Irish Hockey Challenge in full swing

Portrane and St James Gate advanced to the second round of the Irish Hockey Challenge as they both managed away day victories over Skerries and Mullingar, respectively.

Nasir Munir continues to show his skills on the Dublin scene as he netted in the 5-2 win in Skerries in the Co Fingal derby with Mukhtar Ahmed – who moved after a brief spell with Clontarf – Peter Conway, Eoin Conway and Anthony Carroll also on the score-sheet. Paul Kennedy’s St James Gate beat last year’s finalists 4-3 on Saturday.

On the women’s side of the competition, Monkstown continue their impressive run in the competition, disposing of Derg Valley 2-1 with Aileen Kealy and Katie Hutch on the mark. They will play in either Athlone or Clonmel in the quarter-finals.

2009 finalists Fermoy are also in the mix following a 2-0 win over Wexford II. Reigning champions YMCA will play their last 16 tie against Gorey on February 6 in Enniscorthy.

Men's Irish Hockey Challenge, round one results: Skerries 2 Portrane 5; Mullingar 3 St James Gate 4
Round Two draw: Omagh vs Limerick; Saintfield vs Ballymena; Portrush vs PSNI; Naas vs Ballynahinch; St Brendan's vs Kilkenny; Parkview vs Larne; St James Gate vs Portrane; Campbellians vs Ashton

ESB Women's Irish Hockey Challenge, round two results:
Mallow 2 Kilkenny II 0; Enniscorthy 1 Tipperary 2; Fermoy 2 Wexford II 0; Raphoe 12 Mullingar 0; Renmore 1 Limerick 1, Limerick win 4-3 on strokes; Monkstown 2 Derg Valley 1
Round Three draw: Gorey/YMCA vs Mallow; Limerick vs Raphoe; Athlone/Clonmel vs Monkstown; Tipperary vs Fermoy