Loreto

Last Season: 2nd

Coach: Orla Bell (2nd season)

Players In: Nicci Daly (Glenanne), Sarah Cooney (Scotland)
Players Out: Zara Delany (Railway Union)

Summary: International player availability will be a huge factor for the IHL champions this term and, indeed, retaining that competition looks a more likely outcome than regaining the Leinster league.

Catriona Tipping is back in full flow but extended absences of Nikki Symmons, Cathy McKean and Lizzie Colvin are likely while Louisa Healy and Niamh Small may also be called out.

The former trio miss the trip to Hermes while Zara Delany was one of the stars of the inaugural IHL and her predatory instincts will be missed.

Sarah Cooney is back in the line-up following three years in Scotland while Sarah Barnwell also returns after a Leaving Cert-based year out.

Nicci Daly is a high-quality acquisition, though, and Loreto should be there or thereabouts in the league shake-up.

First three games: Sept 26 Hermes (a); Oct 3 Corinthian (a); Oct 17 Old Alex (h) (IHL)