UCC and Bandon had contrasting fortunes last season - and the college outfit have snapped up three of the latter's best young players for this campaign. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

ASHTON

Last Season: 7th
Coach: George Treacy
Captain: Cliodhna Murphy
Players In: Ciara O’Connell, Emily Alice Daly (UCC)
Players Out: None
First three games: UCC (a), Catholic Institute (h), C of I (h)

It’s out with the old and in with the new on the Blackrock Road this term, as Ashton’s squad has undergone some serious surgery during the close season.

Karen Treacy and Yvonne Mangan are the few experienced heads left in a squad that will be very heavily reliant on youth, having seen a lot of their more experienced members decide to drop down the divisions. Ashton have one of the best underage setups in the province, but Division One will provide a serious baptism of fire for some of the new girls.

Former Munster U18 Emer Murphy and St Angelas’ centre forward Kate Harvey are the pick of the bunch, while Emma Harrington’s pace will once again cause defenders problems all year.

Of course, the biggest risk with putting faith in youth is the lack of wisdom and physicality that comes with it, and whether George Treacy can mesh the raw talent at his disposal together will surely prove their biggest conundrum.

Ashton have been treading water for the past few seasons, and were fortunate not to be relegated in 2008; they will need to be streetwise and target games to avoid a worse fate this time around, though hopes are high within the club that they can surprise a few people along the way.

Cork Harlequins new signings (l-r) Jane Bourke, Edwina McGrath, Sinead McCarthy, Lesley Ann Daunt, Laura McSweeney, Antonia McGrath and Acacia Taylor. Picture: Rachel McSharry

BANDON

Last Season: 5th
Coach: Eddie Kirwan
Captain: TBA
Players In: Emma Peters (UCC)
Players Out: Olivia Roycroft, Nikki Kingston, Kate Murphy (UCC)
First three games: Quins (TBC), UCC (h), Catholic Institute (a)

Like C of I and UCC, Bandon must figure out what to do next having lost a couple of their taliswomen. College were the beneficiaries of Kate Murphy, Nikki Kingston and Olivia Roycroft finishing secondary school, but Bandon are familiar with the trend; now they must think about replacing them.

The west Cork side had a productive year last term, shocking Quins en route to a novel Munster Senior Cup final match-up with UCC, in which they put up a brilliant fight before losing 3-1, a result that might have been oh so different had Thelma Kingston’s strike stood when they were already a goal up.

They were somewhat scrappier in the league, recording just four wins, but whether they can improve on that kind of form is debatable; they will once again have to promote youngsters into the squad, though Bandon Grammar’s double win last term bodes well in that regard.

Thelma Kingston and Ciara Harte will again ensure teams won’t find it easy to score against Bandon, while the mercurial Síle Johnson is a new-age dribbler in the mould of Áine Connery and almost impossible to defend against

Having Emma Peters, who returned from UCC in the middle of last season, back to full fitness will also help their forward options, but as with C of I and Ashton, much will depend on how well their young guns settle in.

Deirdre Casey (left) will be a huge loss for C of I, who have lost four other players this summer. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

Last Season: 4th
Coach: Ger O’Carroll
Captain: Ali English
Players In: Elaine Bromell (Bray), Nikki Sterritt, Claire Mulcahy (UL)
Players Out: Jane Bourke (Quins)
First three games: UL (h), Ashton (a), Bandon (h)

There is plenty of cause for optimism in Institute’s corner of Limerick this season, as they look to build on an improved showing last term that saw them reach the finals of Irish Trophy and Examiner Cup.

Although they ended up empty-handed, Ger O’Carroll has helped the Rosbrien outfit develop a winning mentality in recent seasons, and they are becoming increasingly difficult to beat.

The return of the mercurial Elaine Bromell from Bray is great news for the club, while their underage internationals Rebecca Barry and Naomi Carroll are also continuing to develop nicely. Quins-bound Jane Bourke is a big loss, but Kym Daly is still around to cause havoc.

Nikki Sterritt and Claire Mulcahy are also useful additions, and will greatly improve the squad’s depth as they bid to build on last season’s fourth-placed finish under new skipper Alison English.

The key question for Institute is whether they can improve enough in both red zones to make a genuine challenge for a top three slot – they had the third worst defence in the league last term and were about 15 goals short of what the top teams were putting away at the other end.

Last season's Irish Trophy finalists Catholic Institute could be the season's surprise package. Picture: Adrian Boehm

CORK CHURCH OF IRELAND

Last Season: 3rd
Coach: Phil Oakley
Captain: TBA
Players In: Cathy Kenefick (Railway Union), Suzanne O’Connor (Old Alex)
Players Out: Michaela Mihailou (Australia), Deirdre Casey (travelling), Suzy Herbert (England), Jenny Kenefick (Canada), Laura McSweeney (Quins)
First three games: Waterford (h), UL (a), Ashton (a)

Having been usurped from their top two haven for the first time in years by UCC last term, C of I could be facing into another tough season, having lost a number of key players over the summer.

Deirdre Casey, Michaela Mihailou, Suzy Herbert and Jenny Kenefick have all headed for foreign pastures, concurrently robbing coach Phil Oakley of the spine of his side and bags of experience.

The departures are somewhat offset by the arrivals of former Leinster interpro stars Cathy Kenefick and Suzanne O’Connor, and the impending return of long-term injury victim Sandra Hackett. All three are classy operators, but Oakley is still likely to have to rely on young talent more than he’d like – Irish U16 Amy Kate Trevor is the pick of the bunch.

While an experimental side looked largely out of sorts in last weekend’s pre-season tournament, they are fortunate to be facing the league’s three weakest sides on paper first up, allowing them to build confidence ahead of their IHL campaign.

Third place and an IHL wildcard playoff slot are still likely to be the minimum requirements; but they will need to be less wasteful in front of goal to keep pace at the business end of the table.

Cork Harlequins' battles with UCC were an enduring feature of last season - it looks set to be a similar story this time around. PIcture: Eoin Tyrrell

CORK HARLEQUINS

Last Season: Joint 1st (won title via playoff)
Coach: Eddie Gash
Captain: Cliodhna Sargent/Rachel McSharry
Players In: Sinead McCarthy (Poynton, England), Jane Bourke (Catholic Institute), Lesley Ann Daunt (Belvedere), Edwina McGrath (Thurles), Antonia McGrath (Thurles), Laura McSweeney (C of I), Acacia Taylor (Kinsale)
Players Out: None
First three games: Waterford (h), Bandon (TBC), UCC (TBC)

Could this be the year Quins finally loosen their vice-like grip on the Munster league title? The trophy has been resident at Harlequin Park for 14 seasons now, but the combination of Father Time and a glut of new arrivals has shown some chinks in the champions’ armour.

UCC shattered Quins’ aura of invincibility by doing the double over them in the league last term, only for the latter’s big-game experience to shine through when it really mattered, winning the title playoff 3-2.

But international commitments are again likely to curtail the involvement of Eimear Cregan and Cliodhna Sargent, while the unavailability of Rachael Kohler, Cliona O’Connor, Jane Chapple and Jan Dillon for some or all of the campaign would hurt even the best of the squads.

As a result, new coach Eddie Gash has been the busiest in Munster in the recruitment stakes this summer, with seven new faces coming in. The pick of them is Sinead McCarthy, a talented centre-back and former skipper of top English side Poynton.

But stretching as far out of their catchment area as Thurles to sign players suggests there isn’t enough talent coming through within the club, outside of fine prospects Leanne Mullins, Emily O’Leary and Yvonne O’Byrne.

So the question remains – can the youngest Quins side in recent memory come out on top in the most competitive-looking women’s league in years? Alan Hansen wouldn’t think so, but it would be folly to write off the only team in the province that knows what it takes to win a league title.

Jen O'Loughlin will be the taliswoman in a UL side that has lost a number of key players. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UCC

Last Season: Joint 1st (lost title on playoff)
Coaches: Denis Pritchard & Paidi Hartnett
Captain: Audrey O’Flynn
Players In: Olivia Roycroft, Nikki Kingston, Kate Murphy (Bandon), Rosie Shanahan (Thurles)
Players Out: Hollie Moffett (England), Emma Peters (Bandon), Ciara O’Connell (Ashton)
First three games: Ashton (h), Bandon (a), Quins (TBC)

One sensed last season that it was now or never for UCC, but the combination of a surprisingly small turnover of players at The Mardyke compared to their title rivals Quins and C of I means they are well-placed to give it another crack this term.

Hollie Moffett’s departure and the limited availability of Áine Connery will certainly leave Irish international-sizedholes to fill, but otherwise the possible break-up of the most successful College team in over a decade hasn’t happened.

Fellow girls in green Julia O’Halloran and Audrey O’Flynn are still around to run the midfield and defence respectively, while Kate Murphy and Rosie Shanahan are excellent additions at the back.

But their biggest coup was persuading former Ireland U18 Olivia Roycroft to leave Bandon, and she will be tasked with reprising Moffett’s former playmaker role.

Question marks remain over the big-game temperament of a team frequently on the wrong side of umpires, though they will surely have learned from coming so close to a title last term. In addition, they also have an IHL campaign to contend with this time around.

However, with Fiona O’Connell and Vicky O’Sullivan maturing in front of goal – and one of the country’s best drag-flickers in O’Flynn available at set-piece time – they will surely have a big say in the destination of the title one way or another.

Irish international Hollie Moffett's stint with UCC has ended as she heads for foreign shores. Picture: Adrian Boehm

UL

Last Season: 6th
Coach: TBA
Captain: TBA
Players In: TBA
Players Out: Nikki Sterritt, Claire Mulcahy (Catholic Institute), Laura Peters (travel)
First three games: Catholic Institute (a), C of I (h), Waterford (h)

Uncertainty tends to surround university teams at this time of year, and while UCC can boast a relatively settled squad, there’s likely to be no such luck for UL.

The Limerick students have lost three of their most effective players during the close season, with Laura Peters off to Europe for the year, while Nikki Sterritt and Claire Mulcahy have moved on to Institute.

Sterritt’s solidarity and consistency in midfield, Mulcahy’s attacking instincts and Peters’ finishing prowess will be sorely missed. However, retaining Munster star Jen O’Loughlin will be a significant relief in terms of their offensive ambitions, given they found the net just 14 times last term.

Coming from 2-0 and 3-1 down away to Ashton to draw 3-3 last term suggests they are made of stronger stuff than the majority of college sides, and they also pushed UCC very close at the Mardyke.

But mental fortitude is one thing, quality on the pitch quite another; a two-team club is always likely to struggle for depth, and they look destined to be stuck at the wrong end of the table, although relegation is unlikely.

Quins will start as favourites for the title by virtue of their run of 14 consecutive wins. Picture: Deryck Vincent

WATERFORD

Last Season: 1st in Div 2
Coaches: Jonathan Fletcher, Cormac Johnson
Captain: Shirley Moore
Players In: Fiona O’Regan, Elaine Breen, Siobhan Murphy
Players Out: Kristen Farrell, Laura Cassin
First three games: C of I (a), Quins (a), UL (a)

The established top-level sides will also have a new foe this season, with Waterford gaining promotion at Belvedere’s expense. As a relatively unknown quantity, the Déise girls will have the element of surprise on their side.

South Easy U18 interpro Faye Loughnane is their great young hope and complements the side’s midfield pivot Siobhan Murphy, with Catherine Murphy, Paula Guiry and skipper Shirley Moore  providing the creativity from the wings.

Barbara Johnson, Jenny White and Karen Power proved to be a near-impregnable defence in Division Two last term, but they will surely be tested a lot more this term.

And therein lies the  conundrum for Waterford; it’s difficult to tell how big the jump is between divisions, given the lack of promtion and relegation in recent seasons.

The south easterners’ primary aim will certainly be survival, and they will target the home clashes with UL and Ashton for points. They also travelled well last season, a geographical necessity and a habit that they’ll be hoping to continue for the new season.

Quins' Sean Nicholson sees a shot saved last year. They will need to improve their chance conversion ration this time around. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

BANDON

Last Season: 4th
Coach: Ger Burns
Captain: Andrew Kingston
Players In: Paul O’Leary (C of I)
Players Out: Clinton Sweetnam (C of I)
First three games: Quins A (a), UCC (h), C of I B (a)

Bandon will bring their usual mix of starry-eyed youngsters and wise old heads to the table this season, and a club that relishes the underdogs tag will once again look to make a nuisance of themselves against bigger sides.

The loss of Clinton Sweetnam to C of I will be keenly felt however, while coach Ger Burns has been experimenting as he re-shapes his team, with Ali Smith spending some of pre-season in a wide role rather than up front.

Edgar Rice and Sam McElroy ensure Bandon won’t be beaten for physicality at the back, though they could be exposed by the league’s pacier forwards. Underage internationals Darren Sweetnam and Scott Sullivan are likely to be given further chances to stake their claims in midfield.

Third place and continued good performances in the cups are again the most realistic targets, and with UCC now in the mix for that IHL wildcard spot, this could prove to be an intriguing sub-plot.

Irish U16 star Darren Sweetnam will continue to develop at Bandon this term. Picture: Adrian Boehm

CATHOLIC INSTITUTE

Last Season: 5th
Coach: Ollie O’Connor
Captain: Tristan Murphy
Players In: Mark Carter (YMCA), Albert Valls (UCC)
Players Out: TBC
First three games: C of I B (h), C of I A (h), C of I B (a)

Little has changed at Rosbrien over the summer, bar the appointment of goalkeeper Tristan Murphy as the side’s new skipper, with Ollie O’Connor taking up the coaching reins.

Munster U21 midfielder Simon Brickenden and experienced campaigners Eric Calendar and Justin O’Sullivan will once again be the heartbeat of the side.

Institute always prove a handful for all but C of I and Quins on their home patch in Limerick, but away day blues are still a problem; witness the discrepancy between defeating UCC at home but conceding eight at the Mardyke last term.

Meeting C of I B twice in their opening three games provides them with games to target early on, while from a development point of view, the inclusion of Mark Ryan in the Munster U16 squad is welcome news.

The signing of Albert Valls from UCC is also a shrewd one – the Spaniard never hit the heights with College last term as he recovered from injury but has played at a high level in his homeland and brings plenty of flair and technical expertise.

Nonetheless, Institute still lack the depth of quality across their squad, and look set to be scrapping at the bottom end once more this term.

C of I celebrate last season's IJC success, but uncertainty surrounds their potential this term after the loss of a number of key players. Picture: Adrian Boehm

CORK CHURCH OF IRELAND A

Last Season: 1st
Coach: Stephen Jackson
Captain: David Hobbs
Players In: Clinton Sweetnam (Bandon)
Players Out: Jonathan Bruton (Fremantle Magpies), Andy Chambers (retired)
First three games: Quins B (h), C of I B (a), Catholic Institute (a)

Few clubs in Ireland can match C of I’s squad depth; in a recent pre-season friendly against Monkstown they began with over 300 Irish caps worth of experience on the bench alone, and almost a dozen of their players are involved in the international setup at once level or another.

They will be raging favourites to take their fourth consecutive Munster title, having gone through the last campaign undefeated, and the weakening of Three Rock and Banbridge will give them renewed hope at national level too.

In John Jermyn they have the country’s best drag-flicker, but they must solve their eternal conundrum of finding the net from play – a deficiency that can be masked at domestic level but has haunted them in the IHL and ISC.

With Jonathan Bruton still in Australia, the cupboard looks a bit bare up front, though immensely talented teenager Nick Burns will get his chance in the Irish international’s absence.

In any case, no side containing the likes of Jermyn, David Hobbs and Andy Herbert can be written off just yet, but whether they can gatecrash the Pembroke-Glenanne axis that dominated Irish hockey last term remains to be seen.

Nick Burns (left) has an opportunity to fill the void left by Jonathan Bruton at C of I this term. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

CORK CHURCH OF IRELAND B

Last Season: 3rd
Coach: TBA
Captain: Richie Dorman
Players In: Davy Herbert (UCC)
Players Out: Roger Gray, Andy Gray, Philip Sweetnam, Mark Welch, Conor Shemeld (UCC), Andy Whitaker (Midleton)
First three games: Catholic Institute (a), C of I A (h), Bandon (h)

Last season’s Irish Junior Cup success – their first since 1993 – is one that will live long in the memory at C of I, given the quality of opposition taken out en route before blitzing a shell-shocked Pembroke 5-1 in the decider.

However, C of I’s second string could find things a lot tougher this time around, following a summer of significant upheaval. Two mainstays of that side, Roger and Andy Gray, have jumped ship to UCC, who have also hoovered up some of the club’s younger talents.

The side could yet be further hit by retirements, and they are without a coach, following Dermot Judge’s departure, and a skipper going into the new season.

It is therefore difficult to predict how they will fare; they scrapped with their bogey team, Bandon for third place last term, but are now the outsiders in a three-way dogfight.

Nonetheless, the upshot is that the production line at C of I continues to churn out brilliant youngsters, many of whom may now get a chance to prove themselves in Division One sooner than expected.

Mark Barry is among a number of flair players in a new-look UCC side this term. Picture: Adrian Boehm

CORK HARLEQUINS A

Last Season: 2nd
Coach: Stephen Dale
Captain: Paul Lombard
Players In: Reinout Mensink (Leusden, Holland)
Players Out: None
First three games: Bandon (h), Quins B (a), Bandon (a)

Squad depth remains the primary headache for Stephen Dale’s side, a situation not helped by the loss of goalkeeper Chris Daunt (broken leg) and promising midfielder Colin Ross (knee) to long-term injuries. Dutch netminder Reinout Mensink will make his debut against Bandon this weekend in the former’s absence.

While little went right for Quins last term, they proved they can still pull off top-class results on their day – the Peard Cup win over C of I and the hard-earned draw in Cookstown were among the highlights.

However, Quins have regressed since their Irish Senior Cup win in 2006; the likes of Richie Gash and Wes Bateman are no longer involved, while too few young players – with the exceptions of Dan Hobbs and, latterly, Darren Farrell – have made an impact in their absence.

But like C of I, the presence of Paul Lombard and Mark and Jason Black provides guile and experience that can’t be bought, and if they can start to convert the short corner opportunities they are adept at carving out with more regularity, they can trouble anyone.

In Munster, they will once again need to better their rivals over their two league clashes to wrest the title back, while Pembroke aside, their IHL group looks the weaker of the two on paper, though last season’s winless campaign will certainly need to be bettered.

Jason Black's (left) experience will once again be key to Quins' hopes. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

CORK HARLEQUINS B

Last Season: 6th
Coach: TBA
Captain: Mark Lombard
Players In: Stephen Teap (returning), Ross Bateman (Belvedere), Hugh Kelly (Kilkenny), Alex Blanchard (France)
Players Out: David Mills, Daniel Mulligan (UCC)
First three games: C of I A (a), Quins A (h), UCC (h)

Something of a curate’s egg at the best of times, uncertainty again surrounds a Quins B outfit that are, at the time of writing, without a coaching staff in place.

They have nonetheless been one of the busier sides in the transfer market this summer; Ross Bateman and Hugh Kelly are both solid signings, while Stephen Teap returns after a two-year absence from the game, and looked in reasonable form in pre-season against Monkstown.

Less is known of French import Alex Blanchard, and in any case, the make-up of their squad is likely to be dictated by the injuries and lack of depth in the first team.

UCC provided sweet relief for Quins B last term in the league – their two wins and a serious chunk of their goals came against the students – but this time round the Farmers Cross side are likely to be battling with Institute to avoid the wooden spoon. Facing both big guns first up will hardly help them build confidence, either.

They will, however, be targeting a run in the IJC, having been unlucky to run into eventual winners C of I in the early rounds last year.

Edgar Rice (on ground) will be central to Bandon's defensive effort and also offers a real threat from corners. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

UCC

Last Season: 7th
Coach: Neil Welch
Captain: John Catchpole
Players In: Roger Gray, Andy Gray, Philip Sweetnam, Mark Welch, Conor Shemeld (Cork C of I), David Mills, Daniel Mulligan (Cork Harlequins), Graham Catchpole (Railway Union), Graham Jeffery (abroad).
Players Out: Davy Herbert (Cork C of I)
First three games: Bandon (a), Quins B (a), Catholic Institute (h)

College will arouse arguably the most curiosity of any side this season, largely thanks to the appointment of Neil Welch as coach and the arrival of a glut of players that followed.

Fitness, structure and work ethic are a hallmark of Welch’s teams, and he will hope to stamp those on a College side that were too often out of their depth and disinterested last term.

The side looks well-balanced on paper, with Graham Catchpole and John Catchpole providing the solidity at the back to allow Roger Gray, Andy Gray, David Mills and Philip Sweetnam to do some damage further up the field. With the Grays and Stephen Sweetnam at their disposal, College also possess a mean short corner unit.

The question is, of course, whether all that potential can be blended together in time. College teams are inevitably slow starters, though the fact they were one of the first teams in Munster to begin pre-season training suggests they mean business. Avoiding the big guns until the November 21 meeting with Quins will also help their cause.

Third place would represent a superb achievement; if they can better Bandon in their two clashes this side of Christmas, it will become a real possibility.

Women’s season preview to follow tomorrow

While the men have been cleaning up in second-tier competitions – winning three and losing the final of a fourth – Gene Muller says his women’s side will have different priorities in mind as they compete at the top level, namely retaining their A division status.

Automatic World Cup qualification is the carrot for the semi-finalists, but to achieve this Ireland would need to upset either Germany or Spain – third and seventh in the world respectively – in the pool stages.

Gene Muller will be hoping his Irish side can start finding the net more often at the forthcoming EuroHockey Nations Championships. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Their primary focus is likely to instead be to defeat Scotland, the lowest-ranked side in their pool, and do enough in the classification matches to avoid the demotion fate that befell the men in 2007.

Indeed, Muller has effectively set his stall out already by opting to take an extra defender – Cork Harlequins’ Cliodhna Sargent, who could win her 50th cap at the tournament – with Loreto playmaker Niamh Small losing out.

Converting chances and finding a sharper cutting edge continues to provide the biggest headache for Muller. However, there was a positive constant throughout the series against England, Spain and Germany earlier this year, as the Irish improved in the latter games once they had got the measure of their opponents, running them far closer. In addition, they beat the English 1-0 during a warm-up match earlier this week.

However, a baptism of fire awaits tomorrow at the Wagener Stadium against defending champions Germany (10.30am), before a match-up with the Scots on Sunday with the ever-improving Spain lying in wait on Tuesday.

The burden will once again fall on international veterans Eimear Cregan and Cathy McKean to supply the bullets up front, with the support cast featuring the likes of livewire UCD duo Roisin Flinn and Lisa Jacob, plus Ballymoney whizkid Megan Frazer.

Late bloomer Emma Smyth – who required stitches to a head injury this week but has been passed fit -  and the experienced Nikki Symmons will need to be at their creative best in midfield, while Bridget Cleland is the defensive lynchpin in the absence of the recently-retired Ciara O’Brien.

Despite the fact this is the most experienced Irish squad in memory in terms of cap averages, Muller believes his side will reach maturity in 2011.

Having failed to reach the final of the Champions Challenge II in Russia, where Ireland were the second-highest ranked outfit in the tournament, they will be determined to show they are still on track to peak in time to secure Olympic qualification.

Despite bringing the youngest squad to the tournament, with an average age of just 23, the players are confident they can confound expectations by gunning for a last four spot, with skipper Cregan and Sargent both waxing positive about Ireland’s chances.

Quins' Cliodhna Sargent (right) has been chosen ahead of Loreto's Niamh Small for Ireland's European mission. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

On the other side of the draw, world number ones the Netherlands should emerge comfortably from Pool A, with eighth-ranked England next in line. Azerbaijan are the dark horses, but Russia’s objectives will be merely to avoid the drop to the B division.

Elsewhere, Ireland’s two representatives in the coming season’s EuroHockey League have been handed tough draws for the pool stages, which will get underway in Barcelona on October 9.

Glenanne have drawn the shortest straw, having to play 2008 champions Uhlenhorst Hamburg and crack Polish outfit Grunwald Poznan within 24 hours, a scenario coach Arul Anthoni was desperately hoping to avoid for his side’s maiden EHL voyage.

Pembroke must tackle the might of Dutch giants Rotterdam in their pool, but will be glad to have Scottish champions Kelburne first up, knowing a win there will secure their passage to the last 16. They also have the benefit of a rest day between their games.

EuroHockey Nations Championship, Wagener Stadium, Amsterdam

Ireland squad (club/caps): L Barr (Ballymoney/13), E Clarke (Ulster Elks/76), B Cleland (Ballymoney/132), L Colvin (Loreto/17), E Cregan (Cork Harlequins/154, capt), R Flinn (UCD/59), M Frazer (Ballymoney/16), M Goode (Bray/57), E Gray (Hermes/11), M Harvey (Pegasus/18), L Jacob (UCD/54), S McCay (Ulster Elks/71), C McKean (Loreto/125), C Sargent (Cork Harlequins/46), A Speers (Pegasus/60), E Smyth (Railway Union/12), E Stewart (Armagh/77), N Symmons (Loreto/122)

Schedule (all Irish times)

Tomorrow: Ireland v Germany, 10.30am; Sunday: Ireland vs Scotland, 8.30am; Tuesday: Ireland vs Spain, 12.30pm; Thursday and Saturday: Classification matches/finals

While the likes of Leinster pivots Stephen Butler and Nikki Symmons, tournament top goalscorer John Jermyn and Ulster stalwart Bridget Cleland are fixtures in the national setups, Southern Fried takes a look at the fringe players and young pretenders who caught the eye during what is widely acknowledged as an unofficial Irish trial.

Jonny Bruton's (left) pace was a constant thorn in the sides of opposition defences. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

Jonny Bruton (Cork C of I and Munster)

While the talk beforehand was of the arsenal of forward talent at Leinster and Ulster’s disposal, Munster livewire Bruton emerged with more credit than most, despite not finding the net. While the likes of Eugene Magee and Timmy Cockram grabbed the headlines with spectacular goals, Bruton will have won serious kudos for his all-round performance and link play.

A player who speeds up when in possession rather than slowing down, Bruton’s searing pace gave Ulster in particular constant headaches, winning countless shorts and frees in the 25, and offers Revington a different option up front. Bruton’s work-rate at the head of the Munster press won’t have gone unnoticed either, though he did blot his copybook slightly by firing wide when in the clear against the northerners, a chance he’d normally dispatch in his sleep.

But with the other forward of the tournament, Mark Gleghorne, mulling over a move to GB, Bruton is surely top of the queue to be groomed as his long-term replacement, assuming Alan Sothern and Mitch Darling – who were both relatively subdued – are already part of the furniture at Belfield.

Emma Smyth (Railway Union and Leinster)

The clamour in Leinster for Smyth to get a chance to display her silky skills in a green shirt was finally rewarded last week with an Ireland A call-up, and the Railway star did her claims no harm in Cork last weekend.

Defenders in each of the other three provinces struggled to contain her close control and lightning changes of direction when cutting in from the left, and she struck up a decent understanding with Nikki Symmons in the Leinster midfield as well as getting a few assists to her credit.

There is still a school of thought that she doesn’t bring other players into the game enough, but Smyth’s innate talent surely marks her out as the natural successor to Jenny McDonough, who retired from the international scene earlier this year.

Ulster's Chris Cargo (right) impressed despite being played out of position. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

Chris Cargo (Reading and Ulster)

Forced to make frantic arrangements to get to Cork from England at short notice as late replacement for injury victim David Ames, Cargo grasped his opportunity with both hands despite being played out of position. A defender by trade, the former Bangor man was instead given the unenviable task of trying to shine up front alongside messrs Magee, Cockram and Gleghorne for Ulster.

Revington can’t help but have been impressed by how he took to the task like a duck to water, scoring in both games. His strike against Leinster was one any forward would have been proud of, as he wrong-footed Ronan Gormley and swerved inside before crashing an unstoppable reverse into the bottom corner.

Having spent four years at Bath Buccaneers, he is now, by his own admission, reaping the benefits of playing alongside some of the game’s luminaries at Reading, a side regularly at the business end England’s top tier and in the last 16 of the EuroHockey League. Amazingly, this was his first time in the Ulster senior squad, but don’t be surprised to see him hovering under Revington’s radar in the coming months.

Audrey O’Flynn (UCC and Munster)

O’Flynn’s dedication to self-improvement has paid serious dividends this season, culminating in a maiden appearance in green for the A side against Canada in January. Her long-range distribution is a notable feature of her game, but it is her value to her team at corner time at both ends of the pitch that helps her stand out from the crowd.

One of the few in the women’s game who can find any of the four corners with a drag-flick – as anyone who saw her find the top corner in the MSC final against Bandon on Tuesday will testify – O’Flynn unfortunately got little chance to show off this facet of her game, as her participation was curtailed by a foot injury.

Furthermore, her prowess as first runner – similar to C of I’s Adam Pritchard – at the defensive end was all the more noticeable when she was off the pitch. Ulster got little change out of their corner routines due to her pace off the line in the first half of Saturday’s clash, only to seem to have plenty of time to claim their winning goals from set-pieces when O’Flynn was stuck on the sidelines.

Clare Parkhill’s departure from the Irish scene has left a vacancy at the back as Gene Muller builds for the 2012 Olympics, but O’Flynn and the other defensive hopefuls will still have a job dislodging the vastly experienced pair of Ciara O’Brien and Bridget Cleland.

Ulster's Megan Frazer (left) had a quiet tournament, while Munster's Audrey O'Flynn (right) impressed despite her campaign being interrupted by injury. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

John Jackson (Loughborough and Ulster)

Jackson has followed the well-worn path of Ulster players heading across the water to the superb professional setup at Loughborough, and like team-mate Cargo, the advantages of playing in such a competitive league are plain to see, as every time Jackson returns to compete on home soil he seems to have come on in leaps and bounds.

A player who sometimes looked out of his depth at the Setanta Sports Trophy last summer, Jackson was coolness personified at the heart of Ulster’s defence here. Man-of-the-match by this writer’s reckoning in Ulster’s 3-1 defeat of Leinster, his distribution and organisation were top notch and he repeatedly closed the door on Sothern and Darling, even when those around him were struggling to keep their heads above water.

What Jackson lacks in stature he makes up for in controlled physicality, and pleasingly for Revington, there is still plenty of room for improvement in a player who continues to go from strength to strength.

Michelle Harvey (Pegasus and Ulster)

Former Victorians starlet Harvey takes the role of attacking full-back very seriously indeed, and she stood out in a young Ulster team that went unbeaten throughout the tournament despite playing nowhere near their potential.

With Lauren Barr and Megan Frazer having quiet tournaments, Harvey’s efficiency on the flanks marked her out as the best of the Ulster young guns.

Blessed with innate vision and awareness of space, Harvey is another who is handy at corner time and Garryduff has become something of a lucky charm for her – she scored there on her senior Ireland debut against France last July, and bagged two more against Connacht. Learning from the likes of Arlene Boyles and Jill Orbinson at Belfast powerhouses Pegasus can only further the youngster’s progression.

Cathy McKean (left) headed up a forward unit that claimed nine of Leinster's ten goals. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

The entire Leinster women’s forward line

A primary reason for Leinster taking the title back east was the quality and pace of the forwards available to Rudi Wortmann in comparison to the other provinces. Just when defenders felt they had the measure of, say, Anna O’Flanagan and Lisa Jacob, on came Cathy McKean and Róisín Flinn. And as if that wasn’t enough, Jean McDonnell and Nikki Keegan were chomping at the bit on the sideline.

Wortmann rotated his front pairings relentlessly, something that must have got inside the heads of the long-suffering defenders of Munster and Connacht, and eventually their legs too, as they were inevitably run ragged.

While the sextet were surprisingly short of potency in the scoreless draw with Ulster, the floodgates opened thereafter, with nine of Leinster’s ten goals – the majority coming from open play – being shared among the six-shooters.

Muller will have been impressed with their ability to repeatedly get to the endline to create tap-ins for each other, though he is still short and out-and-out goalscorer. McKean’s brace against Munster highlighted why she is the closest thing Ireland have to that, but the national side has been over-reliant on her in recent years.

Of the contenders, McDonnell has had the best season thus far, winning plenty of deserved plaudits for her strike-rate for Railway this term, and her all-round game is on the money. But there is a nagging feeling that she needs too many chances to score, and more ruthlessness is presumably required to transform her into an international-quality forward.

Aine Connery (UCC and Munster)

For all the various qualities of the Leinster forwards, none possess the x-factor that Connery brings to the proceedings. Although she hasn’t always been her usual self at UCC this term, Kilkenny-born Connery inevitably shines on the big stage – as her goalscoring exploits for Ireland A at the Junior Celtic Cup last summer are testament to.

In the same vein as Leinster’s Peter Blakeney, Connery is something of a maverick, a trait which excites and exasperates coaches in equal measure. But she was given free reign by Munster coach Paidi Hartnett, and was the weekend’s most conspicuous forward as a result.

Munster's Aine Connery (right, with sister Sinead) was the stand-out forward of the women's tournament. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

While critics can point to a relatively high ratio of missed chances, this ignores the fact that Connery has usually created such opportunities herself out of thin air.

The GAA skill set that has also served Eugene Magee and Eimear Cregan so well was consistently in evidence; her strike against Ulster, where she danced a bouncing ball past two defenders and the goalkeeper in the blink of an eye, was the stand-out individual strike of the women’s tournament.

Southern Fried lost count of the times she skinned defenders on the outside, and like McKean, she is one of the few forwards in the women’s game who is equally comfortable on her reverse as the strong side. She also brought her good form into UCC’s MSC win the following Tuesday, earning the player of the match accolade.

The caveat of whether she is Muller’s type of player continues to loom large, but surely Connery’s genius must be brought back to the table sooner rather than later to allow her to add to the 12 caps she has so far.

Louisa Healy (Loreto and Connacht)

While it is admittedly easy to stand out between the sticks when you have the weakest team of the tournament in front of you, Connacht netminder Healy’s performances were at times reminiscent of Shay Given’s Newcastle career, as she was single-handedly responsible for keeping the score down in all three games.

The Loreto shot-stopper’s most memorable moment was a mind-boggling triple save from Munster’s Aine Connery, Julia O’Halloran and Hollie Moffett on day one, but any video highlights package would have easily taken up a lunch hour, such was her form.

While Healy was the standout goalie of the tournament, none of the keepers did their chances any harm, though Leinster’s David Fitzgerald, a recent Ireland A call-up, and Ulster’s Ian Hughes have every right to be miffed, after failing to see any action over the weekend.

John Jackson was a rock at the heart of the Ulster defence. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

Joe Brennan (Glenanne and Leinster)

In a men’s tournament largely dominated by the established stars, Glenanne sweeper Joe Brennan gave a couple of glimpses of the form which has seen him integrated into the Irish setup this season.

A sickening knee injury suffered against Ulster – after he bore the full brunt of a Eugene Magee blast – brought his tournament to abrupt end, and Leinster subsequently went to pieces at the back in his absence, shipping the goals that cost them the title inside five minutes of his departure.

A clever long game, superb tactical awareness and a bullet push-out had been the hallmarks of Brennan’s involvement up until then, and while he isn’t as much of a flair player as the departed Iain Lewers, he will certainly not put the hearts across Irish fans at the back as much as the enigmatic HGC man did.

Do you agree with these selections? Which players impressed you at Garryduff last weekend? Have your say below!

The Having Trouble Carving the Turkey Award: The loss of Gash brothers Richie and Eddie has seriously blunted the Cork Harlequins attack this term, and their lack of firepower could wreck their ambitions on the national stage by February if the malaise isn’t remedied soon. They looked like they’d turned a corner when Dave Egner inspired them to a splendid 4-2 Peard Cup quarter-final win over C of I, with three of the goals coming from play, but have been uncharacteristically off-colour since. The Farmers Cross men were out of sorts in the 4-1 home IHL loss to Glenanne – although that can be partially attributed to the absence of Paul Lombard – and worryingly toothless in the 1-0 Peard Cup win over Bandon, a game in which they wasted 12 short corners and countless chances from play. Geert Fromme’s return to Holland next month will rob them of another forward outlet, and while Lombard and Egner, with superb support from Mark Black and Sean Nicholson, are still creating plenty of circle penetrations, it seems there is no-one there to finish them off like Richie Gash used to. They will be hoping things begin to click ahead of the tough opening ISC assignment at a resurgent Instonians, while their IHL ambitions rest solely on defeating Annadale at Harlequin Park on January 31.

John Jermyn has been scoring drag-flicks for fun since his return to Cork C of I. Picture: Adrian Boehm

The Could Drag A Lake On His Own Award: All those associated with Garryduff breathed a sigh of relief when John Jermyn decided to confine his Dutch sabbatical to a single season, and the seasoned Irish international has been roofing the drag-flicks for fun since his return. Just ask Bandon, who competed well against C of I earlier in the season but still lost 8-0, largely thanks to the five flicks Jermyn fizzed past Ian Hosford; he even added one from play for good measure. However, Jermyn’s short-corner prowess has also highlighted the primary chink in C of I’s armour – they appear to be too reliant on the set-piece as a goal source. While Jermyn netted two of his three chances against Quins in the Peard Cup, his side still lost 4-2 due to Quins’ ruthlessness from play that day. And Banbridge gave him just one chance – saved by Gareth Lennox -  in the IHL in November, a game the northerners won 2-1. C of I proved in the 6-2 defeat of Fingal they can find the net from play (and in style, too) when they are on song, but they must start to do it more often – the ISC tie at Antrim, despite involving a serious trek, should give them a decent chance to get their collective eye in. An honourable mention in this category must go to UCC’s Audrey O’Flynn, who has discovered a penchant for the spectacular this season and is one of the few creditable dead-eye drag-flickers in the women’s game in these parts.

The These Girls Need Therapy Award: Should the girls of UCC miss out on silverware – or even IHL qualification – again this season, it would be no surprise if they emigrated en masse to the Caribbean and commenced a ceremonial burning of C of I jerseys on a beach bonfire. The Rochestown side appear to have done a deal with the devil for their games against College, having recorded five single-goal wins over them in the past two seasons, a timeframe that has also seen the students shatter Quins’ eight-year invincibility. Last term, 2-1 and 1-0 victories for C of I ousted College from the automatic IHL places, while a Rebecca Sweetnam golden goal decided the Munster Senior Cup final in their favour. This time around, Grace Young’s late winner gave them a 1-0 win at the ‘Duff, while Mel Ryan repeated the last-ditch heroics at the Mardyke a week ago to win 3-2. The sides meet again in the last eight of the Munster Senior Cup on January 3, but College’s hopes of fielding a full-strength team for the first time against C of I have again been dashed as the game comes too soon for Sarah Gray, who is on the mend after a serious knee injury. College are long overdue a victory here, but C of I would take no greater pleasure than extending the hoodoo for another season.

C of I's Amy Roberts and Grace Young celebrate Mel Ryan's (7) goal against UCC. The Garryduff girls have defeated the students by a single goal in each of their past five meetings. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

The How The Hell Did That Happen Award: Things are tight at the bottom of the women’s Division One, with four teams locked on five points, a situation that is all the more worrying for those looking over their shoulders as promotion-chasing Waterford blaze a trail in Division Two. Ashton finished bottom of the pile last time around but staved off relegation as Catholic Institute’s B team topped the second tier. They are in trouble again this term, having played two games more than the three teams above them, but they looked set to give themselves breathing space at home to UL a few weeks ago until it all went Pete Tong. Emma Harrington’s brace had them 2-0 to the good, and when Orla O’Donovan cancelled out Laura Peters’ reply, they seemed to be coasting at 3-1. But Peters set up a nervy finale with her second with ten minutes to go, and the Bandon native fired home another with just 30 seconds to go to claim a share of the spoils for UL. While Ashton only dropped a point, they handed two vital ones to their rivals, a result that they may yet rue come the business end of the season.

The We Could Have Been Brilliant Award: The odds seemed stacked against Bandon in last Friday’s Peard Cup final as they attempted to become the first club outside the ‘big two’ to win the trophy in 23 years. Missing Clinton Sweetnam and Andrew Kingston, the westies also ceded advantage to Cork Harlequins beforehand by sportingly agreeing to play the tie at Harlequin Park. Things looked ominous when John Hobbs rattled the woodwork early on, but the goal-fest never materialised, and Bandon visibly grew in confidence the longer it remained scoreless. Ali Smith epitomised their efforts, blocking short corner attempts at one end and giving Jason Black and Hobbs an uncomfortable afternoon at the other with some fearless slalom dribbling. A nicely-worked move down the right with Darren Sweetnam eight minutes from time gave former Ireland U18 man Smith a one-on-one with Chris Daunt, but Rob Hobbs did just enough to put him off as he wound up his renowned reverse. Dan Hobbs did the necessary at the other end with two minutes to go, allowing Harlequin Park to breathe a collective sigh of relief, while Bandon were left to ponder what might have been.

UCC skipper Jean Long was one of four players injured in a bruising derby encounter with CIT at the intervarsities. Picture: Adrian Boehm

The We’re All Going Home In An Ambulance Award: Intervarsity competitions are traditionally a recipe for injury disaster, what with experienced Irish internationals coming up against ankle-hackers with two left feet who have been out on the piss until an hour before the game. Things weren’t quite that mismatched when the girls of CIT attempted to halt the UCC juggernaut, but the Mardyke ladies still came off worse in a physical derby encounter – Emma Peters and Orla Crowley suffered facial injuries, skipper Jean Long hobbled offf with a bruised shin while Vicky O’Sullivan had to be taken to hospital with a suspected shattered ankle which mercifully was only heavily bruised. To make things worse for College, they went on to lose the final to UCD, denying them a Chilean Cup three-in-a-row.

The Reffing Good Show Award: Clichéd and all as it has become, umpires in all sports take a serious amount of flak, and hockey is no exception, so Southern Fried wants to give credit where it’s due and doff its cap to the best umpiring performances we’ve seen this term. First up is Chris McConkey, who deserves immense credit for his handling of a potentially explosive Quins vs Glenanne clash in the IHL. All of the flashpoint incidents – which were inevitable given the bad blood between the teams – seemed to occur near his tramline, and he endured some serious abuse from players and spectators alike. But McConkey stuck to his guns and liberally applied common sense. Bar greens for David Lombard and Graham Shaw, he kept his cards in his pocket, knowing a flurry of yellows and reds would only have caused simmering tensions to boil over. Kudos also to Simon McAllister and Andrew Gray for their exemplary handling of the Peard Cup final – a superb display of communication and co-operation.

The ‘I Don’t Belieeeeeeeeeeve It’ Award: There’s been plenty of goals to sit back and admire in Munster this term. Andy Herbert’s diving effort from the edge of the circle for C of I against Fingal is up there, while the Peard Cup meeting of C of I and Quins brought two gems from the latter; Sean Nicholson supplied the finish after a superb dummied short corner drag from Dan Hobbs, while Dave Egner’s dinked effort finished off a flowing move later on. Southern Fried was also impressed by Nick Burns’ deflection on the turn in C of I’s IJC clash with Quins, and Aoife Duggan’s solo strike in the women’s competition for Ashton against Clontarf. But none have bettered Jennifer Lyttle’s wondergoal in Munster colours at the U18 interpros against Leinster. Her first touch was a beaut, taking her past Orla Fox on halfway, but the Villiers girl still had plenty to do. She looked to have gone too wide on the left and was running out of pitch, but acrobatically threw herself at the ball and rifled a diving reverse into the opposite top corner from a near-impossible angle. It was a once in a lifetime goal, but we’re sure to be hearing more from the Munster U18 skipper in the near future.

Munster's Jennifer Lyttle (centre) celebrates her wondergoal against Leinster with team-mate Olivia Roycroft. Picture: Rachel McSharry

The Anthony Foley Bitterness Award: Munster rugby talisman and all-round legend Foley likes to mention the ‘bitterness’ that motivates the province’s drive and determination, and anyone who watched the 2006 Heineken Cup semi-final thumping of Leinster (You didn’t? Where were you?!) knows that there’s few better feelings than watching our Dublin brethren being downed by the culchie jackeens from the south. Which is why Southern Fried was delighted to get that warm fuzzy feeling earlier this year thanks to Munster U18 boys; they may not have won the interpros outright, but they’ll be slow to forget their shock 2-1 win over a star-studded Leinster outfit. Proving that there’s no substitute for teamwork, our lads recovered from going behind to an Andrew Shekleton goal, with Stephen Swanton and Fionn O’Leary – the latter in the dying minutes, typical Munster – doing the damage, gladdening the souls of many in this part of the world in the process.

Got any more award suggestions? Leave a comment below!

The Munster Branch of the Irish Hockey Association (MBIHA) will tomorrow night examine a proposal to impose a mandatory rule that Division One fixtures must be played on Saturdays between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

While such a recommendation already exists, the move to make it mandatory has arisen after a number of recent games were played at times perceived to be unsociable.

Most notable in this instance was the women’s top-of-the-table clash between UCC and Cork Harlequins last Tuesday night, which clashed with the Munster vs All Blacks rugby match.

The students inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the champions, their heaviest defeat in more than a decade, but only a handful witnessed it.

By comparison, College’s game against Bandon at a similar time the previous week attracted a significant crowd, dovetailing as it did with club training.

The branch is open to night-time and midweek games – more about that later – but the proposal has nonetheless ruffled the feathers of  top-level clubs, with a number lodging objections with the branch that will be considered this evening.

A number of players have contacted Southern Fried in recent days to outline their opposition to the proposal.

Many felt that as amateurs, morning and evening games often suited their work or college schedules better.

Others believed staging games at the same time may disperse crowds, and that such an imposition could also see more clashes with top-level sport, namely Premier League soccer and Heineken Cup/Test rugby matches.

The branch, however, maintains that both spectators and media are more likely to attend games fixed for Saturday afternoons, resulting in optimum exposure for the sport.

There is, however, room to maneouve according to the branch, who have included a caveat in the proposal. Division One fixtures can be played outside the prescribed times provided clubs seek and get written approval from the fixtures secretary at least 10 days prior to the fixture.

The proposal also indicates that matches being played in Irish competitions will take precedence.

What do you think? Should all Division One games be played between 12.30 and 3.30pm? Have your say below.

While leagues are, of course, never won before Christmas, if College have genuine aspirations of breaking the dominance of Quins and C of I, these are the games they must start to win, and they will be keen to lay down a marker.

They fared exceptionally well against Quins last term, taking four points off them in two games and becoming the first team to beat them in domestic competition in eight years in the process.

Deirdre Casey's battle with former team-mate Hollie Moffett will be one of many intriguing sub-plots. Picture: Eoin Tyrrell

But their failure to win any of their three clashes with C of I last term effectively ruined their season; the 1-0 and 2-1 league losses essentially cost them an automatic Irish Hockey League place, while the golden goal Munster Senior Cup final loss hurt even more.

C of I can therefore be guaranteed a highly-charged contest, especially so given College will be looking to blow off some steam after the varsities.

As well as suffering at the hands of their other bogey team, UCD, the varsities proved to be a chastening experience physically too, with a number of players suffering injuries.

But College aren’t the only ones with plenty of motivation for this encounter. C of I exorcised some of the demons of their 2-0 league loss to Quins earlier this month by defeating Randalstown in the IHL, but the Garryduff girls have been kicking their heels for two weeks since.

They will also be keen to make a statement of their own – namely that there isn’t about to be a changing of the guard at the business end of Munster hockey.

Both sides still have worries on the goalscoring front, however. While 11 goals in six varsity games seems like a decent return for College, UCD were far more prolific – 23 goals scored, and, remarkably, none conceded.

That ruthlessness earned them a straightforward semi-final against Trinity, while College needed extra-time to see off Ulster Elks 3-2, and those exertions can’t have helped their cause in the final later that day.

Given the goalscoring potential in the team – Audrey O’Flynn, Eibhlin O’Donoghue and Ali O’Connor all present threats at short corner time, while Ali O’Regan, Julia O’Halloran and Aine Connery have proven records from play – it’s a mystery as to why they still haven’t fully unlocked it.

C of I’s problem is of a different nature; they have little difficulty troubling the scoreboard against the weaker teams – witness the 12 goals racked up against Ashton and Belvedere – but the goals dry up when they are presented with capable opposition.

Quins ruthlessly exposed this weakness a few weeks ago, their clinical finishing a total contrast to C of I’s inefficiency up front.

It was the same story against Randalstown, as countless opportunities went begging due to wasteful finishing or a poor final pass, until Mel Ryan eventually made one count from a corner. They will be hoping the passes start to stick this weekend.

Ali O'Regan has scored in both UCC's league games so far. Picture: Adrian Boehm

A further intriguing sub-plot should unfold in midfield, where young pretender Hollie Moffett goes head-to-head with relative veteran Deirdre Casey.

The latter bounced back from a difficult afternoon against Rachael Kohler by showing her class against Randalstown, making intelligent use of the auto-pass rule and producing surging runs that the northerners found hard to handle.

Moffett’s brief is slightly different however; she acts as a fulcrum to release Connery and O’Halloran into space, and is admirably effective when facing her own goal, demanding the ball from her defence before turning and finding the right pass to get her team moving.

A similarly contrasting dynamic exists in the style of College’s O’Donoghue and C of I skipper Sandra Hackett, ensuring the battleground between the 25s should be worth the admission alone.

It will also be interesting to see what role C of I coach Phil Oakley hands Grace Young. Noted for her own rampages along the wings, her pace may be an effective method of shackling Connery, who also has a fondness for patrolling the touchlines.

There was never more than a goal between these two last year, and that’s not likely to change this weekend; it may come down to who wants it more. That would suggest a College victory, but C of I have the upper hand psychologically; it’s too tight to call, so let’s sit back and watch the fireworks instead.

Instonians vs Cookstown (Shaw’s Bridge, Saturday, 5.30pm)

Inst remedied a wretched start to the season in Ulster with a 4-1 win over Mossley last weekend, but whether they have shaken off the shock of losing 5-0 to Lisnagarvey a fortnight ago remains to be seen. Their talismanic drag-flicker Mark Gleghorne is still recovering from shoulder surgery, while Ulster champions Cookstown are brimming with confidence after two wins from two and a slew of international call-ups. We’re backing them to pick up an invaluable win on the road here. Verdict: Cookstown

Pembroke's Conor Harte, who broke his collarbone in this tackle against Fingal last season, is back to face his old club, Cork Harlequins. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Pembroke Wanderers vs Cork Harlequins (Serpentine Avenue, Saturday, 5pm)

Off-field distractions surrounding their decision to snub the Neville Cup in lieu of playing a pre-season tournament in England meant the new term didn’t get off to the best of starts for Pembroke. They once again failed to put away Three Rock in their first league outing, but Alan Sothern and Conor Harte – who along with twin brother David will be facing his former club on Saturday – picked up doubles in a 5-1 defeat of YMCA last weekend. They will be given a stern examination by Quins, but should still have too much firepower for the Cork outfit, who come into the game off a 2-0 loss to C of I and are without hitman Richard Gash. It’s also sure to be a special occasion for Pembroke president Frank Gormley, father of Irish captain Ronan, who is a former president of Quins. Verdict: Pembroke Wanderers

Annadale vs Glenanne (Jordanstown, Sunday, 2.30pm)

These two contested a rollercoaster of an Irish Senior Cup final two seasons ago, with Glens eventually running out 4-3 winners, but have since fallen somewhat off the pace. Both have experienced unremarkable starts to their domestic campaigns this term, though Annadale can point to the fact that they have had to face down Cookstown (4-2 defeat) and Banbridge (2-2) so far. There’s no excuse for Glens however, who will be particularly concerned at the defensive frailties that have seen them leak seven goals in three games.They have had to come from behind in all three of their games against Leinster’s lesser lights Kilkenny, Railway Union and Corinthians. But the firepower provided by Graham Shaw, Eddie O’Malley and Stephen Butler usually gets them out of a hole, and we’re backing them to pile on the misery for the ‘Dale. Verdict: Glenanne

Mitch Darling, seen here celebrating one of his five goals in the Club Championships semi-final against Lisnagarvey last season, will be vital to Three Rock's hopes. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Men’s Pool B

Three Rock Rovers vs Monkstown (Grange Road, Saturday, 3.30pm)

The first round of the IHL will provide welcome experience of continental rules for Three Rock ahead of their EHL assignment in Lille at the end of the month, and Turloch O’Siocháin’s side will be confident of an opening day win on home turf. Most coaches would gladly cut off a limb for the forward duo of Mitch Darling and Peter Blakeney, but Three Rock’s attacking riches will hold no fears for Monkstown keeper David Fitzgerald. He was the Glenageary side’s hero when they ousted their Dublin rivals from the Irish Senior Cup last term, thwarting 18 short corners and two Peter McConnell penalty strokes in the process. However, the lack of a specialist drag-flicker continues to hinder Monkstown, and revenge should be motive enough for Three Rock to take the points. Verdict: Three Rock 

Banbridge vs Lisnagarvey (Havelock Park, Saturday, 7pm)

It may be a brand new league, but there’s nothing new about this ongoing Ulster rivalry. Bann are handful for any side on home turf, and in Eugene Magee boast one of the true world-class Irish players in their ranks. But they are far from a one man show, with their XI backboned by a trio of McCandless brothers, while Magee’s international colleague Geoff McCabe marshals the midfield. Young Stephen Dowds is their one to watch, having top-scored at the EuroHockey U16 Youth Nations championships during the summer. Garvey are proving as unpredictable as ever this term, following up a 5-0 thrashing of Instonians with a 3-1 defeat at Cookstown. They possess one of the country’s premier drag-flickers in Tim Cockram, while Cork’s Jason Lynch has added a valuable creative outlet, but provided Bann keeper Gareth Lennox has gotten over a case of the yips suffered in a 4-4 draw with Bangor, home advantage should win the day here. Verdict: Banbridge

Cork C of I vs Fingal (Garryduff, Saturday, 4pm)

Having narrowly lost out to Monkstown for the final automatic qualification spot in Leinster last season, Fingal’s IHL dream nearly unravelled completely when they had to reverse a two-goal deficit against Bandon in the wildcard playoffs. But they have made a promising start domestically this term, taking seven points from nine, with teenage forwards Mark Ryan and Andrew Shekleton making a big impression. Nonetheless, it is hard to look beyond C of I for this one, particularly at home. Stephen Jackson’s side, which boasts four Irish internationals, are one of the finest attacking outfits in the country when their minds are on the job, and Billy Lynch’s form between the sticks has meant they have hardly missed long-term injury victim Mark Ruddle. A 2-0 win over arch-rivals Quins last weekend has their tails up, and it could be a long day for Fingal unless they can frustrate the hosts early on. Verdict: Cork C of I

Women’s Pool A

Cork C of I vs Randalstown (Garryduff, Saturday, 2pm)

Phil Oakley’s C of I side endured a miserable, winless Club Championships outing in May, and a 2-0 defeat to Quins last weekend set them back some big early-season wins. However, they can take solace from the fact that they dominated that match for long periods, and in Lauragh O’Neill they have unearthed a potentially lethal drag-flicker. The loss of internationals Emma Clarke and Shirley McCay has severely weakened Randalstown, who come into the game off the back of a disappointing goalless draw at home to Lurgan, though they will welcome back underage international Rebecca Dallas. Provided Deirdre Casey can stamp her authority on midfield early on – and they address a profligacy in front of goal – this could be the perfect confidence booster for C of I. Verdict: Cork C of I

Jean McDonnell has played a vital part in Railway's superb start to the season. Picture: Adrian Boehm

Pegasus vs Railway Union (Jordanstown, Sunday, 4pm)

Easily the most intriguing of the women’s matches. This trip to Belfast is a chance for Mick McKinnon’s Railway to prove their credentials on a national level, having had a whirlwind start domestically, with Hermes among the scalps as they took maximum points from their first three encounters. Despite losing out to Hermes in last season’s Club Championships semi-final, Pegasus are still the standard bearers for women’s hockey in Ireland, enabling them to attract the best young talent. Ireland A co-captain Michelle Harvey made the move from Victorians over the summer, and alongside fellow internationals Kate McConnell and Alex Speers, represents the youthful exuberance to compliment the vast experience of Arlene Boyles, Suzanne Beaney and Claire McMahon. While we still wouldn’t be unduly surprised if Railway snuck a win here, Pegasus’ desire to make a statement of intent should see them take this one. Verdict: Pegasus

Loreto vs Belfast Harlequins (Loreto Beaufort, Sunday, 3pm)

On paper, this is the most predictable of the IHL ties for both sexes. It’s difficult to pinpoint a weak link in this Loreto outfit, with Armagh recruit Lizzie Colvin adding to the phalanx of international talent in the side. While they may still be without injury victim Hannah Matthews, they also boast a couple of other young stars, notably Zara Delany, and will be confident of recording a comfortable opening win on home turf. Despite the inclusion of one of Ireland’s better players, Jenny McDonough, in their side, Harlequins lack the overall quality to challenge at this level, though Ruth Millar and Judy Getty are capable of chipping in with the odd goal. A strong team ethic that saw them grind out the necessary results in the wildcard playoffs should ensure they won’t be cannon fodder, but it’s hard to see anything other than a Loreto win. Verdict: Loreto

Women’s Pool B

Pembroke Wanderers vs Armagh (Serpentine Avenue, Saturday, 2.30pm)

Pembroke have weathered the loss of seven first-teamers surprisingly well, and they had the pleasure of showing a trio that defected to Bray what they were missing with a 3-1 win. Louisa Moore has been in sparkling form in her first full campaign for the Serpentine Avenue side, and provides a huge threat at short corner time. Hockey followers have been waiting for Armagh, who possess arguably the most talented young squad in the country, to explode for the past few seasons, but they have gone off the boil somewhat this term. They are pointless after two games domestically, and teen sensation Amy Stewart’s ankle problems have robbed them of a major goalscoring outlet. They may come good once again later in the season, but this should be Pembroke’s day. Verdict: Pembroke Wanderers

Ballymoney vs Cork Harlequins (Joey Dunlop Centre, Saturday, 2.30pm)

‘Money were the bridesmaids of Irish hockey last term, though Pegasus can’t have made for an attractive bride in their eyes. The Belfast outfit beat them to the league title and saw them off in the finals of the Irish Senior Cup and Winemark Shield, so ‘Money won’t be short of motivation this term. Megan Frazer and Lynsey McVicker provide the bullets for the Antrim outfit, with Bridget McKeever shoring things up at the back alongside talented teenage netminder Sammy-Jo Greer. However, Quins will be out to exact some revenge after their home defeat to the same opposition last term. Rachael Kohler is still a class act in midfield, and they have excellent totems in attack and defence too in the form of Eimear Cregan and Cliodhna Sargent. They showed their battling qualities last weekend without their international duo, defeating C of I 2-0 despite ceding the majority of possession, but it would still be a shock if they were to get anything more than a draw out of this one. Verdict: Ballymoney

Chloe Watkins (background) is the jewel in the crown in Hermes' battalion of young starlets. Picture: Deryck Vincent

UCD vs Hermes (Belfield, Sunday, 2pm)

Despite coach Colin Stewart’s frequent protestations last term that Hermes were a side in transition, his young side made a mockery of such modest ambitions by dramatically winning the Club Championships, an Aoife Harte golden goal giving them a 1-0 final victory over Loreto. They are beginning to rival Armagh in the production line stakes, with a side littered with underage interpro and international stars, including Gillian Pinder – who has hit three in her last two games – Niamh Atcheler, last season’s goalscoring sensation Anna O’Flanagan and the precocious Chloe Watkins, who is widely regarded as the most promising talent in the women’s game. UCD, who won the wildcard playoff, exacting revenge for their intervarsity loss to UCC in the process, are a game outfit but it’s hard to see how they can overcome the loss of Christine Quinlan – who has returned to this weekend’s opponents – and the Flinn sisters. Verdict: Hermes

The IHA’s closing date for applications is September 30, meaning we won’t know the new coach’s identity until October at the earliest. Undeterred, Southern Fried indulges in some good old-fashioned speculation and takes a look at some of the front-runners – and rank outsiders – to step into the breach.

The Main Contender – Craig Fulton

Having worked as Passmore’s right-hand man for almost three years, Fulton is the obvious choice for the post if the IHA are searching for continuity.

‘Ned’ has limited experienced as a head coach – understandable given he doesn’t turn 34 until November and is still playing with Pembroke Wanderers.

Craig Fulton

Nonetheless, he is also the boss at Serpentine Avenue, and has had stints on the touchline at Chelmsford and north London’s Felstead School. In addition, his experience of playing at the top-level is without question, having taken in two Olympics as part of his 191 caps for South Africa.

Fulton’s familiarity with the Irish system is an obvious bonus, not to mention his working relationship with Passmore.

Whoever takes the Irish job will have to see eye to eye with the previous incumbent, now he has moved upstairs to the full-time role of high performance director.

The IHA will also have taken note of how he confidently handled the media’s questions about Iain Lewers’ defection in Passmore’s absence.

However, the national body will surely be striving to find someone with a proven track record as a head coach at international level – whether Fulton, if he puts his hat in the ring, can overcome this gap in his CV remains to be seen.

The Disgruntled Neighbour – Jason Lee

Some tabloidesque news reporting – screaming headline, little substance – by the Daily Telegraph last month implied that Great Britain coach Jason Lee was browned off with the technique of players coming through the club systems in England, Scotland and Wales.

The absence of any actual quotes from Lee mean Southern Fried is still in the dark about whether the man credited with turning Loughbourough into a force actually wants to jump ship.

Jason Lee

While GB punched above their ranking by finishing fifth, the absence of a medal in an otherwise fruitful Olympics has put hockey in the spotlight across the water for all the wrong reasons.

Lee’s 10-year involvement in the English setup suggests he’s comfortable where he is, and if it’s the players’ technique that’s getting under his skin, he’s hardly likely to find a plethora of Taeke Taekmas or Jamie Dwyers across the Irish Sea. And, of course, one of our most technically gifted players, Lewers, has already headed in the other direction.

Nonetheless, the prospect of change and a new challenge may appeal, as it did for Passmore, and the Irish passion may sit well with a coach who’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

The Broken Reputation – Naveed Alam

The Pakistani coaching duo of Khawaja Zakauddin and Alam went down swinging in the aftermath of their team’s disastrous performance at Beijing, where the Asian powerhouse’s eighth-placed finish prompted both head coach Zakauddin and assistant Alam to resign.

Naveed Alam

“I take full responsibility of the team’s failure and I am sorry for its dismal performance in the mega event in China,” said Naveed, while Zakauddin didn’t mince his words either: “I am deeply disappointed at the team’s disastrous performance. I take responsibility for the defeats and the poor finish, and it’s now time for new people to take over.”

While 71-year-old Zakauddin’s time in top-level hockey has surely run its course, Naveed may be tempted by the chance to get out of dodge.

He would bring excellent technical knowledge to the table, but adapting to a vastly different hockey culture – not to mention language – may prove a step too far for Naveed, though Arul Anthoni and Nasir Munir have proven that Asian coaches can thrive on Irish soil.

Whether Naveed would be remotely interested in upping sticks – and what salary he’d demand – are other matters entirely. He has already stated his belief that a foreign coach wouldn’t fare well in Pakistan, but it’s not known if this is his universal viewpoint.

The Foreign Mentor – Paul van Ass

This weekend’s leaked news that van Ass is set to be integrated into the Netherlands setup may have scuppered any hopes of the former HGC supermo taking up residence on these shores, but should the Dutch press have got it wrong, van Ass has plenty going for him.

His credentials are obvious – he handed over the reins at HGC to Alexander Cox earlier this summer having guided them to the final of the inaugural EuroHockey League, no mean feat given they ousted Sohail Abbas’ Rotterdam on the way.

Paul van Ass (left)

Also worth noting from an Irish perspective is how he got the best out of the Irish emigrants who pitched up in the Hague in recent years. Phelie Maguire, Eugene Magee, John Jermyn and GB-bound Iain Lewers all improved during their time with the Dutch club, though Jermyn suggested to Southern Fried that this has more to do with his man-management than anything else.

“A big point in going to that club was the coach. He wouldn’t be very tactically aware, but his man-management was excellent. He was fun to play for,” he said. The Dutch obviously also think highly enough of him, given their apparent desire to put him in charge of the ‘Young Oranje’ – which sadly suggests the Irish job has come up just a few days too late.

The Long Shot – Ric Charlesworth

The decorated Australian would, in many ways, represent the ultimate acquisition for Irish hockey, bringing a Giovanni Trapattoni-style big-name feelgood factor and a bulging CV.

Charlesworth, a four-time Olympian, is Australia’s most successful hockey coach, having led the Hockeyroos to consecutive gold medals in 1996 and 2000 in his only stint as a national coach.

He is available, having tired of the bureaucracy in India, and has expressed a desire to get back in harness with the Kookaburras, whose head hencho Barry Dancer stepped down after the Australians’ shock Olympic semi-final loss to Spain.

Ric Charlesworth

Should Charlesworth, who claims he “has another burst in him”, be overlooked in his homeland – unlikely given his and Australia’s schedules appear to have finally married after years of dalliances – Irish hockey fans might dare to dream.

Charlesworth has patrolled the IHA corridors in recent times, having travelled to Dublin to head up the annual Hooked! Conference in January of this year.

The fact he has taken in Italy (on sabbatical) and New Zealand (as the cricket high performance manager) in recent years and claims he’s ready to return to Perth doesn’t bode well.

And unless the IHA pulls off the mother, father and incontinent aunt of all coups, he won’t be pitching up in Ireland. But hell, it’s fun to imagine, right?

Southern Fried doesn’t have all the answers to such questions, but it’s as good a time as any to take the pulse of men’s hockey in the province, which has been struggling for some time with a widening gulf between the haves and have-nots.

When things go wrong in any community, the blame game inevitably begins, and the easiest targets are the powers that be. Anyone can look at a seven-team top tier comprised of just four clubs, shake their head and draw the straightforward conclusion that the Munster Branch haven’t got a clue what they’re doing – but it’s never quite as simple as that.

Consider this – a similar imbalance exists in a different sport in a different country, in a league that has millions at their disposal to solve the problem. Yet, in the Scottish Premier League, they still haven’t figured out how to end the Glasgow-led dominance of Rangers and Celtic. Sound familiar?

This is not to suggest the branch are entirely blameless – fixing games for 11.30 on Sunday mornings is hardly conducive to raising hockey’s profile, though that’s one of a number of issues for another day – but John Rose has a point when he says some of the onus must come upon the clubs to develop their own players.

The potential crossover appeal of hockey in hurling strongholds is evidenced by Irish international women's captain Eimear Cregan, who also played Ashbourne Cup camogie for UL. Picture: Adrian Boehm

To this end, there has been much talk over the last couple of days of clubs needing to build from the bottom up. Unfortunately, this realisation has come after too many clubs have seen the skyscrapers they envisaged come tumbling down, because they neglected the foundations of the structure in the first place.

Volunteerism, or more pointedly, its decline, is a thorny issue across all sports – just ask the GAA. But in a minor sport like hockey, it is vital to its survival. And in this regard, some clubs have inadvertently contributed to the downfall of volunteerism.

Not so long ago, the third and fourth teams of each club were served by a motley crew of former first-teamers too old to handle the top level, plus other 30- and 40-somethings who were never good enough to make the firsts anyway, but played hockey for the love of it.

These teams were immune to the win-at-all costs mentality of top-level sport, and their members talked a better game over a pint than they ever could dream of displaying on the pitch.

But they were also the lifeblood of their clubs, making excellent committee members, umpiring and coaching at underage levels and organising fundraisers.

However, somewhere down the line, clubs decided that winning Division Three or Four was suddenly a top priority. Promising 13-year-olds were parachuted into the thirds’ first XI, as participation began to come second to winning.

Unable to keep up with the increased pace and standards, the game stopped becoming fun for the old guard, and many superb servants were lost to clubs as a result – as, inevitably, were the third and fourth teams themselves.

It is therefore little wonder that so many clubs find themselves struggling to fill two teams these days, let alone have people willing to put out the cones on a Saturday morning.

Now we find ourselves in a situation where all and sundry are crying out for more schools and youth programmes, without enough volunteers around to run them.

Nonetheless, as one contributor to this website eloquently pointed out, time, investment and novel ideas are all still needed to raise the game’s profile at schools level.

Such initiatives face fierce competition from rugby in particular, which has blossomed outside its traditional strongholds largely thanks to Munster’s success.

C of I's David Hobbs teaches and coaches at Ashton, his alma mater, while a number of other Irish internationals partake in guest coaching roles at schools where hockey is in its infancy. Picture: Adrian Boehm

But, perversely, the rugby blueprint is something hockey can learn from. The sport has notably snowballed at grassroots level in Kerry, where Gaelic football is king – just look at the number of 06 area codes in the list of associate schools at MunsterSchoolsRugby.com.

The similarity between the sports has undoubtedly helped the transition from the round ball to the oval one. Certainly, it’s a bigger jump from sliothar to stick; but rugby has proven that it can succeed outside its traditional Protestant bastions.

However, as IHA western development officer Phil Oakley pointed out, there is a notable caveat in the fact that Irish hockey suffers from a lack of international profile to help boost participation at grassroots level.

Nonetheless, Belvedere, who saw their traditional supply lines from Mayfield and Douglas community schools drip dry, are attempting grow the sport in Colaiste Choilm and Ballincollig Community School. Similar initiatives, which provide tournaments for up-and-coming schools, are also underway in Leinster, and are worth keeping an eye on.

However, targeting primary schools – and introducing children to hockey before their head has been turned by other sports – may be a better long-term plan for both clubs and branch.

But first and foremost, hockey must find the bodies to carry out such tasks. Solid foundations, and all that. Reinvigorating the social hockey scene would be a good start.

What do you think? What can be done to help raise participation levels and the profile of men’s hockey in Munster? All comments and suggestions welcome!