Local schools ready for All Ireland Schools’ Hockey competition

Wallace, who are in group A, will play their three matches next week.

Their match schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 22 October vs Mount Temple (Bandon GS 3pm start)

Thursday 23 October vs Royal and Prior/ Portadown College (Garryduff 9.30am start)

Thursday 23 October vs Bandon GS (Bandon GS at 1.30pm).

Wallace captain Sean Murray said: “We are all really looking forward to going to Cork for the Irish Schools’ tournament, undoubtedly one of the pinnacles of a school hockey career.

“Having got to the semi final stage last year we are keen to push on if possible but realise that we need to be at our best to even get out of our group.

“We will enjoy the experience as a squad.”

Friends’ are also looking forward to the tournament and hope to enjoy the experience and perform to the best of their ability. Friends’ have avoided the current holders St Andrews but still face a tough group.

Friends’ are in a group with Ashton, Sutton Park and Campbell College. Ashton are top seeds in the group and will have home advantage.

Sutton Park are an unknown quantity but have some schoolboy internationals.

Friends’ have already beaten Campbell this season but know that in the intensity of an Irish Schools’ match nothing can be taken for granted.

Friends’ have an experienced and talented squad. Aaron Martin and James Milliken are involved with the Lisnagarvey 1st XI squad while Adam Marshall, Patric Cochrane and Andrew Hanley have all played for the South Antrim 1st XI.

Other players such as Thomas Mathewson and Ryan Donaldson have played for Ulster u16s in the past. Friends’ have only lost once this season and the aim is to reach the semi-final.