All Ireland hockey weekend preview: Portadown and Queen’s in league action and all-southern AIG Irish Senior Cup semi-finals down for decision

IN the Women’s EYHL2 Muckross and Portadown will both hope to go another step closer to a place in the play-offs as they face Greenfields and Cork Harlequins in Pool A.

In Pool B, Queen’s University host Corinthian in a battle for top spot, while Ashton look to keep their hopes of progression alive against University of Galway.

In the Women’s AIG Irish Senior Cup, Railway Union and Catholic Institute play out a repeat of last year’s final, with Catholic Institute hoping to reach their fourth final on the bounce, and Railway looking to retain the title. UCD and Loreto battle to make their first finals appearances since 2020 and 2019 respectively.

Saturday, March 15

AIG Irish Senior Cup – Women

Semi-Finals

Railway Union vs Catholic Institute

11:00 | Park Avenue

In a repeat of the 2024 AIG Irish Senior Cup Final, Railway Union and Catholic Institute meet this Saturday, this time a stage early as both look to return to the crucial match in May. Railway are the in-form side of this matchup, with the hosts enjoying an unbeaten run that stretches right back to November. Institute will be out for vengeance after a late goal last year denied them their second AIG Irish Senior Cup in club history.

Umpires: Liz Clifford, Julie Fisher

UCD vs Loreto

13:00 | Belfield Water

It’s been contrasting season for both of these sides, with Loreto yet again setting the standard, while UCD have struggled to find their rhythm. However, the students have enjoyed a very positive cup run to date, something that has also played a key role in their league resurgence and will have no intention of making things easy for Loreto in Saturday’s Semi-Final.

Umpires: Bruce Bale, Eimear Linehan

EY Hockey League Division 2 – Women

Pool A

Greenfields vs Muckross

14:30 | Dangan

Muckross travel to Dangan to face Greenfields with the hopes of securing a potentially crucial third Pool B win for the Dublin side. A result on Saturday could be enough to secure Muckross’ place in the play-offs should results elsewhere go their way. For Greenfields, the Connacht side are still waiting for a first ever EYHL2 win. They will hope the opportunity to cause an upset, along with home advantage, could be enough to see them grab a result in Dangan.

Umpires: Sunny Charles, Martin Hughes

Portadown vs Cork Harlequins

15:00 | Portadown

A win is just about the only result that would keep Cork Harlequins’ in the running for a play-off spot on Saturday as they face a considerable challenge in Portadown who are top of Pool A and yet to lose a game. For Portadown the stakes are equally as high; Monkstown sit just two points below them as things currently stand. Portadown will be favourites for this one, but don’t count Quins out!

Umpires: Lyn Morrow, Michael Scott

Pool B

University of Galway vs Ashton

12:30 | Dangan

Having caused Corinthian plenty of problems in their back-to-back encounters last weekend University of Galway’s confidence will certainly have gotten a boost. They host Cork side Ashton, with the visitors currently just one spot ahead of the hosts on goal difference. Ashton, however, have a game in hand on the rest of the pool, a win on Saturday would put them in touching distance of a top three finish with three games to go.

Umpires: Willow Bardin, Tanja Schafer

Queen’s University vs Corinthian

12:30 | Queen’s University

It’s first versus second in Pool B as Corinthian look to avenge their round 1 home loss to Queen’s University. Queen’s are the only side in the Women’s EYHL2 to remain unbeaten, a record they will be keen to continue against Corinthian on Saturday. This game could well decide which of these sides secures passage straight to the EYHL2 Semi-Finals, meaning the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Umpires: Sarah Craig, Eamonn McFerran

Women’s EYHL Standings: