Alexandra College Hockey Blog

This weekend (Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October) the hockey U16 and U18 InterProvinsionsal Tournament will be hosted by Alex. Five of our students Millie O’Donnell (Captain), Hannah McDermott, Juliette Beatty, Anna Roopnarinesingh and Amber Gleeson will be representing Leinster U16 as well as Emily Beatty, Grainne Mulkerrin and Erica Hinkson in fifth year have been selected for the U18 squad. There will be tuc shops, face-painting and a full schedule of hockey to be enjoyed. All supporters welcome!

Hannah McDermott, 3rd Year, has been selected for the Irish U16 National Hockey team. The whole school is delighted for her and wish her all the best of luck. Well Done Hannah.

The Junior A’s were narrowly defeated by Loreto Dalkey by 1 goal to nil last week. This was a promising team and they were extremely unlucky to be knocked out of the cup at this stage. But these players show great promise for the future of Alex hockey.

Today, the Minor A league champions were defeated by St Andrews in the cup final on sudden death penalty flicks. The team’s already successful season was so close to being topped off by a Cup win but the lottery of flicks went St Andrews way. After 0-0 during normal and extra time penalties were to come.  Sudden death flicks was the only difference between the teams. Every player gave their all and couldn’t have done anymore for their team.  This team was brilliant all season and should be very proud of their achievements this season.

Today, in the blue ribbon event of school girls hockey Alex Senior 1’s faced St Andrews in the Leinster Senior Cup Final. With the red and white of Alex on one side and the blue and white of Andrews on the other, the teams battled for the coveted trophy. The game started off with both teams showing their attacking abilities and testing each others defences. As the wind blew across Three Rock Rovers and the supporter’s shouts filled the air, the teams respectfully played out a cagy first period. Both teams were obviously skillful and committed.

As half time came the teams were deadlocked at 0-0. Neither side were clearly dominating with both teams having their fair share of possession. In the second half Alex had a great period of attack with several short corners and quick breaks, coming tantalisingly close to taking the lead. Then a quick break down the pitch by a St Andrews attacker Gillian Pinder resulted in a goal. Although Alex were behind they were passionate and still remained positive in their play. A fabulous break by Hannah McDermott got the whole crowd on edge. With Alex committing players forward they were left slightly vulnerable at the back and therefore St Andrews got a lucky goal to make the score line 2-0.

When the final whistle went the disappointment and complete devotion to their sport was clear from the Alex players. Every Alex supporter at the match was so proud of their team congratulate the whole team and all the coaches for their great run this season

On Tuesday 23rd of February the Senior 4′s played Loreto Bray in their League Semi-final in some cold conditions. It was an extremely tough game and both teams showed huge desire. Alex played attacking hockey throughout, and just couldn’t turn their pressure into a goal. Normal time ended as a stalemate. Extra time came as the teams were tiring but still Alex showed their commitment. The whistle blew and the cruelty of flicks were to come. Both teams were nervous but the lottery of flicks knocked Alex out. The teams commitment and passion didn’t deserve it but they can all be proud of their achievement.

In another League semi final the Senior 3′s faced Holy Faith Clontarf on Saturday the 27th of February. Alex started very brightly and were playing all the hockey. Several attacks penetrated the Clontarf circle but their keeper showed her class. But Alex broke the deadlock with a great finish from Ericka Porter. Still Alex spread the ball nicely around the pitch. But on the break Clontarf attacked and scored an impressive goal. This didn’t phase the Alex side who remained the dominant team. The second half brought about more and more Alex pressure with a few shots going inches wide. Although Alex had so many chances the final whistle blew with the score at 1-1. With extra time Alex still were attacking and were extremely unlucky not to score. Flicks were the result, after 15 minutes of extra time. Although the Alex keeper Molly Iredale made some impressive saves Clontarf won the lottery. This result was cruel for an Alex team with great passion. But well done to all the girls and the coaches involved.

Any students who want to attend the Senior Match next Tuesday please give your name to the following girls.

1st Year Laura Coakley

2nd Year Sarah Connolly

3rd Benedicte Conway

4th year Alice Margetson

5th Year Katie Nicholes

6th Year Kate O Donnell

It is €1 for the bus and everyone who wants to go has to give their name before Monday Lunch time. All Supporters Welcome.

This week, the Senior 1′s continued Alex’s great tradition in the Senior Cup by getting to the Leinster Senior Cup Final. The team defeated Mount Sackville yesterday in Three Rock Rovers by 3 goals-0.  In tricky and sometimes dangerous conditions the team had to really battle for their place in the holy grail of schools hockey. The match was 0-0 for much of the game but then Alex proved their fitness and class, when Robin Traynor hit a sweet mid air shot into the Mount Sackville goal.  From there, Alex grew in confidence and started to play some scintillating hockey.  As a result, 2 goals were scored in quick succession from Ashling Burke and Erica Hinkson. Now Alex will face St Andrews in the final next Tuesday (30th) in Three Rock Rovers at 1.30pm. We wish all involved the best of luck.

On Tuesday 23rd of February the Senior 4s played the quarter final of their league against Muckross. They player away in Muckross in torrential rain and bitter cold. But that didn’t dampen their spirits they scored two goals through Holly McQuillan and Laura Coakley. It was a tight match and when Alex conceded a goal close to the end, we were in for an edgy finish. But the girls showed their desire and held on for a great win. The team are now in the Semi Final of their league and we wish them all the best of luck.

After the great cup result by Alex’s senior 1′s, the team faced Beaufort again in the League quarter final on Friday 12th of February. It was sure to be an intense encounter after the cup result. But Alex prevailed with precision and skill with 2 goals from Nicola Gray and Deirdre Duke, which saw Alex progress to the League semi final. Well done to all involved.