Thursday, April 15: The weekend ahead sees a truly nail-biting finale as the EY Hockey League Divisions 1 & 2 close out the 2025/26 league season. And with the title still up for grabs, EY Champions Trophy places yet to be decided, survival on the line, and topflight promotion, it’s all hanging in the balance.
In the Women’s EYHL, the fate of six sides remains uncertain as they look to secure topflight hockey for 2026/27 in their final league games. Ulster Elks have the biggest task on their hands as they travel to champions Loreto hoping to spoil their centenary celebrations. Pembroke Wanderers host Queen’s University with a draw potentially enough for the hosts to stay up should results elsewhere work in their favour, and a win potentially securing a Play-Off place, while Queen’s University will look to nullify any slim chances of relegation with a win of their own that would guarantee a top half finish. Old Alex welcome Portadown to Alexandra College in a straight shootout for sixth place, with the losing side in danger of the drop. Catholic Institute travel to Park Avenue hoping to cause yet another upset in their quest for survival against runners-up Railway Union. And it’s third versus fourth as both UCD and Pegasus look to build important momentum ahead of their EY Champions Trophy Play-Off ties next weekend.
In the Men’s EYHL, Banbridge will hope to secure their third EYHL title in four years with a win at home to Avoca, while the visitors look to become only the second team to beat Bann this season while simultaneously guaranteeing an EY Champions Trophy Play-Off place. Lisnagarvey will be ready to capitalise on any mistake of their Ulster rivals and claim the title for themselves when they face YMCA. Corinthian will hope Banbridge can do them a favour and give them an opportunity to secure a sixth-place finish should they leave Camlin Park with a win over Cookstown. Monkstown will hope to solidify fifth spot as they venture south to take on relegated Cork C of I. And it’s a battle for bragging rights between fourth place Pembroke Wanderers and third place Three Rock Rovers on Serpentine Avenue.
In the Women’s EYHL2, promotion places hang in the balance as Avoca and Monkstown meet at Newpark School with a win for either side enough to secure the league title and promotion, but a draw or loss potentially meaning disappointment. Ards will hope they can guarantee promotion on their visit to Cork Harlequins, while UCC head to Dangan to face University of Galway, with their topflight hopes hinging on their fellow Munster side beating Ards, and the tie in Newpark not ending in a draw. And Trinity Ladies’ host Lisnagarvey as both sides look to close out their campaigns on a high.
In the Men’s EYHL2, promoted Portrane make the short trip to take on fellow Dublin side Clontarf with aspirations of securing the league title. Cork Harlequins face a strong South Antrim side, looking to secure a win which will guarantee them a place in the EYHL next season. Instonians will lie in waiting, hoping for a mistake from Cork Harlequins should they beat Bandon away from home. And Bray host CI Annadale, while Queen’s University welcome Catholic Institute to The Dub as all four sides look to bookend their seasons with positive displays.
15:30 – Loreto vs Ulster Elks – Loreto Beaufort
15:30 – Old Alex vs Portadown – Alexandra College
15:30 – Pembroke Wanderers vs Queen’s University – Serpentine Avenue
15:30 – Railway Union vs Catholic Institute – Park Avenue
15:30 – UCD vs Pegasus – UCD Belfield
13:15 – Banbridge vs Avoca – Havelock Park
13:15 – Cookstown vs Corinthian – Camlin Park
13:15 – Cork C of I vs Monkstown – Garryduff
13:15 – Lisnagarvey vs YMCA – Comber Road
13:15 – Pembroke Wanderers vs Three Rock Rovers – Serpentine Avenue
13:15 – Avoca vs Monkstown – Newpark School
13:15 – Cork Harlequins vs Ards – Harlequin Park
13:15 – Trinity Ladies’ vs Lisnagarvey – Santry Sports Ground
13:15 – University of Galway vs UCC
15:30 – Bandon vs Instonians – Bandon Grammar
15:30 – Bray vs CI Annadale – Temple Carrig
15:30 – Clontarf vs Portrane – Mount Temple
15:30 – Cork Harlequins vs South Antrim – Harlequin Park
15:30 – Queen’s University vs Catholic Institute – The Dub