Hook Hockey

Loreto – Women’s Division One

Last Season: Second, Division One; IHL Group Stages; Jacqui Potter semi-final

Coach: Graham Shaw/Gareth Evans (2^nd full season)

Players In: Orlagh O’Shea (UCD), Lizzie Colvin (HGC, Netherlands), Sarah Clarke (Pembroke)
Players Out: Caitriona Tipping (retired)

Summary: Three strong additions have helped ease the loss of former international Caitriona Tipping’s to retirement as Lizzie Colvin is back from her Erasmus in the Netherlands with Wassenaar club HGC. Sarah Clarke strengthens the defence while bringing a corner option while Orlagh O’Shea can slot into the midfield or one of the full-back roles.

Indeed, both of the latter pair can offer some cover for Aisling Campion should her commute from Bangor in North Wales prove an irregular one as she has taken up a course across the Irish Sea. She remains registered but will not be guaranteed to travel each week.

One possibly huge addition, though, is Louisa Healy between the posts. Having taken a step back from top tier hockey last season, the Irish international has been back in training and could have a big influence on their season if work concerns allow.

Nikki Symmons and Niamh Small will both be restricted from playing for the next couple of weeks due to their European exertions until October 8 which has a big impact as two of their main title rivals are the opposition in the first three weeks of the season. Nicci Daly, though, should be cleared. With UCD strengthening, they are among a quartet of sides who look contenders prior to the season’s tip-off.

Early season fixtures
First Leinster league games: Sept 17 vs Hermes (h); Sept 24 vs Corinthian (a); Oct 1 vs UCD (a)
Irish Hockey League: Oct 15 vs Cork Harlequins (h); Oct 29 vs Lurgan (h)
Irish Senior Cup: Oct 8 vs Lisnagarvey (a)

Twitter: @LoretoHC