Garvey hoping Gleghorne will be back for bid to rock Rovers
To the four: Representatives from the competing sides at the Friendship Four and Friendship Series at yesterday’s launch at Belfast City Hall. From left: Stavros Paskaris (assistant coach, Princeton), Steve Hagwell (commissioner, ECAC Hockey), Robert Fitzpatrick (CEO, Odyssey Trust), Cllr John Finucane (Lord Mayor of Belfast), Steve Metcalfe (deputy director of athletics, University of New Hampshire), Marshall Foley (executive senior associate athletics director, Northeastern) and (inset) Friendship Four project manager Shane Johnson LISNAGARVEY are hoping Paul Gleghorne will be fit in time for tomorrow´s crucial EY Irish Hockey League clash with Three Rock Rovers at Comber Road.
The experienced Ireland defender, back at the club after a spell in Germany, has yet to play on his return after sustaining a broken bone in his hand a few weeks ago.
The 32-year-old lost his place in the national squad for the Olympic qualifying double-header against Canada but Garvey are hoping Ireland’s loss will be their gain.
Garvey captain James Corry said: “At this stage, we are not sure if Paul will be fit to play against Three Rock but, if he can, it will be a terrific boost.”
Tomorrow´s game is a veritable clash of the titans with the Dubliners and the Hillsborough side having dominated the IHL last season.
Garvey won the regulation season title while Rovers lifted the Champions Trophy awarded to the top-four play-off winners.
The Leinster team also went on to claim the Irish Senior Cup, beating Lisnagarvey 1-0 in the decider after beating Corry’s side 2-0 in the play-off final.
Garvey have been in a rich vein of form so far, having hit 43 goals in just four matches but Rovers will undoubtedly pose their biggest test of the season.
Banbridge will be aiming to recover from their disapointing 5-2 defeat to Rovers a fortnight ago as they prepare to face UCD at Havelock Park.
Annadale, meanwhile, face Glenanne at Strathearn still seeking their first win of the season after suffering a 10-1 thumping against Garvey a fortnight ago.
The IHL second-tier gets under way tomorrow with the key game the Ulster derby between Cookstown and Kilkeel at Steelweld Park.
FIXTURES: EY Irish Hockey League: Annadale v Glenanne (4pm); Banbridge v UCD (2.45pm); Corinthians v YMCA (1.15pm); Lisnagarvey v Three Rock Rovers (3pm); Monkstown v Pembroke Wanderers (2.15pm); EY Irish Hockey League 2: Pool A: Avoca v Instonians (1pm); Cork C of I v Railway Union (2.30pm);
Pool B: Cookstown v Kilkeel; Cork Harlequins v Clontarf ; Ulster Premier League: Ballynahinch v Newry (2.30pm); Bangor v South Antrim (2.30pm); Mossley v Raphoe (2.30pm); North Down v Portadown.