Muckross fancied for League title

THE PRIZE of a place in the European Champions Cup awaits the winners of this weekend's Irish Senior League finals in Galway …

THE PRIZE of a place in the European Champions Cup awaits the winners of this weekend's Irish Senior League finals in Galway where Muckross, Randalstown, UCC and UCG will represent their provinces as winners of their respective leagues.

Muckross, yet to secure a place in Europe next season after their Irish Senior Cup final defeat by Hermes, will be aiming for their third All Ireland title in a row. This year, Randalstown, who deposed Pegasus as Ulster champions, will be their main challengers with the teams due to meet in a potentially-decisive match on Sunday morning.

Muckross, under the guidance of former Randalstown coach Ian Steepe, have already beaten the Ulster side this season when they won an exciting Irish Senior Cup semi-final 3-1, having trailed by a Jackie McWilliams goal at half-time.

The Leinster champions hope to have midfielder Deirdre Courtney back in action this weekend after a foot injury ruled her out of the final league match of the season against Loreto. They are also certain of the services of their international panellists, Mary Logue and Clodagh Grealy, as are UCC, who will field Michelle O'Sullivan.

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Meanwhile, the `hockey marathon' in aid of GOAL and Muckross Hockey Club, scheduled for Park Avenue this weekend has been rearranged for Sunday, April 27th between 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. Players from all age groups are welcome to participate - contact Teresa Hurley (01-8336371) for details.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times