Schedule of remaining Matches in Valencia
8 February Ireland v Belgium 12.00
9 February Ireland v Belgium 12.00
12 February Ireland v Belgium 16.00
13 February Ireland v Spain 12.00

Don’t forget – details of the Men’s FIH Olympic Qualifier in Dublin next month are here » and tickets are selling FAST – 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.
The prize for both couldn’t be greater – the winner the Olympic Qualification Tournaments will earn a place at the London 2012 Games.

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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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It’s always a great night, and all are welcome! Bruce would like to remind all members to donate all your unwanted Christmas Presents and any other items you do not want for the Auction/Raffle – you can leave them in the office if not attending.

Call Chris or Jill in the office on 01-668 5217 to reserve your spot, or book a table! The evening starts at 7.30pm.

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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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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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Fillies Goalkeepers wanted!
Specialised goalkeeping coaching is available.
We are looking to recruit some new young goalies, so any under 12 girls who are interested in trying out, and getting specialised training from qualified goalie coaches, should let Ian or Sinead know.

Drop an email to us » if you are interested or talk to Sinead or Ian.

Fillies goalkeepers training last September - we are looking for more keepers, get in touch with us!

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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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To book this course or get more info, visit the Irish Hockey Development website

The course is 6 hours in duration and focuses on delivering basic hockey skills to beginners and learners. The course will also focus on the way children learn sports reinforcing the IHA coaching ethos of ‘We hear we forget, we see we understand, we do we learn’.

The course is being run by the Irish Hockey Association.

Visit the IHA Development Centre for booking info or contact Vivienne Clarke at the IHA on 01 716 3267 for more information.

Course Details
Sunday Jan 29th, 2012 – 11AM – 5PM.
The Kings Hospital, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.
The course will be delivered indoors and costs €50.

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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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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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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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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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Questions and queries on rules can be submitted before the meeting via www.lhua.ie (training aids/agony aunt) or asked directly on the night.

Following the meeting, there will be an additional session dealing with rules relating to the IHL.

Every week Pembroke needs to provide up to 12 umpires to keep our game running – everyone in the club is expected to help out umpiring at some stage this season – your help and enthusiasm when called upon is much appreciated!

If you would like to get more involved and learn about become properly certified as an Umpire we would urge you to attend the above meeting, alternatively there is lots more info available on the LHUA website here »

 

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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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Runner up: Chris Furlong h/c 21 pts 35

Class I
Winner: Martin Farrell h/c 14 pts 30

Runner up: Arnie Aguiar h/c 15 pts 29

Third Place: Gary Johnston h/c 14 pts 24

Class II
Winner: Rudi Wortmann h/c 21 pts 31

Runner Up: Michael O’Brien h/c 30 pts 30

Third Place: Stu Johnston h/c 27 pts 27

Golfer of the Year: Martin Farrell 140 pts

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All Pembroke members and friends are welcome to join us on the night – tickets are on sale from the office and are priced reasonably at €65 which includes a 3 course meal and lots of entertainment late into the evening.

The evening gets underway at 6.30pm, and in keeping with time honoured tradition will be a black-tie event. With a live Band and DJ organised to keep you bopping into the small hours why not organise a table for your team and kick start the season in the best possible way!

For tickets please contact Chris or Louisa in the office between 9am and 7pm – call 01-668 5217.

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Runner-up: Richie Lloyd h/c 23 pts 31 (back 9)

Class I
Winner: Arnie Aguiar h/c 17 pts 27 (back 9)

Runner up: Nigel Allen h/c 13 pts 27

Class II
Winner:  Ken Giles h/c 21 pts 31

Runner: Stu Johnston h/c 26 pts 30

Visitor:  Stephen Whelan h/c 12 pts 36

Nearest the pin: Derek Hennessy

Next outing Tulfaris (Presidents Day) on 23 rd September 2011

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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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Winner: John Curry h/c 22 pts 40

Runner-up: Nigel Allen h/c 16 pts 36 (on count back)

Class I
Winner: Robbie Meany h/c 19 pts 32 (on count back)

Runner up: Gary Johnston h/c 13 pts 32

Class II
Winner: Billy Tomkins h/c 28 pts 36

Runner: Richie Lloyd h/c 22 pts 33

Visitor:  Paul Meany h/c 18 pts 38

Nearest the pin: Paul Meany

Next outing Delgany on 9 th September 2011

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