Church of Ireland host Pembroke at Garryduff in EYHL

The fixture has added intrigue given the long-standing ties between the two clubs,

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025 - 15:34

Rory Noonan

Cork Church of Ireland will look to build on last week’s first win of the season when they welcome Pembroke Wanderers to Garryduff tomorrow.

The fixture has added intrigue given the long-standing ties between the two clubs, with several C of I players having worn Pembroke colours in the past. Pembroke arrive in strong form, spearheaded by former Irish international Alan Sothern, who has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch.

The headline clash of the weekend comes in Ulster, where rivals Banbridge and Lisnagarvey meet in what promises to be a fiery encounter.

Garvey have made the perfect start to their campaign, while Banbridge will be eager to bounce back after slipping to defeat against Monkstown last time out.

In the women’s EYHL Division 1, Catholic Institute face a stern test as they host the in-form Ulster Elks at Rosbrien. Institute have endured a tough opening to the season, but home advantage could prove crucial as they search for a much-needed lift.

Meanwhile, in the women’s Munster Division 1, University College Cork and Cork Harlequins will renew their rivalry at Farmers’ Cross. Both teams opened their seasons with victories, UCC particularly impressive in a 9–1 rout of Cork C of I. The students may enter as slight favourites, but Quins’ strong recent record in this fixture suggests it will be a tightly contested battle.

FIXTURES

Friday:

Bandon B v Cork Harlequins, 7.45pm.

Saturday:

EYHL Men’s Division 1: Avoca v Monkstown, 2.30pm; Cookstown v Three Rock Rovers, 2.30pm; Cork Church of Ireland v Pembroke Wanderers, 2pm; Lisnagarvey v Banbridge, 4.45pm; YMCA v Corinthians, 2pm.

Munster Men’s Division 1: Catholic Institute v Waterford, 2.45pm; Cork Church of Ireland B v Midleton, 4pm.

EYHL Women’s Division 1: Catholic Institute v Ulster Elks, 12.45pm; Loreto v Pegasus, 2.45pm; Old Alexandra v University College Dublin, 1.30pm; Portadown v Queens University, 5pm; Railway Union v Pembroke Wanderers, 1.40pm.

Munster Women’s Division 1: Cork Church of Ireland v Catholic Institute 2, 12 noon; Cork Harlequins v University College Cork, 12.30pm; Crescent v Bandon, 12.30pm; Waterford v Ashton, 12 noon.