Women’s Pool A
Cork Harlequins
Munster’s strongest women’s team this year have secured the provincial league title with a game to spare. Their exceptional offensive and defensive record this season, scoring 33 goals and conceding just 3, will make them a formidable force in the EYHL2 this year.
Joy Sampson will be a crucial player for the side up top, her goalscoring ability has bagged her nine goals in the league this year. As well as Sampson, Quins also boast other young talented players such as Rachel O’Shea, Alex Dale, and shot topper Lucy Nixon.
Player coaches Cliodhna Sargent and Yvonne O’Byrne add experience to the side and will be hoping they can help guide Harlequins into the EY Hockey League this season, following last season’s semi-final exit.
“We are looking forward to an enjoyable season with many competitive games. We haven’t had the opportunity to play any preseason games over the Christmas break, but training has been very physical, and we hope to showcase this intensity throughout the season.”
- Coaches Yvonne O’Byrne & Cliodhna Sargent
Greenfields Hockey Club
Now in their third year in the EY Hockey League Division 2, Greenfields have grown in confidence year on year, ending their 2023/24 campaign with a win over Leinster’s Kilkenny HC in their final pool game.
The Connacht outfit are well represented at provincial level with the likes of Kate Stuart Trainor, Rosie Flynn, Mai Given and Mia O’Donnell continuing to develop into top players. Tara Melvin at the back and Brenda Flannery up front complement the young contingent with leadership and experience having both represented Ireland in their youth and played top level hockey for several years. Ruth Clifford, an Ireland O40 Master International, completes the experienced spine in this team, playing a key role in midfield.
“We would like to see the team enjoy the challenge of playing at this level and gain valuable experience in doing so. We would hope that the experience of playing last season will stand to us. Fielding a number of younger players we look forward to seeing them develop as players and individuals over the series.”
- Head Coach Catherine Moore.
Monkstown Hockey Club
Having previously secured promotion to the EYHL, and spent two seasons competing in Ireland’s topflight, Monkstown’s prior experience will likely be a major asset to them as they vie to make an immediate return.
Now in his seventh season as head coach, Simon Lowry leads a side that boast an impressive line-up of young and experienced players with the likes of Chloe Watkins, Suzie Kelly, Clare O’Reilly, Charlotte O’Neill, Jen Hamill, Olivia Brady and Julie Potter Cogan all likely to play a vital role during the campaign.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges ahead in EY 2. With a new group of players this season, we’re ready to test ourselves against strong opposition and continue building on the progress we’ve made so far. Promotion back to EY 1 is our ultimate goal, but our focus will be on taking each game as it comes, competing for every point and seeing how far we can go.”
- Head Coach Simon Lowry
Muckross Hockey Club
Having narrowly missed out on a place in last season’s play-offs Muckross are targeting a top three finish in Pool A this season to go one better than 2023/24.
The side, led by head coach Michael Fulham, came fourth in Leinster this season in one of the league’s most competitive years, finishing behind Dublin University, Monkstown and Corinthian.
The Dublin side profile as quite a young team, with Amelia Ryan and Daisy Costello two of the clubs most promising stars. Both have been named in the Ireland U18 Panels for this year. Alongside them the team have a core group of experienced players, with Caroline Matthews leading the defensive efforts, Leila O’Byrne linking in from midfield and Julia Holmes providing the goals up front.
Keep an eye on Muckross, they have a point to prove this year.
“It’s no secret that the club and players want to get promoted to Ireland’s best division. We have a very young and talented squad, who are exciting to watch so it’s not a case of now or never. Last year we were extremely disappointed not to make a playoff spot. That is the natural goal this season.
Having a young side, we can be naive at times. This season we are looking to be more consistent and manage games a little better. After a relatively poor provincial campaign pre-christmas the team now have a point to prove.”
- Head Coach Michael Fulham
Portadown Ladies Hockey Club
Despite being in their first ever season in the EYHL2, Portadown are likely to be a formidable figure in Pool A. They have enjoyed a very impressive rise in the last number of seasons, gaining promotion from Ulster Senior 1 to now sitting top of the Ulster Premier League under the stewardship of David Sinnamon.
A very young side overall, Portadown have produced an exceptional number of young players that will represent Ireland’s Pathway Teams during 2025. Rebekah Lennon and Hannah Davison are two players, among many others, that fans should keep an eye out for.
“As a young, developing team, our only EY2 target is to be competitive and hopefully, play some good hockey. Our players, coaches and wider club are extremely excited to commence our debut EY2 season.”
- Head Coach David Sinnamon
Women’s Pool B
Ashton Hockey Club
Another first timer in the EYHL2, Ashton enter the league with a very new squad from the side that qualified in 2023/24. The side currently sit fifth in Munster Division 1 after a slow start to the competition but have continued to improve as the season has progressed.
Ashton will hope their strong spine of goalkeeper Deirde Ní Challanáin, defender Emma Nagle, and midfielder Sophie Clein will create the perfect foundation from which their younger players can express themselves. Amy Noonan, Katie Toomey and Zara Byrne have all been named in the Ireland Pathway Training Squads, giving the Munster side a squad that opposition certainly shouldn’t underestimate.
“We are very excited for our first season in EYHL2 and to see what the team can achieve at this level. With a squad full of talented young players, I’m looking forward to seeing how we rise to the challenge and compete against the strong opposition in our group.”
- Head Coach Darren Wilkinson
Corinthian Hockey Club
Much like Monkstown in Pool A, Corinthian also have been down this road before, winning the EYHL2 in 2022/23 and gaining promotion to the EYHL for the 2023/24 season. Despite their relegation, the side don’t appear to have dropped their performance level at all, immediately resuming their dominance in Leinster Division 1 producing an unbeaten campaign to win the league.
New head coach Daniel O’Daly has a plethora of talented players at his disposal with goalkeeper Berne Van Wyk and sweeper Leanne Kelly leading their defensive efforts, while Isabelle Maleady and Amber Kinlan boss the midfield.
Add to two young forwards in Hollai Quinn, who recently scored nine goals in four games for Ireland’s Indoor Team, and Sarah Connolly, a demanding yet composed attacker, and you have a very dangerous side to contend with.
“We’re focused on improving with every game. We have an incredible group of girls who make anything possible. Our main goal is to play our style of hockey and show that we belong here, without putting pressure on specific expectations. As for aspirations, if we continue playing the way we are, there’s no doubt we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves.”
- Head Coach Daniel O’Daly.
Lurgan Hockey Club
Having experienced the EYHL2 play-offs before, reaching the quarter finals last season, Lurgan will be hoping they can go one step further this year, reaching a semi-final and giving themselves a shot at promotion.
The Ulster side currently sit third in the Ulster Premier League after some mixed results in the run in to Christmas. However, Lurgan will undoubtedly be in contention for a play-off place.
Captain Sarah McClure will be key to Lurgan’s efforts linking defence and attack as she looks to connect with their leading scorer Chloe McCann who is happy converting chances from open play or set pieces. Ellie Cousins, the teams youngest squad member has quickly established herself as an important member of the side, using her natural athleticism and calmness to influence play.
“Great group of players that mixes youth and experience. I will continue to work hard and I’m looking forward to taking on the best head on.”
- Head Coach Andrew Brown.
University of Galway
The University side currently sit top of Connacht Division 1 with their sights set on making a mark on the national stage. University of Galway have competed in the EYHL2 before on a couple of occasion but are yet to record a win, despite running several sides very close.
Now led by coach Damien Kelly, who coaches the team for the second time, Galway’s focus this year will be on further incremental growth as they test themselves against other top sides.
Attackers Ailbhe Folan and Hannah Kelly form a fierce partnership up top, and will likely be Galway’s biggest threats going forward. Anna Meade is tipped to be an important element of the team’s defensive, having adjusted well to her first year of college hockey. Grace Walsh will join Folan and Kelly up top, with the young forward showing brilliant potential.
“Our aspirations this season is to push ourselves to new levels in both performance and consistency. We aim to compete fiercely in every match, regardless of the opponent, and to ensure that our playing style reflects the hard work and dedication we put in as a team. Representing the club with pride and passion is at the heart of everything we do. Our primary focus remains on growth, improvement, and delivering performances that reflect our potential and determination.”
- Head Coach Damien Kelly.
Queen’s University Belfast
A fifth outing for QUB in the EYHL2 offers them another chance to take the next step to the top division. Having narrowly missed out on promotion on four of their five seasonsin the competition, they will be hoping this is their year.
The University side currently sit second in the Ulster Premier League as they attempt to retain their title, having won the competition last year.
The side are filled with exciting young players with bright futures ahead of them, with Eva Gaston and captain Jenna McCarlie headlining the team sheet. Eva is currently among the training panel for the Ireland Women’s team and will be hoping to be selected for the U21 side that will compete in the FIH Junior World Cup. Jenna, a prolific attacker both in indoor and outdoor has also worn the green jersey, travelling with the Ireland Indoor team to the Nkosi Cup in December of 2024.
“The EYHL2 looks to be wide open this year with a number of strong sides competing. While relegated sides Monkstown and Corinthian will start as favourites, I don’t think they will be expecting an easy run to the final. From a Queen’s point of view, our new squad has settled in, we have started the season pretty well and we have set ourselves a target of finishing in the top three in our group and securing a play-off place.”
- Head Coach Simon Bell
