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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The match began at rapid pace with Pembroke exhibiting slick passing and smart movement to repeatedly frustrate Clontarf, who were left chasing shadows for the majority of the opening exchanges. Pembroke’s dominance, however, failed to yield an end product, with Pembroke failing to convert a number of short corners and gradually the visitors began to find a foothold in the match.

Clontarf’s revival was short lived though, with Pembroke finally breaking the deadlock midway through the first half. Some good work down the left set up first team regular, Kirk Shimmons at the top of the “D”, who blasted home with a strike that any senior player would have been proud of.

Pembroke Men's U21's in action last night

Pembroke pressed hard off the restart and didn’t have to wait long for a second. Alex Service battled hard to win the ball just inside the 25, which broke for Shimmons to pick up his and Pembroke’s second of the night. The half finished with Pembroke the stronger, Jack Walsh and John Orr both making the most of their opportunities, showing their tenacity and strength, winning a number of crucial fifty-fifty challenges around the pitch. However, tempers did threaten to boil over and the interval came at just the right time for both teams.

Pembroke began the second half, as they had finished the first, Geoff Garrett this time taking his chance to get on the score sheet from the top of the circle. At 3 – 0 up, the boys in purple were in dreamland, but their slumber was rudely interrupted when Clontarf pulled one back with a very brave finish after Pembroke ‘keeper, Peter Collins, appeared to have been first to the ball.

Stung into action by that setback, Pembroke went in search of another goal. Mairtin Cronin and Dave Kane had been passing superbly all evening and after patient build up work from the back, Kirk Shimmons was presented with the chance to wrap up his hat-trick, which he duly did.

By this stage, the match was over as a contest and the early fluidity had been replaced by hard challenges that pushed the boundaries of fairness. Mark Loughrey in particular, appeared to be singled out for some “treatment” by the opposition; twice being on the wrong end of fouls that had no place in a match of this nature. Pembroke refused to be shaken by this, with George Dagg and Mark Loughrey grabbing a goal each, either side of one for Clontarf that left the final score 6-2.

This performance was far from vintage though and the lads will need to step up their performance for the next round. Of particular concern will be the failure to convert a number of short corners that could prove crucial as the competition heats up. For now though, Pembroke move on with optimism and a spring in their step.

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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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The Blue Ribband event of the 2011/2012 season took place on Sat 7th Jan as Pembroke Wanderers 6th and 7th teams faced off for the second time this season.
In an end to end first half, the 6ths went on the attack and pressed high, but met an organised and spirited 7ths defence which soaked up the pressure and countered dangerously on the break. Good work by Callum Donnelly created the opportunity for Iain Styles to knock in the opening goal for the 6ths midway through the first half. However, the 7ths responded by creating a number of good opportunities though counter attacks led by Stefan Tudor and Roger Gonzales.
The second half opened at the same frantic pace of the first, and the 7ths superior fitness and sharpness started to tell. Despite a number of short corners and good chances, the 7ths could not find an equaliser. As the match moved into the final quarter, the 6ths rediscovered their shape and attacking game, forcing a number of short corners and saves from Robert Morgan. With 5 minutes left on the clock, a penalty stroke was awarded to the 6ths for a foot on the line. However, 6ths Captain, Andrew Stokes failed to convert from the spot and the game remained 1-0 to the final whistle.

An end to end contest that made up for in spirit and attacking play, what it perhaps lacked in quality and composure. Both sides eagerly eye a potential re-match in the Minor Cup, should their first round matches go the right way.

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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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This was a match watched by a large crowd, on a lovely early Winter Afternoon.
The teams, separated by only 2 points at the beginning of the day, were both a combination of experience and youthful exuberance.

Annadale pushed back and the opening few minutes were even. Gradually Pembroke eased their way into the game and quick interpassing between Elliott, Sothern and finally Elliott again saw Pembroke take the lead in the 4th minute. In the 11th minute Sothern reversed over the bar. A green card to Elliott, the first of three for Pembroke, saw a 2 minute suspension. The end of the Quarter the score remained 1-0 to Pembroke. Annadale had defended well and managed occasional sorties into the Pembroke 22 but nothing resulted.

The opening minute of the 2nd Quarter saw the first of 6 Penalty Corners to Annadale but all were cleared. Just afterwards a long ball saw an Annadale shot from the edge of the circle and the keeper’s kick was deflected off a Pembroke player to Andrew Williamson to force over the line for the equaliser. The half time score remained 1-1.

Annadale had two penalty corners in succession midway through the 3rd Quarter and from the second a penalty stroke emerged following a save off a foot on the line which Hamilton converted low to the ‘keepers left. This made it 2-1 to Annadale at the end of the 3rdQuarter. Their defence and midfield had absorbed anything that Pembroke tried and increasingly Pembroke chose to run rather than pass their way through a resolute defence with Moore, Smyth and Hamilton to the fore.

In the last Quarter started with another penalty corner to Annadale which was again cleared. Pembroke continued to press and finally in the 31st minute a shot was blocked on the line. The resulting stroke was coolly converted by Alan Sothern to make it 2-2.

The final minutes of the game saw plenty of action!
Pembroke twice left with ‘keeper Williamson completely exposed. Whilst he was equal to the challenge of at least two counter attacks finally, in the 33 and 34th minutes, International Caruth took him on and netted twice to ensure an Annadale win and to deny a losing bonus point to Pembroke.

Full IHL roundup »
Despite the loss on Saturday Pembroke still have it all to play for, with only 1 point separating the top 4 teams. The top 2 teams in each Pool will go through to the IHL Finals next May.


Other news

Ladies Roundup
The Ladies 7ths continued their unbeaten streak, with a 2-2 draw on Saturday against Railway, they lie in 2nd place in Div 9. The Ladies 6ths had a great Cup win away to Clontarf late on Saturday evening, a super result for Roisin Watson’s Darina Errity’s girls. The 3rds fought back for a draw against a very useful Trinity 2nds side, Fiona Keenan picking up the goal following a surging run from Lorraine Horgan. The 8ths faced a tough Cup date away to Newbridge and lost out 2-0.

IHA Player Survey
The IHA are running a Player Participation Survey – The IHA wants to take the information from this survey and use it to make our sport better and stronger so it’s very important to hear your honest opinion. Please click here » to complete the survey.

Match reports & Photos
Captains, it’s up to you to spread the word about your team this season. Send us your match reports, photos and stories and we’ll do the rest!
web@pembrokewanderers.ie

The Ladies 7ths remain unbeaten this season, following their 2-2 draw on Saturday

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They got off to a dream start, Alan Sothern whipping home his side’s second penalty corner in the fourth minute. Mick O’Connor made it two when he bounced the ball into the circle and crashed home a spectacular volley from the circle’s edge.

With just ten minutes gone, the signs were ominous as Craig Wilson dinged the post and Matt Brown crashed the bar before the South African got on the mark just before the break from another corner.
Rovers struggled badly in the first period but stepped up in the second, Colin Huet’s impudent tackle opening the door for Peter Blakeney to roof a reverse-stick shot.

Pembroke got back into bonus territory when Tim Hill scored against his former club as the Rovers’ defence stopped, waiting for a corner to be given again. The livewire forward played on and snapped in a brilliant effort.

And it looked like that was the way it would stay until 90 seconds from time when Paddy O’Connor won a contested corner which Blakeney fired low past Davey Williamson, taking a slight sheen off a strong win.

Visit the Irish Hockey League website »

Game 3: Pembroke Wanderers v Annadale, 3pm Serpentine Ave, Sat 5th November.

Full IHL Match Day 3 preview »

IHL update
November 1st: Instonians have been docked 2 points for fielding an ineligable player in their Pool A IHL match against Monkstown on 15th October more IHL news »

 

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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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Top man for the Cork outfit will be corner specialist John Jermyn, who is enjoying an early season goal-streak, but Pembroke will be confident going into the tie after recent wins over Glenanne and Monkstown in the league.

Pembroke Wanderers v Cork C of I, 15th October, 3pm Serpentine Ave.

Irish Hockey League – Competition Format


 
The Irish Hockey League is made up of 12 participating teams in each of the Men’s & Women’s leagues, split into two pools of six playing five games throughout the season.

The two top teams in each pool qualify for the semi finals where the Winner from Pool A plays the Runner-up from Pool B and the Winner from Pool B plays the Runner-up from Pool A. The winners of which go onto play in the final the next day.

The Irish Hockey League has adopted a number of rule changes from the EHL, to create a more free flowing, exciting and faster game, a full set of rules and regulations aswell as other useful documents are available under the documents section of this website.

Points allocation for the IHL:

• 3 points for a win
• 2 points for a draw
• 1 additional point for a win by 3 goals or more
• 1 point for a loss by 1 goal

Read the full preview on Irish Hockey League website »

Follow IHL action this season in real time on Twitter #ihlmen and @irishhockey

Elsewhere…Irish Cups News
 
Irish Junior Cup

The Men’s and Ladies 2nds earned two away fixtures up north in the 1st round of the Irish Junior Cup (thanks to Paddy Deering, assisting with draw!) The Men will face Instonians in Belfast while the Ladies 2nds will travel to Hillsborough to face Lisnargarvey, last season’s beaten finalists. Both ties Saturday, December 3rd.

Irish Senior Cup #iscmen #iscwomen

Following their comprehensive win over Clontarf in Round 1, the Men face a mouth-watering tie against Monkstown, in Rathdown on November 12th. The Ladies were knocked out by Alex last weekend in the Ladies competition.

 

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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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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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Dave Loughery reports -
In our group we had Monkstown and Corinthians, two sides we had tough games against this year in the league.
We beat Corinthians 1-0, Dave Kane finishing off a well executed corner routine. We were unlucky not to score more as the keeper pulled off a no of fine saves from Cillain Hynes and Laurence.

Monkstown also beat Corinthians so it came down to the wire as to who would go through top of the group. We went 1-0 up through Tim Duffy only for them to draw level, hower with seconds to go we scored a well worked team goal.

In the semis we had YMCA which finished all square strokes had to separate us we went 2-0 down only for Victor to make two big saves and in sudden death Dave Kane Eric held his nerve to win it for us.

We were to meet Monkstown again in the Final after they had surprised Three Rock Rovers 1-0 in the semis, we started with a flyer – two goals in the first couple of minutes, one from Alex Service rounding two players to fire home, and Dave Kane drag flicking the ball to the keepers’ left.

Monkstown fought back to grab a goal which meant for a hectic last few minutes but we held on with mark Eric and Callum all leading with big tackles.
All in all great day and a good way to finish the season with the league already in the bag and trip to The Hague for the lads in August

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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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Pembroke’s own two year reign as Club Champions came to end on Saturday following a 2-1 loss to ‘Garvey – official match report here:

Lisnagarvey 2 Pembroke Wanderers 1

Lisnagarvey ended Pembroke’s two-year reign as Irish Hockey League champions as Timmy Cockram led the Ulster champions to victory on home turf on the Comber Road. It means the province will have two places in the 2011/12 EuroHockey League, too, as either ’Garvey or Bann will now join Cookstown – Irish Senior Cup champions – in the continent’s flagship club event.

Bitty and scrappy, neither side managed to get much rhythm going at any point but the northern side probably shaded proceedings though they were twice thankful to the crossbar to keep them ahead.

Pembroke welcomed back Colin Kelly, Gordon Elliott and Paddy Conlon to their panel following their European exertions but were rocked in the seventh minute when Timmy Cockram rounded the impressive Simon Thornton and reversed home.

Gordon Elliott cracked the bar four minutes later while a corner was deflected wide. Patrick Good, however, did find the net in the 31st minute following a right-wing move to make it 1-1 at the break. Cockram restored the lead very early into the second period from the penalty spot, a heavily debated decision by Pembroke who felt it was stick rather than body which prevented the ball crossing the line. It brought the ’Garvey man to within two of Shane O’Donoghue at the top of the goalscorer’s charts for this term. Chances were of the half-cooked nature, thereafter. Mick O’Connor ghosted past a couple but his slip pass got only half a touch from Kirk Shimmins while Arbuthnot had a cut from a difficult angle – it whizzed high and handsome.

Ronan Flannery drew a fine low stick save from Alex McRoberts before Thornton kept the tie just about alive with a double save from Arbuthnot and Daniel. Cockram ran out time and Lisnagarvey have a shot of their first national title since 2005.

Pembroke Wanderers: Simon Thornton, Ronan Flannery, Alan Giles (c), Karl Lynch, Maurice Elliott, Colin Kelly, Paddy Conlon, Craig Wilson, Michael O’Connor, Patrick Good, Mairtin Cronin. Subs: Keith Crawford, Gordon Elliott, Kirk Shimmins, Ken Treacy, Scott Furlong.

Lisnagarvey: Alex McRoberts, Brian Waring, Johnny Bell, Richard Arneill, Jason Lynch, Mark Raphael, Timmy Cockram, Steven Arbuthnot, John Gray (c), Andy Forrest, Greg Thompson. Subs: Patrick Martin, Glen Whitten, Mark Daniel, Daniel Buser, Michael Harte.

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Pembroke line up before last month's IHL match against Monkstown. Photo Adrian Boehm

“Last season, I think there was kind of an unspoken expectation that we would win. We were the holders and we’d done quite a good performance in the EHL just a couple of weeks before the IHL finals.

“We felt we were on the up and up and it would take a very good performance from another club to beat us. It sounds arrogant but there was a lot of confidence in that side. Now we come into this weekend and it’s much more low-key. I don’t think anyone else expects a lot from us but at the same time there is a lot of belief within the team that if we get things right, we can go a long way”

“In a way, the same belief is there but it isn’t so outwardly visible. There’s a lot of onus on the guys that have been there before to make sure the new guys, especially the likes of Eric Foy and Kirk Shimmins, to make sure they believe we have the ability in the team rather than if we go out with a defeatist attitude, we’re not going to get anywhere.”

His side face Lisnagarvey at 5pm on Saturday just a week after a rough 11-0 defeat to Club de Campo in the EuroHockey League. Drawing solace from that wreckage is tough but the Munster man says there are a few things which can be learned from.

“That’s the key word, challenge. Friday was a bit of a depressing one. No one likes to lose that heavily but it’s up to us to bounce back.

“If we can take any positives from that defeat and use them as building block. As a learning experience, how Campo played and how we approached the game was a contrast. Everything they did was one-twos, slick, guys moving off the ball.

“Anyone who was watching the game will have seen we were much more, maybe naive; thinking we could beat two or three players and that kind of stuff. Hopefully, we can learn the lessons from that.”

Read the full interview by Stephen Findlater here

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The best 16 teams in Europe gather in a little place called Bloemendaal, Amsterdam, this weekend to slog it out for the EHL trophy. We are one of these teams.

Follow every minute of action on the EHL website

Pedigree, courage, skill, effort, and character. We’ll need all of these on Friday. The good thing is that we have them all in abundance! It’s a must win game and so is the quarter-final.
Underdogs? Yes. Tall order? Yes. Fear? Hell no. Let’s enjoy being on centre stage as a club in Europe’s elite competition and rocking the boat!!
Hope to see an awful lot of you there in Purple. We may even switch to “Ireland’s” Green for the Glens match later the same day.
Mens 1st XI

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Ireland dominated the second half and equalised in the 52nd minute from a penalty stroke scored by John Jermyn. Canada took the lead for the second time in the match as Mathew Guest scored on the hooter to finish 1-2.
Well done Ronan, and best of luck this weekend in Bloemendaal.

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Pembroke and Banbridge qualify from Pool B in a day of high drama in the Irish Hockey League. The Lads finish top of the Pool, with Monkstown being edged out on goal difference. Super results lads and well deserved – IHL Finals weekend will be on the May Bank Holiday weekend!

Official match report from the Irish Hockey League website:
This was a vital match for both teams, Pembroke, current All Ireland Champions, needing to win but a draw being sufficient for Monkstown to progress to the IHL Semi Finals in April.

Pembroke's Simon Thornton reaches for a high ball. Photo Adrian Boehm

In the first attack, in the 2nd minute, Maurice Elliott converted a close range opportunity into a goal. Monkstown pressed and for a second stick challenge Michael O’Connor in the 4th minute received a green card and spent two minutes in the “sin bin”. In the 9th minute, using a ploy they repeated several times, in hitting the ball hard into the circle from outside the 22 Monkstown had a penalty corner from a foot infringement by Colin Kelly. This resulted in a fine full length sticksave to his right by Thornton from Ewington.
In the 13th minute another foot resulted in a second penalty corner to Monkstown and this time Ewington put the drag flick under the crossbar and Thornton was comprehensively beaten. Controversy followed in the 18th minute the TO’s Bench tried to operate the “hooter” to end the Quarter at precisely the same time as Maurice Elliot converted his close range effort to make in 2-1 to Pembroke. The Pitch clock, counting down, recorded 17-43mins to play. The Umpire indicated a goal and the players left the pitch. However the goal did not stand due the attempted sounding of the “hooter” and the quarter ended 1-1.

The 2nd Quarter commenced and the game moved from end to without any clear cut chances to either side. In the 29th minute Stephen Cole beat the ‘keeper from the edge of the circle but although a goal was awarded by Umpire Clarke the other Umpire, Colvin Beatty, had spotted the ball had caught the player on the body before shooting. The score remained at 1-1 with a good Pembroke attack well cleared by ‘Keeper Fitzgerald from Paddy Good in the 35th minute. No Penalty Corners to Pembroke and two to Monkstown in 1st Half.

Monkstown pushed back in 3rd Quarter and quickly Pembroke attacked the defence for whom Groves and Ewington were prominent but held firm. Several Monkstown attacks through Brian Groves and Kyle Good broke through but their passes across goal were not finished off. A quicksilver attack in the 44th minute through Gordon Elliott, O’Connor and Good led to Pembroke’s one penalty corner of the game. This was charged down and cleared successfully by Monkstown. There was a melee in the 49th minute in the Monkstown goal mouth following which Paddy Good left the pitch with a shoulder injury.

The 4th Quarter started and in the 55th minute from a Pritchard mistake a quick shot was saved. Shortly after Ewington was green carded and temporarily ‘Town were reduced to 10 men. The game was moving quickly up and down and in the 65th minute from a Pembroke counterattack Paddy Good from play bundled the ball over the line to the satisfaction of both Umpires to give a 2-1 lead to the home team.

Monkstown pressed but Pembroke for whom Colin Kelly in his 17th season of Senior Hockey, Karl Lynch first season with Pembroke and Ronan Flannery were outstanding and held on to claim top spot in Pool B and face the runners up in Pool A.

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Regards
Deirdre Mackay
President

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Pembroke last won the Irish Junior Cup back in 2008

Pembroke take on a strong Lisnagarvey side 2pm this Saturday at Serpentine Ave in what looks like the pick of the Irish Junior Cup Quarter Finals this weekend.

Lisnagarvey, with 13 wins out of 14 this season in the league, are the team in form in Ulster. Pembroke, who are going well this season too, will be looking to the young sharpshooters Eric Foy and Kirk Shimmins for goals and relying on the experience of Duncan McKeen and Ken Treacy at the back.

This looks like it could be one of the best games of the season so far. The last time these two sides met in 2008, Pembroke won and went on to lift the trophy. The team is looking for your support so please get down and makes some noise!

Men’s Irish Junior Cup draw here >
List of Winners here >

Man or ball...Dougie in action in the 2008 IJC Final

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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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Official Match report
Instonians 1 – 3 Pembroke Wanderers
Imitaz Pannu       Scott Furlong, Patrick Good, Michael O’Connor
06 February 2011 | Shawsbridge | 2.30pm

Prior to the IHL tie between Instonians and Pembroke a number of Youth U12 games took place which provided fun for all.
The IHL fixture took off with a quick place from one end to the other. From the start Pembroke looked more threatening however with just 9 minutes gone Instonians took the lead when Imitaz Pannu scored from a short corner.

Instonians continued to press and on 14 minutes Chris Kirk took a good shot which was saved but Thornton in the Pembroke goal. 1st quarter ended with Instonians 1-0 in front.

Pembroke had a period of sustained pressure and with 26 minutes on the clock Scott Furlong got the equaliser from a penalty corner. On 30 minutes Nigel Skillan, the Instonian goalkeeper made two good saves from Pembroke corners.

Pembroke dominated the remainder of the second quarter with Instonians relying on counter attack play but in the last minute of the half Patrick Good scored from close range to put Pembroke 2-1 in front at the break.

The second half started as the first with fast paced end to end play. Instonians had a series of penalty corners with Mark Irwin having the best chance on 45 minutes but the shot strayed wide.

Pembroke immediately countered and after an impressive move down the right Michael O’Connor made it 3-1 to Pembroke.
While Instonians took the game to Pembroke the resilient defense stood strong and Pembroke ran out worthy 3-1 victors.
Instonians awarded man of the match prizes to Pembroke’s Patrick Conlon and Nigel Skillin of the Instonians goal.
A good crowd saw an enjoyable game of hockey.

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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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