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.

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

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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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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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The Event was hosted by RTE’s Daragh Maloney with guest speaker Bernard Dunne. Minister for the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin was also in attendance.

Despite not picking up any of the main prizes, Pembroke did not come away empty handed – Norman and Agnes Lewis won a voucher for the IHA hockey camp – age group 9 – 17 !!! (Since donated to the Club – thanks both!) Chris Furlong was a bit luckier, picking up a meal for two at The Burlington while David Harte (pictured) was honoured with his 50th senior Irish Cap, well done David.

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Photos: Adrian Boehm

Winning the IHL means Pembroke will join Glenanne in next season’s EHL as the top seeded Club. The final lacked the drama and contraversy from yesterday’s games but Pembroke were deserving winners on the day.

Full reports…

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A disappointing end to a great season for the Ladies 6ths in Grange Road where they succombed to a 1-0 loss to a strong Railway 3rd XI in the Div 7/8 Cup Final. With 3 weeks to go the league the girls looked well positioned to take the league title, ahead of their appearance in this final – but a draw at home to Tullamore when a win was required was always going to make it an uphill task in a very tight league and in the end they finished in third spot, one point ahead of  Railway in the rankings.

Pembroke had beaten Railway 2-0 twice this season in the league but anything can happen on Cup Final day and when it mattered most Railway were narrowly the stronger team and deserved of their silverware.
The winning goal came with 10 mins to play, a squared ball found Mini Douglas on the p-spot, with quick precision she took one touch and smashed the ball home past Sinead Guilfoyle in goals. It was always going to take something special to beat Sinead, who had earlier kept out Railway with some expertly taken saves, but she had no chance this time.

Pembroke had earlier enjoyed their best passages of play in the 1st half, with Aisling Schutte and Marianne Murphy combining well on several occasions, only to be denied by some stout Railway defending. At the other end Pembroke were always going to be difficult to break down with Barbara Kearney and Ciara Hughes proving to be stubborn opponents, and particularily quick to loose ball around the D. In midfield Jen Tutty had another great game while Emily Rice made some nice breaks when she came on just before half time.

Aisling Schutte probably had Pembroke’s best chance after 30 mins, picking the ball up inside her own half she drove forward only to be denied by Mead’s right foot in goals. Pembroke went close with a switched corner from Sally Ann but the chance was again snuffed out, and they never looked as dangerous agin in the second half when Railway defied the heat and managed to step in up a gear or two. Douglas hassled the defence all day long, and after she took her chance so well it was always an uphill battle for the Pembroke girls with only minutes remaining but they could take consolation knowing they had lost to a goal which was deserved of the occasion.

Photos Eleni Henry

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The Ladies 3rds scooped the first silverware of the year for the Ladies section with a 4-0 win over close league rivals and current Cup holders Suttonians. Captain Fiona Keenan led the charge with 2 fine goals and a great performance, but the scoreline didn’t suggest how close the match was for much of the game, it was only when Pembroke started taking their chances could coach Eoin Murphy and rest of the supporters relax.

Lisa O’ Rourke in goals made several great saves when a Suttonians fight back looked on the cards, Pembroke were lucky to get to the break 1-0 up – a calmly taken tap in from Claire Picard – following several waves of attack from the girls in pink and black.

Following the break Pembroke stepped it up a gear, Eavan English and Melanie Hill both had great games in midfield, while Fiona was always a threat up front. It was she who scored next, in a sequence of events this reporter can’t quite recall – and this was followed up shortly by a determined Kate Hurley who latched onto a rebound ball without mistake.

Lou Tolerton and Eimear McCarthy both had solid outings at the back, while Alison Pigot, who spent the build up to this game perfecting her tan on Copacabana beach with her first grandchild was her usual industrious self – managing to advance from a centre back position to almost score on the final whistle. When Keenan made it 4-0 it was curtains for Suttonians, the post match celebrations will be remembered more for Kate Hurley accidentally aiming the bottle of Bubbly at Eoin’s head than anything else.

Photos Eleni Henry

Pembroke Wanderers 3XI:
Coach Eoin Murphy
Lisa O’ Rourke, Alison Pigot, Sorcha Grehan, Louise Tolerton, Eimear McCarthy, Kerry Johnson, Melanie Hill,Eavan English, Louise Monahan, Brona Murphy, Kate Hurley, Claire Picard, Ciara Devane, Eavan English, Tineke Franssen, Anne-Marie McKeogh

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Pembroke added their second trophy of the campaign following a comprehensive 4-1 win over Fingal yesterday. The lads went into the tie missing Timmy Lewis through injury but such is the strength and depth of the current squad his absence went largely unnoticed.

Fingal soaked up a serious amount of pressure and defended stoutly for large parts of the encounter but they had no answer to the ruthlessness of the Pembroke forward line. Alan Sothern, continuing a fantastic goalscoring streak opened the scoring early on through a drag-flick, but it was Fingal’s leveller from a short corner deflection which really spurred the lads into action.


David Harte never looked liked conceding again and kept some decent Fingal chances at bay in the second half. Pembroke slowly began to turn the screw and Fingal had no response to second half goals from Mossy and Paddy Good up front.

The lads now turn their attention to the league run in – they face Three Rock at home @3PM

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Pembroke took a giant step towards retention of the Leinster League campaign this afternoon following a 4-1 away win to challengers Glenanne. Going into the game Glenanne knew nothing less than 3 points would do following a loss to Fingal yesterday at home, it was Pembroke though who began the brighter, hitting two early goals in the first half through Paddy Conlon and Alan Giles. Glenanne responded some minutes later but Pembroke regained the two goal cushion before half time when Alan Sothern popped up at the far post.

pics courtesy Adrian Boehm

Glenanne pressed the visitors after half time but could not convert their chances, a goal later from Mossie Elliot sealed the tie for the lads when he converted following a short corner move. Pembroke now must look favourites to retain their title with only 2 matches left to play – they play Three Rock at home on Sunday @2pm.

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On a cloudy and cool afternoon in Dublin, almost warm by recent standards, this vital match for both teams in Pool A tipped off at 2-30pm.

Two points separated the hosts, Pembroke, in second place and Ards in fourth place with only one match remaining after this round.

Pembroke are having a mixed season in Leinster languishing in the bottom half of the League but they have advanced to the final of the Leinster Senior Cup on St. Patrick’s Day having beaten Hermes last week. Ards are currently second in Ulster to Armagh but have games in hand to the leaders. However they have come off a defeat last week to perennial champions, Peagsus.

Jilly scores to level it 1-1

Ards won the toss and Pembroke tipped off. The first few minutes were spent with Ards attacking through Janice Vaughan and Eimear Horan. The sporadic attacks by Pembroke came too little as the final pass failed to be delivered accurately. A searching run after 15 minutes by Karen Hales led to a shot which was well saved by Claire Black and the rebound was put over the bar by Jill Collins. The Quarter ended 0-0.

The game came alive in the 23rd minute when a hard hit inside the 22 was deflected by Clara Chamberlayne for an own goal and a 1-0 lead to Ards. The lead was short-lived when in the 26th minute from a quick switch of play Jill Collins gave the ‘keeper no chance when she shot high into the top corner. This brought about a concentrated period of attacking play by Pembroke. There then followed a green card to Karen Hales and the mandatory two minutes in “the sin bin”. Ards earned their first P/C following this incident in the 31st Minute. This corner was switched and saved but a further corner ensued but the shot was too high and although ending in the net it was disallowed. Pembroke attacked quickly and earned their first P/C following a good run by Clara Chamberlayne. However the corner was saved but the rebound was hammered into the net by Sarah Clarke and the half ended with Pembroke leading 2-1.

The 3rd Quarter commenced with a swift attack by Ards and a deliberate block in the 22 led to a P/C This was saved by the Pembroke defence and Ards continued to enjoy most of the play but not having many shots. Pembroke’s Wendy Hobson earned a green card in the 41st minute but her team survived the temporary loss. In the 46th minute an excellent run by Jill Collins led to a further P/C for “feet” but the shot was well saved by Claire Black. Pembroke’s first yellow card arrived in the 46th minute. Captain, Rachel McKeon, getting tied up in the middle of the Pembroke half and an over physical challenge led to her “sin binning”. However the quarter finished with Pembroke attacking but a succession of P/C’s came to nothing and the score was 2-1, all scored by Pembroke.

Kelly takes control

A final and robust quarter commenced with a challenge between the Ards Captain, Janice Vaughan and Karen Hales. The consequences were 5 and 10 minutes respectively in the “sin Bin”. A further misdemeanour in the 64th minute by Eimear Hogan who had earlier received a green card meant a “yellow” and 5 minute in the “bin”. These temporary dismissals led to a disjointed quarter with little shape and cohesion in play by either team.

Pembroke probably just deserved their win and moving up the Pool A table with 10 points. Ards, “on the road” earning a bonus point through losing by only one goal.

They were two evenly matched teams but the difference was due to the willing and self less running up front by Jill Collins and the composure in defence of Anil Kotze, Sarah Clarke and Clara Chamberlayne.