Peter Priestley’s men face a Corinthians side who hammered Trinity 11-0 in their first round match. Corinthians lie 3 places below the lads in the league but a 3-2 narrow victory back in September suggests a tight affair come Saturday. News from 2nds the camp is that recent training sessions are going well and have been highly competitive leading into the Cup fixture. Last Saturday’s hard fought victory over Fingal was an excellent way to prepare for what should be an equally competitive fixture. With a couple of players facing fitness tests this week the squad will be announced in the coming days.

On the Ladies side the 2nds are in good current form, coming back from a goal down to take a 1-1 draw against Railway last weekend not only served to show their mettle but kept them joint top of the league. Schoolgirls Joanna McDonnell, Sarah Twomey and Rachel O’Brien have settled well into senior club hockey, while the additions of Anna O’Grady, Anna O’Connell, Ali O’Mahoney and Jane Brownlee have proved key also. Team veterans Eimear McCarthy (excellent IJC scoring record) and Louise Tolerton will be hoping to keep their scoring form up on Saturday, while both Lorraine Horgan and Kate Hurley thankfully continue to settle back in after their ankle injury lay-offs. The Ladies face newly promotoed UCD 2nds at 3.30pm – directly after the guys.

…Elsewhere the Men’s 1sts find themselves back in title contention after Monkstown slipped up against Railway last weekend. The lads travel to Whitechruch to play Corinthians while Monkstown take on Three Rock Rovers at home. The Ladies 1sts took a resounding 3 points against Three Rock last Wednesday night up in Grange Rd, just reward on a rainy night which didn’t stop the Pembroke faithful from travelling – thanks to all the diehards for their unwavering support! Emma Keilthy scored a great opening goal, while Rachel McGrath made sure of the points with a second. The girls will be looking for points again on the road this weekend – they play Trinity in Alexandra College at 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon.

In the Cup the Ladies 3rds fly the flag for the Ladies section – they will travel to Bray for a semi-final date on Sunday February 12th. The Ladies 1sts were knocked out of the Jacqui Potter Cup last weekend 3-0 by Hermes. The Ladies 5ths Cup run came to an end last weekend also – despite putting in a great performance they succumbed 1-0 in their Qtr Final to a very useful Three Rock Ladies 2nds team who play a division above them. Very hard luck girls.

The Men’s 1sts will meet Corinthians in Serpentine on Sunday 12th in the Mills Cup semi-final – mark it in your diaries. Monkstown and Three Rock face-off in the other half of the draw, while Pembroke Men’s 2nds will have a Railway Cup Qtr Final tie to look forward to against Three Rock on Feb 19th.

Please send us your match reports, photos, photos links on Flickr / Facebook » web@pembrokewanderers.ie

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Lady Captain fantastic

The first half was tightly contested with both sides having several chances which they were unable to convert. Railway started stronger but the Pembroke defence were up to the challenge and counter-attacking from the back with some skillful play from Ellen, Emily, Amy and Julie. From the middle of the first half Pembroke were in the ascendency, creating even more chances – one of the highlights starting with some quick passing between the mids Niamh and Kate, passing through to Jude, on to Alison finishing with a well saved shot from Ash. However it wasn’t until nearing the end of the second half, with the golden goal looming, that a breaking ball fell into space in the Railway 25. Edwina “vice-like grip” Mulcahy struck the ball from the top of the D, took a deflection over the goalie and into the back of the net. The celebration was worthy of a goal but unfortunately it was judged to be outside the circle and disallowed. Pembroke kept up the pressure until the end but the whistle meant it was golden goal time. Extra time also held plenty of chances with the Pembroke and Railway defences managing to keep the ball out of their nets.

Down to the wire and the 5 bravest of the team (Ellen, Emer, Alison, Julie & Ash) volunteered to take the flicks. Thankfully Stef volunteered to go in goals…… In what typified the fixture, the flicks started the same as the game, all square after the first 5, neither side seeming to be able to break the deadlock and it finished 4-4. Ellen confidently took Pembroke’s first flick of the second round, her accuracy equally matched by Railway. Next up was Emer who made sure Pembroke were still in with a chance. Railway stepped up to take their shot, the ball went into the back of the net but unfortunately for Railway, the flick was disallowed and Pembroke could celebrate! Final score 6-5 aet, penalties.

Dave kept the spirits up and Lucozade kept the energy levels high! Thanks to all the supporters who despite the cold and the lack of goals stayed with us until the end. Thankfully it was worth it!

Ladies 6ths miss out on Semi Final spot after 2-2 draw, and flicks
Darina Errity’s Ladies 6ths were extremely unlucky on Saturday in their Qtr Final Cup game away to Loreto. Showing fantastic determination they came back from behind twice and fought hard til the very end. Stunning goals from Clodagh Rigby and Cait Maguire kept Pembroke in the tie. Tatianna and Karen had superb games and overall Player of the Match awarded to Steph Courtney for her outstanding performance (despite already playing for the 4ths and nursing an injured hip!) in goals. Thanks to Jude and Ava for helping out the day before their own big game.

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Rachel O’Brien in midfield tormented Clontarf, and late in the first half she burst out of a tackle and picked out Rachel McGrath, who took the ball beautifully and charged the circle for a one on one with the keeper. Rachel clipped the ball and it bounced over the diving keeper to score Pembroke’s first goal. However, the teams elation was short lived when Clontarf responded with what can only be described as an opportunistic goal, given they only managed two circle entries in the first half. A crash ball from inside the half way line bounced into the circle and a Clontarf player put it in the back of the net. Despite the Pembroke protests that the ball was kicked in, the goal stood, and at half time it was all level. Clontarf started the second half at pace, and the Pembroke defence had to soak up a concentrated period of pressure. However espite controlling possession, Clontarf were unable to create anything, and the game began to level out again. Fiona Keenan and Rachel McGrath worked tirelessly up front, and Pembroke forced a number of corners and opportunities from play in succession, but failed to convert their chances.

With just minutes to go it was still all level, and Louise Tolerton at left back pushed up to take a long corner, facing into a wall of Clontarf players. Forced right, she managed to find Rachel O’Brien at the top of circle, but with her back to goal, and Clontarf defenders behind her it seemed unlikely she could do anything. In what looked an impossible move, Rachel danced her way around the Clontarf defence and calmly placed the ball in the bottom right corner of the goal. With 2 minutes on the clock, Clontarf made one last push for an equaliser. They did find their way into the circle, but the ball was crashed wide and the final whistle went, leaving Pembroke as 2 – 1 winners, and through to the semis to the delight of the team, and the Pembroke faithful who came to support!

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“Welcome back for the second half of the hockey season after what I hope was a good Christmas break for you all.
Whilst the main focus in Irish hockey is the upcoming Mens and Womens Olympic qualification tournaments in Dublin and Belgium respectively, our eyes remain on the progress of Pembroke’s teams for the remainder of the season, be they in the senior or junior sections of the Club.

A lot of hard work goes into fielding the various teams – after all this is what Pembroke is all about – and continuing this effort, even enhancing it where possible, is in the hands of all of us as Members and supporters. Pembroke Wanderers is a great Club – lets make it greater!
Happy New Year”.

West Thornton, President.

Ronan Gormley will be hoping to lead Ireland to Olympic qualification this coming March in Belfield

Details of the Men’s FIH Olympic Qualifier in Dublin this March have been released - and tickets are now on sale – call the ticket hotline 01-7163262 to order and for package details. The Tournament runs from March 10th to 18th in UCD – Ireland will face Russia, Ukraine, Korea, Chile and Malaysia.

Korea will be the team to beat, entering the tournament as the sixth-ranked team in the FIH World Ranking. The Ladies will travel to Antwerp, Belgium for their Olympic Qualifier – their assignment is even tougher than the Mens, they will face France, Spain, Russia, Mexico and hosts Belgium. Details here »

The prize for both couldn’t be greater – the winners of each of the Olympic Qualification Tournaments will earn a place at the London 2012 Games.
For the Men, hosting of this prestigious tournament in Dublin, and home advantage gives the Irish lads a major boost ahead of their preparations. With national team coach Paul Revington recently winning an FIH All Star coaching award, hopes are high that it will be a monumental year for Irish hockey and sport.

The Irish Times looks ahead to irish hockey prospects in 2012 »
Get your Tickets for the Olympic Qualifier now »
All Leinster senior league fixtures for March 10th have been moved to March 31st to facilitate spectators and volunteers attending the Olympic Qualifier more »

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Dodgy ankle: Kate Hurley, out for 6 weeks following a roller-skating accident

On Thursday night all seemed bleak when the Ladies 2nds lost a fourth starting XI player this season to ankle injury. Lorraine Horgan suffered ligament damage following an awkward fall at training, leaving just one of the regular midfielders available for the first match of 2012 v Genesis.

By Saturday morning coach Mick O’Connor’s head-cold had spread through the squad and the team-talk was barely audible over the din of nose blowing and sneezing! This was a must win game for the 2nds, as despite being at opposite ends of the table, they have struggled against Genesis, drawing the first league encounter and losing 2-0 in the JP Cup in December. However, this time it was personal, with the 2nds determined to take the 3 points and keep the pressure on at the top of the Division 2 table.

The Christmas break was very evident in the opening 20 minutes of the game, with both teams making a lot of unforced errors and failing to string together any decent passages of play. However the II’s eventually began to find their pre-Christmas form, and following some consistent pressure up front, won a couple of corners in quick succession. Louise Tolerton, continuing to smash her previous seasonal-best goal tally, coolly slotted home a ‘Lou Special’, complete with her trade-mark celebratory dance.
Shortly before half time Jane Brownlee scored her first goal for the 2nds. Linking up well with Anna O’Grady, Jane received the ball at the top of the circle, and showing beautiful composure, calmly chipped the on-rushing keeper to find the net.

She shoots, she scores - Louise Tolerton broke the deadlock

In the second half the 2nds began to control the play – Anna O’Grady and Rachel McGrath (back after ankle injury) hunted down the back four relentlessly on the press, and the midfield line broke down play well to halt any Genesis comeback. The back line, with Lisa O’Rourke (heroically, given her circumstances) stepping in goals and Emma Sweeney slotting in at left back, showed why they have one of the best league defensive records, blocking everything that Genesis could throw at them, though Lisa was called on to pull off a great a save late on in the game to keep a clean sheet.

Goal number three came with less than 10 minutes to go, when Sorcha Conway drove across the circle from left to right before finding Joanna McDonnell patiently waiting at the back post to put the game to bed.

Win number 8 out of 10 for the 2nd’s this season, leave them 3 points clear at the top of the table.

Want to see your team-match report here? Email reports and photos to web@pembrokewanderers.ie

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Pembroke members please contact Sinéad Guilfoyle if you would like to attend.

What is the Youth Leader Programme?
The Youth Leader programme was set up to introduce young people, aged between 15 and 21, to volunteering in their hockey club. The aim of the programme is to enjoy all aspects of the sport of hockey rather than concentrating on playing only. To do this, the programme focuses on 3 main areas which are umpiring, coaching and team management. The Youth Leader programme helps to pass on skills, top tips and most importantly confidence so that Youth Leaders can get back out to their clubs in order to put their new found knowledge to use!

How does it work?
Each Youth Leader starts the programme by coming to a 4 hour Introductory Workshop which covers coaching, umpiring and team management. In order to come onto the Youth Leader Programme, each Youth Leader must attend and complete the Introductory Workshop. Once the Youth Leaders have attended the workshop, they head back to their clubs where they are required to complete 5 hours of contact time.

How do the logged sessions work?
At the introductory workshop, each Youth Leader is given a Youth Leader Workbook. The workbook holds a number of blank sessions that the Youth Leader must complete. This is done by completing 5 hours of sessions within the club. The five hours can be made up of coaching, umpiring, team management or a combination of all three! Once the sessions are completed, each Youth Leader must get their workbook signed off by a club representative. When that is done, the club lets the IHA know and we release the certificates at the end of each season. It is up to the clubs to then present the certificates to their Youth Leaders.

What can my club do to help our Youth Leaders?
The IHA gives responsibility to each club to make sure that they give their Youth Leaders meaningful and enjoyable responsibilities. And also to make sure that each Youth Leader is helping out in an area that interests them! In order to help do this, each Youth Leader completes a Self-Evaluation form at the workshop. We then ask the Youth Leaders to show this to their club so that the club clearly understands what the Youth Leader would like to get out of their time on the programme.

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Mens 2nds report
When the first round draw was made for the Irish Junior Cup, Pembroke were handed a formidable contest away to Instonians. It was to prove a testing encounter for the youthful 2nd XI squad. After a cagey opening by both sides, Pembroke began to create chances and were rewarded with a smartly taken opening goal from Maurice Elliott. Over the next 15 minutes Instonians’ greater experience showed and they first equalised, and then scored a second to establish a lead.

Pembroke didn’t panic and, with a number of players raising their game, scored an excellent goal through Cillian Hynes. Midfield, as expected, provided an intriguing battle and Eric Foy and George Dagg adapted excellently to the step up in standard. Scott Furlong was proving influential and it was his flicked short corner that gave Pembroke a 3-2 half time lead. The second half wasn’t quite as frantic as the first, Instonians relying on crashing balls into the Pembroke circle where Duncan McKeen and David Kane led a solid defensive effort.

Scott Furlong grabbed two goals for the lads

A joint man of the match award went to David Kane and Scott Furlong, but the entire squad contributed to an excellent effort. The 2nd round should prove equally exciting with a home tie against Corinthians on February 4th.

This reporter was lucky enough to be at the Ladies 2nds match at Hillsborough:
In a repeat of last year’s IJC Round 1 Pembroke ladies 2nds were Northbound for a match against the 2011 finalists, except this time it was Lisnagarvey instead of Randalstown. The all-yellow kit of the ladies was about the only splash of colour on an otherwise bleak and bitterly cold day, but in keeping with their attire the Ladies started brightly and dominated the first half. ‘Garvey struggled to get on the ball and retain possession and PW capitalised on their opponent’s rocky start.

Joanna had another great game for the 2nds

The mids and forwards worked tirelessly tracking back and pushing forward, and Anna O’Grady was unlucky not to score from a solo effort break from the half way line. The game finished 1 nil to the joy of both the team and the cluster of frozen supporters who had travelled to watch.

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Happy Holidays!
Come and join us all in Pembroke Wanderers for some festive cheer.

Let’s round off this year with a bang in everyone’s favourite clubhouse.
Happy Hour 8:30pm – 9:30pm December 17th.
Drinks, dancing and maybe even some mistletoe!!

Santa hats are a necessity and Christmas jumpers are welcome.

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On fire again this season - Jude scored and set up one in the 6ths Cup win

» Captains / Players – please send your match reports to web@pembrokewanderers.ie and get the recognition you deserve!

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You know it makes sense

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Do you play hockey (anywhere, at any age, at any level)? If yes, take a few minutes to help guide the future of hockey in Ireland.
Complete the IHA Player Participation Survey now!
Simply click on http://IHAplayerparticipation.questionpro.com »
Many thanks.

Why do men stop playing hockey?
As part of its remit the IHA’s Grassroots Working Group is currently carrying out research of the hockey playing population – why do we attract players, what do people like about our sport and most importantly why do we lose players? In order to answers these questions, the IHA’s Grassroots Working Group is holding a focus group in Dublin.

The aim of the focus groups is to look at the reasons that men are leaving our sport. The IHA will publish the results to the hockey community and this exercise will benefit us all in helping understand why we lose players. We hope that with this information the clubs, branches and the IHA can find ways to ensure we do not continue to incur a drop off of male players.

The focus group will be held on Friday, November 11th in Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club (7.30pm to 9pm). We are looking for male players, aged over 21 who have given up playing in the last 5 years. Refreshments will be provided. If you or any of your past members would be willing to take part, simply email fiona.mills@hockey.ie. Likewise get in touch if you have any questions.

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The evening is aimed at beginner umpires and club umpires looking for help with understanding the rules and personal intrepretations. There will also be an open forum to receive topics and questions for discussion on the night that those attending wish to have included.

If you umpire regularly or even just from time to time then this event is for you. This is an open event and there is no charge to attend.

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THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

Saturday 1st October, Happy Hour from 8pm – 9pm

DJ til late and lots of dancing to follow!

Let’s all kick off the season off to a good start by welcoming all the New Members to our Club and catching up with your teammates

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Sarah Williams was able to count on her years of man management experience as squad manager – with a group of demanding international athletes to look after, not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination! Naturally we’ll be expecting great things from our internationals this coming season, expect Alison to be wearing her irish gear down to training until at least November, while recruitment for next season’s Masters should begin in earnest in the next few weeks. Well done ladies, you worked hard for it over the summer – great achievement.

More pictures from Adrian Boehm © » Irish Hockey Photographers
Find out more about the Irish Masters here »
Match reports are on » The Hook

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Brendon Carolan is a High Performance FIH Qualified coach, and was awarded South African Coach of the year for 2009. Last season he led our Men’s 1sts to the KO16′s of the EHL, and remains coach to the Men’s 1sts again for the coming season. Brendon will provide technical coaching to both Ladies 1sts and 2nd squads this season.

For the Ladies 2nd team, we are also delighted to report that Michael O’Connor will be continuing in his role as coach. His previous coaching experience included a successful two-year spell at Genesis, where his team secured promotion to division 3, and finished a credible 4th in their first year following promotion. Mick also has experience coaching abroad, with stints in both the USA and Perth in the last number of years. His own playing career is impressive, and as a stalwart of the Pembroke men’s first team, has enjoyed continued success, winning 3 Irish Hockey League Championships and numerous other trophies. Most recently Mick was selected to play with the Leinster senior team in the 2011 Interprovencial competition, and has also played in the semi-professional league in Perth, Australia in 2010. Mick will be continuing in his role as Ladies II’s coach for the 2011 / 2012 season, where he plans to build on the foundations established last season, and develop and integrate the emerging talented fillies players into the 1st and 2nds squads.

We are confident that the continuity established by retaining and extending the coaching structures will allow us advance the good work done last season with both teams.

For further information on the Ladies 1sts and 2nd teams, and information about joining Pembroke Wanderers please email ladies@pembrokewanderers.ie

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WHEN: Mondays 7:00-8:30pm, 16th May-29th August 2011.

WHAT: Fun Group Exercise sessions to increase overall fitness, tone up, lose weight and keep in shape! Two qualified exercise instructors/physiotherapists will run 2 classes to cater for the more serious exercisers and those that want to have some fun while getting fit!
Also: Personal exercise programmes tailored specifically to you and your needs/goals and level of fitness! If you want to do triathlons or just get back in shape we can create the programme for you! You just have to sign up for 10 or 14 sessions in advance!

COST
€10 per individual Session (€8 for PWHC Members & their friends)
€80=10 Sessions & personal programme(€70 PWHC Members & their friends)
€110=14Sessions & personal programme(€95 PWHC Members/friends)

Sign up or get more info –
Email Stu Garrett at stugarrett18@gmail.com or ph 0876522888

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There will be a Happy Hour in the club on both Friday and Saturday night from 7pm-8pm head of the both events. Tickets for the Ladies Dinner cost €20 students/€25 full, tickets for the Men’s Dinner cost €20/€30 and are still available from your captain – but be quick!

The Men’s 1sts will be providing full waiter service on Saturday evening so Ladies you will be well taken care of on the night!

In other news Summer Hockey kicks off this week – registration tonight will be at 6.50pm, Annie Lawlor is again running the show in what should be another repeat of a very enjoyable couple of months hockey in the Club. Hockey is open to all – mixed and non-Pembroke players, players must be 15 or older, sessions will be on Wednesdays from 7pm – 8.30pm and will cost €5 a session.

Ireland U16′s and U18′s
Good news for Pembroke with the following underage squad announcments
At U16 level, George Dagg, David Kane, Mark Loughrey, and Jack Ryan have all been named while on the U18′s Kirk Shimmons has made the panel. More information for the U16′s is here, while the U18 squad info is here.

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Regards
Deirdre Mackay
President

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Clarkie got on the score-sheet for the 3rd week running. Photo Adrian Boehm

Elaine Hall restored the lead with a near post finish from the tightest of angles, her first senior 1 goal of the season, but shortly after Corinthian levelled again from a penalty corner and looked to have sealed a point.

However Sarah Clarke drilled the ball across the circle for Anna O’Neill to get the vital touch two minutes from time much to the delight of both coaches Justin and Alec after many hours spent coaching that very move in training! Corinthian did have the opportunity to level with a penalty corner awarded on the final whistle but Rachel O’Sullivan and the penalty corner defence stood strong to clear the ball for victory!

The Ladies again provided a very entertaining game with lots of goals bringing their tally to 8 goals in 2 games. Amongst the positives were a lot of new names on the score sheet in recent weeks for their 1st Senior goals. Claire Foley (St. Gerards) the youngest member of the team set up the first goal for Emma Keilthy at Bray last weekend before scoring her 1st goal for Pembroke with some excellent play in the 5-4 thriller. Avril Dooley (Mount Anville) also bagged herself her 1st goal for Pembroke from a short corner rebound in the semi- final defeat to UCD in the Jacqui Potter Cup. Olivia Smartt (Mount Sackville) who has impressed in midfield this season is now looking to get her name on the score sheet in the final 2 games!!! Well done girls, keep it going!

Elsewhere the Ladies 2nds kept up the pressure in Div 2 with a 3-1 win over Muckross, with 5 games left to go it’s still too close to call at the top of this division. The Ladies 3rds play Naas on Sunday in their Cup Semi-final – home at 4pm, support would be great! The Ladies 6ths were beaten in their Cup Semi last weekend, despite Sinead Guilfoyle having her another storming performance – Railway proving to be too strong on the day though. Youngster Sarah Twomey had another good outing in midfield, getting a goal along the the way, well done Sarah. The Ladies 8th lost their recent Cup game in Navan, the girls were always going to be underdogs with the match taking place on grit but it was a great performance from Olwen Scally’s side and they gave a great account of themselves.

Good news though on the league side of things though with the Ladies 7ths (Lynn Boucher getting the vital goal) and the 8ths picking up wins at the weekend, vital at this stage of the season! Well done Sarah and Olwen.

On the Men’s side, Pembroke face a battle royale this Saturday in their IHL final pool game against Monkstown. The lads must win to qualify for the knockout stages. The game starts at 2.45pm and we are expecting a great crowd for what should be a brilliant game. Don’t forget the BBQ will be going all day, and all are welcome down.

Elsewhere the Men’s 3rds came out on the wrong side of a 3-1 score-line against Monkstown at Rathdown Park in their league fixture on Saturday, their first defeat of the season, in a game where the home team’s passing accuracy, not a lack of desire from the Pembroke team ultimately made the difference. The fifths and sixths both won scoring seven goals between them which particularily helps the fifth eleven alley any relegation fears. Here’s wishing the firsts the best of luck on Saturday in the critical Monkstown IHL fixture, with the winner definite participants in the IHL finals weekend.

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Pembroke is calling members past and present …..

Join us here in the club house on Serpentine Avenue for a Fundraising Dinner

Enjoy a delicious meal, have a marvellous night out and Support our club developments

7.30pm start for 8pm Dinner

Saturday 26th February 2011

Only €26 per head – a Steal!

Numbers are limited and filling up so please book NOW!!
Contact us here in the office on 01 6685217.

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On the Men’s side, Brendon Carolan’s men travel north to play Instonians on Sunday in the Irish Hockey League. Pembroke sit two points clear in Pool B and will be looking to maintain this gap over close rivals Monkstown who host Banbridge on Saturday. For those not travelling north the Men’s 2nds make the short trip up to Whitechurch on Sunday for their Railway Cup encounter against Corinthians, the lads beating UCD 12-0 in the last round. The tie is all the more interesting – a win could potentially see an all Pembroke 2nds and 3rds Quarter Final.

Last weekend Alan Giles crafted a winner in the last ten minutes of normal time to see the Men’s 1sts beat TRR 3-2 and go through to the next round of the Leinster Senior Cup. The 2nds laboured to a 3-0 victory away to a weak Trinity seconds in the league to keep them in contention for this division’s title. Their main rivals are Monkstown who are the current Leinster Seconds League, Irish Junior Cup and Railway Cup holders, competitions that the seconds are still in contention for at this stage of this 2010/2011 season. The 6ths played well to beat YMCA 2-0 away from home to keep up their solid league performance.

On the disappointing side, the Men’s 4ths, even though they are second in their league lost convincingly to Avoca seconds and the fifths unfortunately lost by a goal in five to a strong YMCA fifth eleven side to both be knocked out of the very competitive Intermediate Cup. The 7ths also lost in the Minor Cup away to Glennane.

Gill Crinnion, Lynn Boucher, Aoife Gallagher and Clodagh Rigby after the 7ths Cup win

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The Ladies 2nds had a trickier tie in Antrim against reigning champs Randalstown. An early goal for Mick O’ Connor’s side came from Captain Eimear McCarthy’s corner strike, but Randalstown were back into the game 10 mins later to level, also from a short corner. Pembroke upped the ante in the second half, Fiona Keenan and Alison Pigot slotting into the side seamlessly, while Eimear McCarthy and the rest of the defence were trojan-like keeping out Randalstown’s young pacey attackers. Extra-time came and it took Pembroke only a few minutes to wrap up the win with the killer goal, Claire Picard started off the move, which eventually led Mary Gamble to square a ball to Susan Ryan who converted from the centre of the D to give the visitors a golden goal win and a very happy journey home back down the M1. The Ladies will face Loreto II’s on February 5th in Serpentine in the last 16.
>> Full details for the Ladies’ IJC draw are here

The Ladies 2nds with Mick and Robbie following their IJC win over Randalstown at the Antrim Forum

It was an extremely busy weekend all round, the Mens and Ladies 1sts both took 3 points from their league games on Saturday – Jilly Collins wrapping up her final appearance for Pembroke this season with a classy finish against Corinthians. The game also saw Julie Delany make a long overdue appearance for the 1sts where she showed touches of class up front when called on to replace Anna O’ Neill last minute.

Jill Collins marked her last game of the season with a goal on Saturday against Corinthians

The Men scored 4 with no reply against Weston in Lucan to stay 3 points off the top of Division 1. The Men’s 3rds and 4ths also enjoyed league wins on Saturday while the Men’s 6ths lost out in the Cup away to Athy.
On Sunday the Ladies 1sts beat Railway Union II’s 4-2 to advance in the Jaqcui Potter Cup – Shona Doyle netting a hatrick. A good weekend for Justin and Alec Barrett’s side.

Elsewhere in the Cup the Ladies 6ths advanced, Jude Hayward (you guessed it) with the vital goal, while the Ladies 3rds had a nervy Cup win over Botanic in Glasnevin on Sunday, Katie England benefiting from a great run by schoolgirl Joanna McDonald to grab the win. The Ladies 2nds could be forgiven for loosing 2-0 in Glenanne Pk to Glenanne 1sts (also in the JP Cup) following their exploits up north the previous day – with injury and unavailability the 2nds were missing 6 players, once again Julie Delany ably stepped up while schoolgirl Sarah Twomey, Alison Brannigan Eleanor Rattigan and the versatile Sue Williams also lined out in a very encouraging performance against the Div 1 side.

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Louise won the bragging rights at home, grabbing the winning goal against Loreto in the 2nd half. Photos Emer Ryan

None of the Ladies away matches survived the cold so trips to Tullamore (6ths), Nth Kildare (2nds) and Skerries(5ths) will all have to be refixed.

The Ladies 1sts game against Hermes was switched to Serpentine with St Andrews still frozen over, 0-0 at half time but Hermes took the lead 10 mins into the second half from a stroke and never looked backed, grabbing two further goals.

The big game of the day followed with Pembroke Men taking on Glenanne, both teams locked in second place behind YMCA in the league standings. Glenanne though were off the mark quickest, with Stephen Brownlow’s bagging the first of three early on. Pembroke responded through Gordon Elliot, but Glenanne held on until the end to take the three points and it’s they who take top spot.

The Men’s 2nds fared better over Glenanne, coming away 5-0 winners, Craig Wilson, Johnny Walker, Maurice Elliot, Scott Furlong, Kirk Shimmons all scoring, while goals also abounded in their 12-0 win over UCD in the Railway Cup. On Sunday afternoon the Men’s 3rds, with a very tanned Brendon Carolan making his debut, came through their cup fixture against Railway, winning out in a penalty shoot out. David Loughrey and Michael Stiles both scored twice in the flick competition to secure passage to the quarter final. The 7ths also managed to play over the weekend, but were 3-0 loosers to Smithfield.

Elsewhere over the weekend, the Ladies 2nds kept up their excellent league form, beating Loreto 2-1 to take top spot in Division 2. St Gerard’s schoolgirl Claire Foley on her senior debut for Pembroke enjoyed an eye catching debut on the wing, and took man-of-match award from her compatriots. An early goal from Claire Picard was well taken, Mary Gamble and Claire making space with a some quick fire passing to settle Pembroke nerves, while Louise Tolerton will tell you her deflected spinning lob over goalkeeper Louisa Healy was the result of hours of practise on the training ground. Louise’s goal proved to be decisive, Stephanie Hall’s tap in with 10 minutes to go made for a nervy end to the game for the home team, Loreto certainly finished on the ascendancy but couldn’t find a way past Rachel O’ Sullivan in goals.

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Railway had also partied the night away the previous evening so it was no surprise that it took both teams a good 15 mins to shake the cob-webs off. Sarah Williams had opted for a quiet night in with a bowl of pasta and a high energy drink and it all went according to plan when she found herself twice on the goal-sheet, two shortcorners, identical in execution and result.

New girl Katie Ackland found the Railway team asleep just after half time and beat four players to regain the lead with a superb individual goal, after Railway had equalised before half time. Williams and Yvonne Hurley wrapped up the win with further goals to send a very ropey management (Simon Thornton looking particularly under the weather) and selection team home happy. Well done girls, next round is Jan 15th!

The Ladies 8ths - the only team to see any hockey action in the last few weeks - following their Cup win

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On the national front the IHA have already postponed all Irish Hockey League fixtures for the coming weekend – to a date after Christmas TBA, meaning Pembroke’s game away to Banbridge on Saturday is also off.

Meanwhile in Pembroke, snow conditions are good for Skiing with Jacy our Ski Instructor keeping the Office busy with cross country skiiing tips!

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Photo: Shane Stokes/Irishcycling.com

A great sporting news story to keep you cheered in this cold weather. Meet our very own World Champion!

Pembroke’s multi-talented Orla Hendron took Gold at the Masters World Track Cycling Championships in Anadia, Poland last month. When not being bugged to line out for the Ladies Vets team Orla races for Orwell Wheelers, and as everyone knows is one of the most competitive and dedicated athletes around.

Competing in her first World’s championships she beat off opposition from Great Britain’s Elizabeth Clayton and Jayne Paine by beating them in the final sprint to take Gold for Ireland. A fantastic achievement for Orla who has said her aim is to keep competing and winning medals for Ireland. Congratulations from all your friends in Pembroke Wanderers Orla.

Orla being interviewed by Fitz Cycles after her win.

Read Shane Stoke’s article here on IrishCycling.com

Have you a news story you would like featured on the website, captains please send us in match reports, photos etc and we will publish them for you – email web@pembrokewanderers.ie

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Please fill a black plastic bag full of the stuff you don’t want anymore, drop it into the Club, and we’ll gladly take it off your hands.

** Update ** Fundraising – Clothes for Cash fundraising by Mens 1st XI has been extended to Sunday 19th
December due to the cancelation of all matches last weekend.

Pass this on to anyone you think may be able to help out.  It’s for two good causes!!

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Alan Giles captains the Mens 1sts again this year. Photo Adrian Boehm

Men 1sts v YMCA, 3pm
No doubting the biggest game of the weekend – the Men take on Leinster rivals YMCA in the second round of matches in this year’s IHL at Serpentine Avenue at 3pm. Both outfits have recorded victories in their respective first round of matches, with Pembroke beating Cork Harlequins 5-2 and YMCA beating Monkstown 2-1. Spectators can look forward to two teams committed to attacking hockey in Saturday’s battle for precious IHL points. Pembroke are on a roll after a 3-2 win over Monkstown in the league last Saturday, while YM are the current league leaders, on maximum points after 4 games, so it should be a great encounter.

Ladies Cups in full swing, 4ths look to go second
Elsewhere the Ladies 1sts travel to Milltown to take on Alex in the league. With both teams likely to be vying for IHL placings at the end of the season, this fixture is one of the most crucial in the ladies calendar. Anna O Neill returns while Aoife Sherriff will be hoping to return from a hamstring injury which saw her sidelined last weekend.

Katherine Duff captains the Ladies 1sts this season Photo Adrian Boehm

The Ladies 6ths are 8ths are the first teams to be involved in Cup action – the 8ths face Trinity in the early game, while Baz Cromer’s 6ths, with Bernie Barry captaining travel to UCD. With the Ladies 2nds and 3rds on a weekend off, focus elsewhere will shift to the 4ths who take on Muckross at home, a win for the girls will put them into second place in the league, so in between all the rugby be sure to stick your head out onto the balcony to give Becks and her girls some raucous encouragement..

Well done lads!
Elsewhere, the Leinster boys U16 panel has been named – the tournament takes place in Newpark next weekend, and Pembroke are pleased to confirm 8 players on the panel. Well done lads and good luck next weekend. Mark Bergin (Sutton Park/Pembroke), George Dagg (Sandford Park/Pembroke), Cillian Hynes (St Andrew’s/Pembroke), David Kane (St Killians/Pembroke), Hugh Lavery (Sandford Park/Pembroke), Mark Loughrey (St Andrew’s/Pembroke), Jack Ryan (St Andrew’s/Pembroke), Alex Serviss (St Andrew’s/Pembroke).  More info and squad details can be found on The Hook.

Hallowe’eeeeeen Party!

Last but not least – don’t put those Hallowe’en costumes away just yet! This Saturday night is party night in Pembroke, Happy Hour from 6.30PM. Ireland v South Africa on the big screen from 5pm. Music, games, Saffer Hooch from our South African friends – all are welcome, please bring your friends, it’s going to be an epic night.

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On the girls side teams were Loreto Dalkey, Mount Sackville, Mount Anville, Wesley and St.Andrews. Played in “blitz” round-robin format, ie 25 mins. Wesley won overall, winning all 4 games. All results were tight, ranging from 0-0 to 2-0. Well done to Wesley.

Boys teams were Sandford Park, St. Killians, Wesley and St.Andrews. Round robin format, 30 min. With less teams than the girls there was time for a final between top placed Wesley and St.Killians. Wesley won final 2-0. Well done lads.

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Photos Eleni Henry

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