Fingal

Last Season: 5th

Record: Won 10 Drew 3 Lost 5 Pts 33 Goals For 61 Goals Against 31

Coach: John McInerney and Johnny Harte

Captain: David Bane

Players In: Richie Dore (Kilkenny), Emmett Hughes (Kilkenny)

Players Out: None

Summary: At times last year, Fingal’s squad was shown to be particularly threadbare with 40-something Tony Doyle making a division one debut between the sticks a case in point. They only brought 13 to the IHL qualifier, too.

To that end, Kilkenny pair Richie Dore and Emmett Hughes have been added while Jim Dunne and Eoin Connolly will return from their travels. Schoolboy international Andrew Shekleton will likely get more pitch-time too.

Derek O’Gorman remains the star player they hope will bolster the squad. The former Leinster player has indicated to John McInerney that he would like another shot at the big time after two years away and could make his reappearance early in November, though Kilkenny would be another side in the market for his services.

With him, the pressure for inspiration will ease off David Bane’s shoulders. The club will also be aiming to improve their home pitch conditions as they have stated their intentions to try and play their hockey on a top-quality surface.

A good Leinster Senior Cup draw should see them into their third semi-final in a row and that could be their best bet for a trophy. Their opening three matches of the season will be key to which end of mid-table they end with Corinthian and Monkstown in opposition in the first three weeks.

First three games: Corinthian (h); Kilkenny (a); Monkstown (a)

Prediction: 6th
IHL Prediction: 6th in group, will struggle to make an impact