x5

Irish Hockey

By John Flack

WIMBLEDON and Belfast Harlequins star Jenny McDonough (pictured) will reach a memorable milstone next weekend in Edinburgh when she wins her 50th cap for Ireland at the Celtic Cup.

It's all part of the build up for next month's European Nations' Cup campaign at a new-look Belfield. The UCD complex has undergone a facelift and a brand new pitch will be unveiled before the showpiece.

Before that, and after the Celtic Cup, our girls face Olympic champions Germany in two internationals the weekend after next.

Last week the Irish girls did well to hold them to an honourable 1-0 defeat at a Four Nations tournament in Bremen.


However nothing short of outright victory will be expected at the Celtic Cup when Ireland face lower ranked opposition in the shape of Scotland, Wales and France.

The French game will be a dress rehearsal for the Euro opener next month.

Jenny added: "That's one we will simply have to win if we are to achieve a top six finish which has to be our main objective.

"But if we can get a result against Spain or Holland as well then we'd be in the semi-finals automatically which isn't impossible.

"It will be a proud moment for me when I get my 50th cap especially as my parents will be there in Edinburgh. I got my first against England in Belfast."

Celtic Cup schedule: Friday: Ireland v France (12 noon), Saturday: Ireland v Wales (12noon), Sunday: Ireland v Scotland (2pm).

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.