the table boasting six wins on the bounce, while Ban, in fourth, remain undefeated with a game less played.
Second and third in the table also meet in Dublin as Three Rock Rovers host YMCA.
Both will have half an eye on the result up North to see if they can capitalise and reel in Lisnagarvey at the top.
In men’s Munster Division 1 Bandon host a Waterford side still looking for their first points of the season.
Bandon will be looking to bounce back from defeat last weekend in the Peard Cup and look to make sure they stay in touch with the Harlequins and C of I.
Harlequins have the opportunity to go top on Saturday themselves as they host Catholic Institute in Farmers’ Cross.
In the women’s EYHL 1, leaders Loreto face a tricky tie away to Pegasus on Saturday however given recent form, they will be favourites to take all three points.
Old Alex, who sit second, travel to Cork to face UCC in the Mardyke. UCC will be keen to bounce back after last weekend's defeat to fellow students UCD.
Third plays fourth as Catholic Institute take on the Ulster Elks in Limerick.
In the women’s Munster Division 1, Harlequins look unstoppable at the moment and they travel to play Catholic Institute B knowing a win would stretch their lead at the top to six points by virtue of the fact Waterford don’t play.
Old rivals C of I and Ashton play in Garryduff with C of I edging it earlier in the season when the sides met in the Irish Hockey Trophy.
Meanwhile mixed ability hockey is now up and running at Garryduff Sports Centre on Tuesday nights from 8 to 9pm.
The aim is to create a social hockey outlet for adults of all abilities in the Cork area.
This programme is for ex-players across all Cork clubs and schools; people new to Cork and would like to try a new sport; the Hockey mums and dads who never have crossed the white line onto the field or if you have a disability or not, and you want to try a friendly fun new sporting experience you are welcome to go along.
It is supported by Mixed Ability Sport Ireland and Cork Sports partnership and is led by Sarah Murtagh and Jonny Bruton.
Mr Bruton said: “As someone who has coached and played in high-performance environments, I can truly say that this social, inclusive environment was the most fun I've had.
“The mixed ability hockey initiative was created to bring people from all walks of life together. We had ex hockey players, people with disabilities, mums and dads, ex rugby players and more at the first session. A place to bring all community together through sport.
“A huge thank you to Garryduff Sports Centre's out going president Carol Jermyn and incoming president Shane Treacy for believing in this initiative. To Alan Craughwell of Mixed Ability Sports Ireland and Sinead Kelly of Cork Local Sports Partnership who supported in getting us started and finally to my own employer, Cope Foundation for their support.”
Avoca v Annadale, 2.30pm; Lisnagarvey v Banbridge, 3pm; Monkstown v Pembroke Wanderers, 4pm; Three Rock Rovers v YMCA, 4pm; UCD v Corinthians, 1.30pm.
Bandon v Waterford, 12pm; Harlequins v Catholic Institute, 2.30pm.
Ards v Railway Union, 2.30pm; Catholic Institute v Ulster Elks, 12.45pm; Pegasus v Loreto, 4.15pm; Pembroke Wanderers v UCD, 2.30pm; UCC v Old Alex, 1pm.
Crescent v Bandon, 1.30pm; Church of Ireland v Ashton, 12pm; Catholic Institute B v Harlequins, 2.45pm.
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